A proposal to ban leaf blowers in the summer and winter will be discussed by the City Council this evening (Monday) at City Hall. (The ordinance is supposed to be here but I can’t get it to load.) NewTV will air the discussion.
It’s not a public hearing but you can share your views here.
I sent the following email to our City Council today on behalf of the Newton-Needham Chamber.
Dear City Councilors:
The Newton-Needham Chamber shares concerns about the noise problems that can result from the thoughtless use of leaf blowers — especially when misused in residential areas where homes are situated close together.
But I am writing today to caution the Council about the unintended consequences that would result from adopting regulations designed to address a residential concern but would simultaneously punish areas and businesses where there are no, or few, residential abutters and leaf blowers do not cause a disturbance.
Newton businesses of all sizes use leaf blowers not just to clean up leaves, but also to clear away cigarette butts, candy wrappers, salt, sand and other debris from flower beds, sidewalks and parking lots.
While proponents argue that the owner of a single family home could possibly rake, or hire someone to rake debris from their property, this ordinance would be financially devastating for operators of our office complexes, malls, colleges and private schools, golf courses and even the city itself, to rely solely on rakes (presuming that labor can even be found to do this work to do this work; something that is highly unlikely in this labor market). And it’s not just our larger owners: Many small mom and pop businesses also use blowers to clean up in front of their shops and restaurants, even if for just a few minutes a few times weekly. And the city regularly sends crews into our village center to remove debris from sidewalks and parklets.
A leaf blower ban would lead to added expense at a time when businesses are being asked to absorb increases in, for example, water, sewer and storm water rates, and face tremendous external pressures, such as increased competition from internet sales and big box stores. And it would more likely than not result in dirtier village centers, office parks and other commercial areas, and more salt, sand, leaves and other debris in our sewers.
Again, why should we impose these rules on all commercial property owners whose use of leaf blowers have never, or perhaps rarely, been the source of complaints?
That’s why the Chamber has joined the Newton Leaves coalition in support of a pilot program, designed to address the concerns in our neighborhoods, without the unintended consequences of a city-wide ban. The Newton Leaves proposal includes registration of all commercial landscape professionals who work in the city; mandatory training for all registered landscapers on best practices and our existing noise ordinances; and fines for all who are not in compliance. A registration system will make enforcement possible and keep out the rogue landscapers who disregard our ordinances. It will motivate our commercial landscapers to operate responsibility and to police each other, so as to avoid the harsher prospects of a ban.
Most importantly, it will make our neighborhoods quieter.
Let’s please focus first on finding a solution designed to address concerns where the problem exists before imposing hash regulations city-wide.
Thank you for your consideration of this pilot registration program before considering any ban.
Sincerely,
Greg Reibman
President
I sent the following email to our City Council today on behalf of the Newton-Needham Chamber.
Dear City Councilors:
The Newton-Needham Chamber shares concerns about the noise problems that can result from the thoughtless use of leaf blowers — especially when misused in residential areas where homes are situated close together.
But I am writing today to caution the Council about the unintended consequences that would result from adopting regulations designed to address a residential concern but would simultaneously punish areas and businesses where there are no, or few, residential abutters and leaf blowers do not cause a disturbance.
Newton businesses of all sizes use leaf blowers not just to clean up leaves, but also to clear away cigarette butts, candy wrappers, salt, sand and other debris from flower beds, sidewalks and parking lots.
While proponents argue that the owner of a single family home could possibly rake, or hire someone to rake debris from their property, this ordinance would be financially devastating for operators of our office complexes, malls, colleges and private schools, golf courses and even the city itself, to rely solely on rakes (presuming that labor can even be found to do this work to do this work; something that is highly unlikely in this labor market). And it’s not just our larger owners: Many small mom and pop businesses also use blowers to clean up in front of their shops and restaurants, even if for just a few minutes a few times weekly. And the city regularly sends crews into our village center to remove debris from sidewalks and parklets.
A leaf blower ban would lead to added expense at a time when businesses are being asked to absorb increases in, for example, water, sewer and storm water rates, and face tremendous external pressures, such as increased competition from internet sales and big box stores. And it would more likely than not result in dirtier village centers, office parks and other commercial areas, and more salt, sand, leaves and other debris in our sewers.
Again, why should we impose these rules on all commercial property owners whose use of leaf blowers have never, or perhaps rarely, been the source of complaints?
