Mamaroneck board adopts amendment to allow electric leaf blowers year‑round after SEQR negative declaration

The Town of Mamaroneck Board on Sept. 17 adopted a local law amending the town code to allow non‑gasoline powered leaf blowers to be used year‑round.

Town counsel (Bill) led the presentation and told the board it must first act under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, declaring itself lead agency and deciding whether a full environmental impact statement is required. The board voted to declare lead agency and then adopted a negative declaration based on the rationale in Part 3 of the environmental assessment form, meaning it found no significant adverse environmental impact meriting a full impact statement.

After that SEQR step, the board considered the law itself. Counsel summarized the measure: it would end the current ban on non‑gasoline blowers during June–September and allow electric blowers to operate the same 12 months they are permitted Oct. 1–May 31 under the prior code. Counsel emphasized the proposal addresses noise and equipment changes since the original gasoline‑blower ban.

During public comment, Abdullah Nofal identified himself and described his property on Fenimore Road as "quite large" (about seven acres, three of which are lawn), saying it is difficult to manage without blowers and that he would support the change if no negative environmental damage is found. Board members described the amendment as a compromise that balances practical property maintenance, public safety and noise concerns.

The board first adopted a motion resolving to be the SEQR lead agency, then voted to issue a negative declaration, and subsequently adopted the local law.

Next steps: the town will implement the updated ordinance and publish the law; staff and board members indicated continued attention to noise complaints and public input if issues arise.