That’s why the Chamber has joined the Newton Leaves coalition in support of a pilot program, designed to address the concerns in our neighborhoods, without the unintended consequences of a city-wide ban. The Newton Leaves proposal includes registration of all commercial landscape professionals who work in the city; mandatory training for all registered landscapers on best practices and our existing noise ordinances; and fines for all who are not in compliance. A registration system will make enforcement possible and keep out the rogue landscapers who disregard our ordinances. It will motivate our commercial landscapers to operate responsibility and to police each other, so as to avoid the harsher prospects of a ban.
Most importantly, it will make our neighborhoods quieter.
Let’s please focus first on finding a solution designed to address concerns where the problem exists before imposing hash regulations city-wide.
Thank you for your consideration of this pilot registration program before considering any ban.
Sincerely,
Greg Reibman
President
The editorial in last week’s Tab, “An Alternative Leaf Blower Plan”, ill-informed and poorly researched, supports a proposal put forward by a small, vocal group of golf course owners and landscapers who are deaf to Newton residents who have spoken clearly in favor of more leaf blower regulation. The Tab took the unfathomable editorial position that Newton should increase the noise level emitted by leaf blowers to 16 times the current, reasonable 65 dBs, to an excruciating 77dBs. (On the logarithmic scale, 75dB is 10 times as loud as 65dB, and, 77dB is 16 times as loud as 65dB.) The Tab editorial reaches the head-scratching conclusion that raising the dB level will reduce the amount of leaf blower noise.
The Draft Ordinance currently under consideration by the City Council’s Programs & Services Committee is a good, sound compromise; the golf course owner/landscaper proposal is no compromise and will only worsen the current unbearable level of leaf blower noise. Please, contact your City Councilor and let them know you support the Draft Ordinance, which will likely come for a final vote April 4th.
The Tab Editorialist seems to be unaware that the City Council has carefully considered the issue of how much leaf blower noise is bearable, and it is 65dB. The Newton Noise Ordinance was revised in 2008, lowering the decibel level for leaf blowers from 80 to 65 with a 4 year, stepped transition period (2 years at 75; 2 years at 70; now at 65).
Golf course owners and some landscapers don’t like the 65 dB leaf blowers, and insist that the excruciating noise of a 77 dB leaf blower be tolerated in Newton. Supporting these groups, the Tab editorial baldly asserts it is “undeniable” that the current Draft Ordinance would cost homeowners more money. This is a false and unsupported claim; no one has put forward any evidence that this is true. The truth is golf course owners and landscapers have been using 65dB leaf blowers in Brookline and Cambridge, (both of which have summer bans) for years without harm to their businesses.
The golf course/landscaper proposal supported by the Tab editorial has been characterized as a “compromise”. It is no compromise. The Draft Ordinance proposes a short time of the year when we could live without leaf blowers; the Tab supports eliminating the summer ban. The Draft Ordinance proposes a shorter time during the day when we have to be assaulted by leaf blowers; the Tab supports a longer day. The Draft Ordinance proposes one leaf blower per 10,000 square foot lot; the Tab supports 7,500 sq.ft. The Tab supports raising the dB level – the Draft Ordinance continues to strengthen the existing 65 dB law. Nothing in the Tab editorial supports any compromise or any consideration of the awful leaf blower noise problem faced by Newton residents.
Many of us want a total ban, and we are willing to compromise: a summer ban is a compromise. And, this is no small compromise – we will continue to listen to loud, polluting machines in the spring and fall. A partial ban in the summer makes sense; leaves are still on the trees and in no need to be blown by leaf blowers, children are outside playing, and many of us enjoy walking, gardening and picnics. Enjoyment of our short New England summer is impossible with leaf blower noise in our midst. If there are any homeowners out there for whom this ordinance causes a hardship, we have a group of creative volunteers willing to help other members of our community.
Other cities around the country who have imposed bans find costs to homeowners have not increased. According to this site, over 400 towns and municipalities have banned or restricted leaf blowers in the US: http://nationwideleafblowerban.org/
The Tab editorial also inaccurately asserts that a critical difference between the golf course/landscaper plan and the current Draft Ordinance is a registration requirement for landscape companies at City Hall. This is also untrue; the Programs and Services Committee has been discussing a registration requirement and plans to include one in the Draft Ordinance.
We agree with one of the Tab’s suggestions – let’s try a pilot! Yes, let’s try a pilot of the New Draft Ordinance as it is being proposed with a summer ban.
Karen Bray and Jane Sender,
who have been happily raking leaves at their Newton homes for a total of 56 years with the biceps to show for it.
The editorial in last week’s Tab, “An Alternative Leaf Blower Plan”, ill-informed and poorly researched, supports a proposal put forward by a small, vocal group of golf course owners and landscapers who are deaf to Newton residents who have spoken clearly in favor of more leaf blower regulation. The Tab took the unfathomable editorial position that Newton should increase the noise level emitted by leaf blowers to 16 times the current, reasonable 65 dBs, to an excruciating 77dBs. (On the logarithmic scale, 75dB is 10 times as loud as 65dB, and, 77dB is 16 times as loud as 65dB.) The Tab editorial reaches the head-scratching conclusion that raising the dB level will reduce the amount of leaf blower noise.
The Draft Ordinance currently under consideration by the City Council’s Programs & Services Committee is a good, sound compromise; the golf course owner/landscaper proposal is no compromise and will only worsen the current unbearable level of leaf blower noise. Please, contact your City Councilor and let them know you support the Draft Ordinance, which will likely come for a final vote April 4th.
The Tab Editorialist seems to be unaware that the City Council has carefully considered the issue of how much leaf blower noise is bearable, and it is 65dB. The Newton Noise Ordinance was revised in 2008, lowering the decibel level for leaf blowers from 80 to 65 with a 4 year, stepped transition period (2 years at 75; 2 years at 70; now at 65).
Golf course owners and some landscapers don’t like the 65 dB leaf blowers, and insist that the excruciating noise of a 77 dB leaf blower be tolerated in Newton. Supporting these groups, the Tab editorial baldly asserts it is “undeniable” that the current Draft Ordinance would cost homeowners more money. This is a false and unsupported claim; no one has put forward any evidence that this is true. The truth is golf course owners and landscapers have been using 65dB leaf blowers in Brookline and Cambridge, (both of which have summer bans) for years without harm to their businesses.
The golf course/landscaper proposal supported by the Tab editorial has been characterized as a “compromise”. It is no compromise. The Draft Ordinance proposes a short time of the year when we could live without leaf blowers; the Tab supports eliminating the summer ban. The Draft Ordinance proposes a shorter time during the day when we have to be assaulted by leaf blowers; the Tab supports a longer day. The Draft Ordinance proposes one leaf blower per 10,000 square foot lot; the Tab supports 7,500 sq.ft. The Tab supports raising the dB level – the Draft Ordinance continues to strengthen the existing 65 dB law. Nothing in the Tab editorial supports any compromise or any consideration of the awful leaf blower noise problem faced by Newton residents.
Many of us want a total ban, and we are willing to compromise: a summer ban is a compromise. And, this is no small compromise – we will continue to listen to loud, polluting machines in the spring and fall. A partial ban in the summer makes sense; leaves are still on the trees and in no need to be blown by leaf blowers, children are outside playing, and many of us enjoy walking, gardening and picnics. Enjoyment of our short New England summer is impossible with leaf blower noise in our midst. If there are any homeowners out there for whom this ordinance causes a hardship, we have a group of creative volunteers willing to help other members of our community.
Other cities around the country who have imposed bans find costs to homeowners have not increased. According to this site, over 400 towns and municipalities have banned or restricted leaf blowers in the US: http://nationwideleafblowerban.org/
The Tab editorial also inaccurately asserts that a critical difference between the golf course/landscaper plan and the current Draft Ordinance is a registration requirement for landscape companies at City Hall. This is also untrue; the Programs and Services Committee has been discussing a registration requirement and plans to include one in the Draft Ordinance.
We agree with one of the Tab’s suggestions – let’s try a pilot! Yes, let’s try a pilot of the New Draft Ordinance as it is being proposed with a summer ban.
Karen Bray and Jane Sender,
who have been happily raking leaves at their Newton homes for a total of 56 years with the biceps to show for it.
To the Newton City Councilors,
As a Brookline resident who visits Newton frequently I can’t help noticing the contrast in quality of life as I cross the border from May 15 to Sept. 15. We have a summer leafblower ban as there are no leaves in summer. During that time we have tranquility and you have chaos. We have clean air and you have pollution that leads to asthma and etc. Brookline landscapers have not suffered in any way from our regulations and homeowners have seen no cost increases. That’s because there is nothing for leafblowers to actually do except kick up dust and deafen the populace. And yet your landscapers, who are also ours, paint doomsday scenarios that have no basis in fact. More to the point, they want illegal machines made legal. Please do not get taken in. Vote your residents, and me, some relief from these infernal machines. Our decibel level is 67. Some in Newton would double the noise to 77. If that happens, could you also double the speed limit for my convenience so I have less contact with these useless machines while I’m driving through with the windows open trying to enjoy the day? And what about runners, walkers, bicyclists, babies in strollers…
Thank you,
Richard Nangle
854 Hammond St.
Brookline town meeting member
To the Newton City Councilors,
As a Brookline resident who visits Newton frequently I can’t help noticing the contrast in quality of life as I cross the border from May 15 to Sept. 15. We have a summer leafblower ban as there are no leaves in summer. During that time we have tranquility and you have chaos. We have clean air and you have pollution that leads to asthma and etc. Brookline landscapers have not suffered in any way from our regulations and homeowners have seen no cost increases. That’s because there is nothing for leafblowers to actually do except kick up dust and deafen the populace. And yet your landscapers, who are also ours, paint doomsday scenarios that have no basis in fact. More to the point, they want illegal machines made legal. Please do not get taken in. Vote your residents, and me, some relief from these infernal machines. Our decibel level is 67. Some in Newton would double the noise to 77. If that happens, could you also double the speed limit for my convenience so I have less contact with these useless machines while I’m driving through with the windows open trying to enjoy the day? And what about runners, walkers, bicyclists, babies in strollers…
Thank you,
Richard Nangle
854 Hammond St.
Brookline town meeting member
And one more thing. The World Health Organization recommends a decibel level of no more than 55. Gas powered leafblowers typically clock in well above 65 decibels from 50 feet away and are around 100 decibels for the user. The workers, who rarely have any protection, have no control over this. They just want and need the job. The community has the right and obligation to enact standards. A summer ban on the loudest leafblowers makes sense as a reasonable compromise.
Richard Nangle
And one more thing. The World Health Organization recommends a decibel level of no more than 55. Gas powered leafblowers typically clock in well above 65 decibels from 50 feet away and are around 100 decibels for the user. The workers, who rarely have any protection, have no control over this. They just want and need the job. The community has the right and obligation to enact standards. A summer ban on the loudest leafblowers makes sense as a reasonable compromise.
Richard Nangle
Two things. First, our nanny-state reaction always seems to be to pass a new regulation. Why do we need leaf blower regulation at all? If noise is the issue, then presumably we already have restrictions on noise. I really don’t care if my next door neighbor has a 65 db leaf blower or is playing Carol King “Tapestry” at 65 db (OK, I just lied, I prefer the leaf blower). Why not focus on what is wrong with our noise ordinance as opposed to leaf blowers per se?
Second, we should strive to have simple rules. One of the biggest problems with regulation is when special interests cut deals with the government. I don’t buy that it is “unfair” to prevent someone with 3 acres from using a leaf blower, while preventing me, with a 5,000 sf yard from using a leaf blower. If anyone thinks they are victimized by an unfair law that applies to everyone, I am happy to trade yards with the victim, and I’ll rack 3 acres with a smile on my face.
Two things. First, our nanny-state reaction always seems to be to pass a new regulation. Why do we need leaf blower regulation at all? If noise is the issue, then presumably we already have restrictions on noise. I really don’t care if my next door neighbor has a 65 db leaf blower or is playing Carol King “Tapestry” at 65 db (OK, I just lied, I prefer the leaf blower). Why not focus on what is wrong with our noise ordinance as opposed to leaf blowers per se?
Second, we should strive to have simple rules. One of the biggest problems with regulation is when special interests cut deals with the government. I don’t buy that it is “unfair” to prevent someone with 3 acres from using a leaf blower, while preventing me, with a 5,000 sf yard from using a leaf blower. If anyone thinks they are victimized by an unfair law that applies to everyone, I am happy to trade yards with the victim, and I’ll rack 3 acres with a smile on my face.
Greg,
What’s the concern over a seasonal leaf blower ban? Aside from spring and fall clean-up, why would businesses even need to use these noisy machines?
Excellent question Robert. I’m so glad you asked.
Leaf blowers are not just used for leaves. In the winter, businesses use them to sweep up sand and salt and cigarette butts and other litter from in front of their shops, in garden beds, private parking lots and so on. Some jobs may take only 60 seconds or so. But it would take 20 minutes to do the same thing with a broom and not as effectively. In the summer you have the same sort of debris (maybe just not salt).
Robert, I get why these “noisy machines” drive home owners nuts. I’m not a fan of them in my neighborhood either.
But we have businesses all over the city — along Route 9, Needham Street, much of Washington Street, parts of Chapel Street, Wells Ave., many Village Centers, etc., etc., where there are no abutters. Why should all those property owners be prohibited from using leaf blowers to clean their properties if they’re not bothering anyone?
That’s why the Chamber supports piloting a landscaper registration system — instead of a ban — which would hold commercial landscapers accountable in our residential areas where the problem actually exists.
Greg,
What’s the concern over a seasonal leaf blower ban? Aside from spring and fall clean-up, why would businesses even need to use these noisy machines?
Excellent question Robert. I’m so glad you asked.
Leaf blowers are not just used for leaves. In the winter, businesses use them to sweep up sand and salt and cigarette butts and other litter from in front of their shops, in garden beds, private parking lots and so on. Some jobs may take only 60 seconds or so. But it would take 20 minutes to do the same thing with a broom and not as effectively. In the summer you have the same sort of debris (maybe just not salt).
Robert, I get why these “noisy machines” drive home owners nuts. I’m not a fan of them in my neighborhood either.
But we have businesses all over the city — along Route 9, Needham Street, much of Washington Street, parts of Chapel Street, Wells Ave., many Village Centers, etc., etc., where there are no abutters. Why should all those property owners be prohibited from using leaf blowers to clean their properties if they’re not bothering anyone?
That’s why the Chamber supports piloting a landscaper registration system — instead of a ban — which would hold commercial landscapers accountable in our residential areas where the problem actually exists.
This is an issue that really doesn’t bother me one way or the other. I have no problem with leaf blowers during summer with my windows open. I guess I have a high tolerance of noise. It doesn’t bother me if there’s a ban, either. I love the business owners, but why use a leaf blower for gum, cigarette butts, etc. why don’t they just use a broom and floor pan.
I don’t understand why this is such a hot issue all these years. I can understand the snow removal ordinance because it means older people would have to do physical work or get fined, but sweeping the floor isn’t the same as snow shoveling. I just don’t get it.
This is an issue that really doesn’t bother me one way or the other. I have no problem with leaf blowers during summer with my windows open. I guess I have a high tolerance of noise. It doesn’t bother me if there’s a ban, either. I love the business owners, but why use a leaf blower for gum, cigarette butts, etc. why don’t they just use a broom and floor pan.
I don’t understand why this is such a hot issue all these years. I can understand the snow removal ordinance because it means older people would have to do physical work or get fined, but sweeping the floor isn’t the same as snow shoveling. I just don’t get it.
“Some jobs may take only 60 seconds or so. But it would take 20 minutes to do the same thing with a broom and not as effectively.”
@Greg I have a suspicion you pulled those numbers out of thin air. Can you provide evidence to the contrary?
I am sympathetic to contractors wanting to use leaf blowers to blow… leaves.
I do not think we should be encouraging businesses nor the City to be using these highly polluting machines to blow dust, dirt and litter around our sidewalks and streets.
“Some jobs may take only 60 seconds or so. But it would take 20 minutes to do the same thing with a broom and not as effectively.”
@Greg I have a suspicion you pulled those numbers out of thin air. Can you provide evidence to the contrary?
I am sympathetic to contractors wanting to use leaf blowers to blow… leaves.
I do not think we should be encouraging businesses nor the City to be using these highly polluting machines to blow dust, dirt and litter around our sidewalks and streets.
Of all the uses to which leaf blowers are applied, blowing dust and dirt off of driveways, sidewalks and roadways is the most harmful for people in the immediate area, particularly the operator, and are a significant contributor to particulate matter in our air, especially in summer, when particulate pollution is at its worst.
Leaf blowers blow unwanted and toxic elements into the air, like dust, salt, lead, arsenic, mercury and other heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, rodenticides, herbicides, fungi, dirt, ash, mold, spores and fecal matter. It is estimated that approximately 5 pounds of particulate matter per leaf blower per hour are blown into the air and can take hours and even days to settle. These particulates aggravate allergies, contribute to cardiac conditions such as arrhythimia, and can cause heart attacks in people who are susceptible, as well as pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis. A lot of these substances have also been linked to cancer. Particulate matter is microscopically small, but even though you cannot see it, it gets on your clothes and your skin, on your food, and in your lungs.
So, I have to ask, why would anyone intentionally expose their neighbors and themselves to particulate matter, particularly in summer, when people are far more likely to be outdoors to breathe in or ingest all that dreck?
If you want more information on adverse health effects from particulate matter, please visit the EPA’s webpage.
Of all the uses to which leaf blowers are applied, blowing dust and dirt off of driveways, sidewalks and roadways is the most harmful for people in the immediate area, particularly the operator, and are a significant contributor to particulate matter in our air, especially in summer, when particulate pollution is at its worst.
Leaf blowers blow unwanted and toxic elements into the air, like dust, salt, lead, arsenic, mercury and other heavy metals, pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, rodenticides, herbicides, fungi, dirt, ash, mold, spores and fecal matter. It is estimated that approximately 5 pounds of particulate matter per leaf blower per hour are blown into the air and can take hours and even days to settle. These particulates aggravate allergies, contribute to cardiac conditions such as arrhythimia, and can cause heart attacks in people who are susceptible, as well as pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis. A lot of these substances have also been linked to cancer. Particulate matter is microscopically small, but even though you cannot see it, it gets on your clothes and your skin, on your food, and in your lungs.
So, I have to ask, why would anyone intentionally expose their neighbors and themselves to particulate matter, particularly in summer, when people are far more likely to be outdoors to breathe in or ingest all that dreck?
If you want more information on adverse health effects from particulate matter, please visit the EPA’s webpage.
If leaf Blowers are such a health hazard than why are you not totally banning them? You are giving exemptions to Colleges, Golf Courses and to the City of Newton?? If the material is so Toxic – DO not allow anyone to use them. So are the College students immune to this toxic material? Are the neighbors of the Golf Courses immune from this Toxic Material? What about the Parks and our Public Schools that are cleaned by the City? Are our Public School Students and those that use the parks immune to this toxic material? Why are you not concerned about the adverse health effects of those you are planning on exempting from this ban? If there is such a Adverse Health Issue than totally ban the leaf blowers. If you include an exemption than this health issue really doesn’t exist.
If leaf Blowers are such a health hazard than why are you not totally banning them? You are giving exemptions to Colleges, Golf Courses and to the City of Newton?? If the material is so Toxic – DO not allow anyone to use them. So are the College students immune to this toxic material? Are the neighbors of the Golf Courses immune from this Toxic Material? What about the Parks and our Public Schools that are cleaned by the City? Are our Public School Students and those that use the parks immune to this toxic material? Why are you not concerned about the adverse health effects of those you are planning on exempting from this ban? If there is such a Adverse Health Issue than totally ban the leaf blowers. If you include an exemption than this health issue really doesn’t exist.
The health issue does exist.
The current draft ordinance does not specifically exempt the city or large property owners from the seasonal ban. A waiver of the noise ordinance based on hardship, after demonstrating that the applicant has taken whatever steps are possible to mitigate the impact, has been a longstanding feature of the law and will continue to be. I am not sure where this misconception came from, but there is no large property waiver or exemption in the current draft.
After working on this issue for almost ten years now, I have learned that it is not politically feasible in the Garden City to ban leaf blowers entirely. So my goal for the past several years has been to reduce the adverse noise and health impacts they create, and bring the number of complaints about them, as close to zero as possible. Banning their use in the summer months when people are most likely to be outdoors and leave their windows open, and when there are few or no leaves on the ground, is the best compromise the Programs and Services Committee can come up with, as have many other cities and towns across the country.
Do you deny the adverse health impacts from particulate matter? The leaf blower industry has been doing so for years. Their job is to sell leaf blowers, not protect public health. OSHA, whose job is to protect the health and safety of employees, restricts employers from exposing their workers to PM, and there are all sorts of regulations concerning, e.g., stone dust and other particulates that can be inhaled or ingested and cause serious health problems. While PM cannot be eliminated entirely, it can be controlled to reduce health risks.
Seasonal bans, as a way to reduce air pollution and the adverse health impacts it causes, are nothing new. Many years ago, it was legal to burn yard waste and other debris–even tires–until Massachusetts DEP determined that the smoke was harmful to public health. Now, many communities–including Newton–do not allow it at all. In communities where it is allowed, open burning is only allowed from January to May, with a permit from the fire department, and it is never legal to burn grass, hay, leaves, stumps or tires.
The health issue does exist.
The current draft ordinance does not specifically exempt the city or large property owners from the seasonal ban. A waiver of the noise ordinance based on hardship, after demonstrating that the applicant has taken whatever steps are possible to mitigate the impact, has been a longstanding feature of the law and will continue to be. I am not sure where this misconception came from, but there is no large property waiver or exemption in the current draft.
After working on this issue for almost ten years now, I have learned that it is not politically feasible in the Garden City to ban leaf blowers entirely. So my goal for the past several years has been to reduce the adverse noise and health impacts they create, and bring the number of complaints about them, as close to zero as possible. Banning their use in the summer months when people are most likely to be outdoors and leave their windows open, and when there are few or no leaves on the ground, is the best compromise the Programs and Services Committee can come up with, as have many other cities and towns across the country.
Do you deny the adverse health impacts from particulate matter? The leaf blower industry has been doing so for years. Their job is to sell leaf blowers, not protect public health. OSHA, whose job is to protect the health and safety of employees, restricts employers from exposing their workers to PM, and there are all sorts of regulations concerning, e.g., stone dust and other particulates that can be inhaled or ingested and cause serious health problems. While PM cannot be eliminated entirely, it can be controlled to reduce health risks.
Seasonal bans, as a way to reduce air pollution and the adverse health impacts it causes, are nothing new. Many years ago, it was legal to burn yard waste and other debris–even tires–until Massachusetts DEP determined that the smoke was harmful to public health. Now, many communities–including Newton–do not allow it at all. In communities where it is allowed, open burning is only allowed from January to May, with a permit from the fire department, and it is never legal to burn grass, hay, leaves, stumps or tires.
If the health issues really exist – Then propose a total ban. You can call it a waiver or an exemption – it is semantics. The city knows they cannot do the work without leaf blowers. The Golf Courses and Colleges that are represented by legal counsel know they cannot do the work without leaf blowers. So if this is SUCH A HEALTH hazard than propose a TOTAL BAN. Anything less than that proves that this is NOT a health Hazard and the Newton councilors are catering to special interest groups with this waiver and discriminating against homeowners and landscapers.
If the health issues really exist – Then propose a total ban. You can call it a waiver or an exemption – it is semantics. The city knows they cannot do the work without leaf blowers. The Golf Courses and Colleges that are represented by legal counsel know they cannot do the work without leaf blowers. So if this is SUCH A HEALTH hazard than propose a TOTAL BAN. Anything less than that proves that this is NOT a health Hazard and the Newton councilors are catering to special interest groups with this waiver and discriminating against homeowners and landscapers.
Thanks Emily
Thanks Emily
Joanne, you are asserting the classic false dichotomy. Cars cause air pollution, and they also cause personal injury and death when driven recklessly. But they are also very useful. So, we have CAFE standards to reduce carbon emissions and speed limits and tougher laws against drunk driving to reduce or eliminate unnecessary risks. This has forced the car industry to design and manufacture hybrids and electric vehicles to reduce air pollution, and has drastically reduced (though not eliminated) accidents caused by drunk drivers. That is what we are trying to do with leafblowers.
Instead of being pig-headed about it and accepting no compromise whatsoever, we are trying to come up with a solution that will reduce noise and air pollution as much as possible while still allowing people to use leaf blowers for cleaning up their yards. My biggest problem with the proposed pilot program is that it accepts no compromises, and actually raises the existing noise limits that were passed in 2008. That is never going to get us to yes.
Now, maybe nothing will pass this time around. But I promise you that raising the existing noise limits will not pass either. So we have an impasse. I am not sure how that helps anyone.
Joanne, you are asserting the classic false dichotomy. Cars cause air pollution, and they also cause personal injury and death when driven recklessly. But they are also very useful. So, we have CAFE standards to reduce carbon emissions and speed limits and tougher laws against drunk driving to reduce or eliminate unnecessary risks. This has forced the car industry to design and manufacture hybrids and electric vehicles to reduce air pollution, and has drastically reduced (though not eliminated) accidents caused by drunk drivers. That is what we are trying to do with leafblowers.
Instead of being pig-headed about it and accepting no compromise whatsoever, we are trying to come up with a solution that will reduce noise and air pollution as much as possible while still allowing people to use leaf blowers for cleaning up their yards. My biggest problem with the proposed pilot program is that it accepts no compromises, and actually raises the existing noise limits that were passed in 2008. That is never going to get us to yes.
Now, maybe nothing will pass this time around. But I promise you that raising the existing noise limits will not pass either. So we have an impasse. I am not sure how that helps anyone.
Ted, Thanks for pushing for a pilot summer ban, if I understood correctly. Karen Bray’s group should be commended for being willing to accept a compromise summer ban.
I don’t get why the noise limit would be higher in the pilot: I thought 65 db was the legal limit now, which is plenty noisy. I can’t wait for manufacturers to make better blowers!
What happened last night exactly?
Ted, Thanks for pushing for a pilot summer ban, if I understood correctly. Karen Bray’s group should be commended for being willing to accept a compromise summer ban.
I don’t get why the noise limit would be higher in the pilot: I thought 65 db was the legal limit now, which is plenty noisy. I can’t wait for manufacturers to make better blowers!
What happened last night exactly?
This thread contains a good discussion; thanks for posting questions and clear explanations.
After years of discussion, demonstrations, etc. I think the Draft Ordinance is about as good of a compromise as possible. I was always against a complete ban. To continue Ted’s post on trying to solve health and environmental problems, it would certainly be healthier to just cap oil wells and shut down coal mines but there would be a lot of collateral damage starting with a wholesale loss of jobs in those areas and a loss of energy without a large enough supply of clean energy sources to substitute yet. It is not feasible to just outright ban something useful when a compromise allows both time and an impetus for manufacturers to create machines that are not as loud and polluting. I hope it passes this time around.
I completely disagree with the Pilot Program the chamber supports for all of the reasons above.
This thread contains a good discussion; thanks for posting questions and clear explanations.
After years of discussion, demonstrations, etc. I think the Draft Ordinance is about as good of a compromise as possible. I was always against a complete ban. To continue Ted’s post on trying to solve health and environmental problems, it would certainly be healthier to just cap oil wells and shut down coal mines but there would be a lot of collateral damage starting with a wholesale loss of jobs in those areas and a loss of energy without a large enough supply of clean energy sources to substitute yet. It is not feasible to just outright ban something useful when a compromise allows both time and an impetus for manufacturers to create machines that are not as loud and polluting. I hope it passes this time around.
I completely disagree with the Pilot Program the chamber supports for all of the reasons above.
Isabelle, last night was the first opportunity for the entire city council to weigh in on the draft amendments to the noise ordinance, and for members of the Programs & Services committee to try and respond to their questions. (Programs & Services, Public Safety & Transportation, and Public Facilities all meet the same night so most councilors have not been able to follow this issue closely other than by reading reports.) The current draft, which has been worked on for many months and considered many different perspectives, is the committee’s attempt at finding common ground, balancing the respective interests of residents, institutions, landscapers and the city, and eliminating extreme positions to the extent possible. My colleagues had many thoughtful comments that I sincerely hope will make for a better ordinance.
Isabelle, last night was the first opportunity for the entire city council to weigh in on the draft amendments to the noise ordinance, and for members of the Programs & Services committee to try and respond to their questions. (Programs & Services, Public Safety & Transportation, and Public Facilities all meet the same night so most councilors have not been able to follow this issue closely other than by reading reports.) The current draft, which has been worked on for many months and considered many different perspectives, is the committee’s attempt at finding common ground, balancing the respective interests of residents, institutions, landscapers and the city, and eliminating extreme positions to the extent possible. My colleagues had many thoughtful comments that I sincerely hope will make for a better ordinance.
Similar to the motorcycle exhaust noise limits which were intended to be regulated by the motorcycle safety inspection program 540CMR4.06, the common sense approach to noise was drowned out by the public calling for enforcement based on quality of life principle. In practical use, the motorcycle operator would bring in compliant mufflers, leave the inspection station and put on the non-compliant loud exhaust; transferring to law enforcement the responsibility for social noise engagement. The intended result was not only field tested with a pilot, but also modified by positive feedback from many different stakeholders. The idea of an irritating noise from a vehicle on the move has since become a social cultural identity, identified and stigmatized by an entitlement minded affluent stationary populace. As we have found in the 25 years since inception, the program serves more as a guideline for efficient bonafide safety concerns. The idea that the city, intending to create regulation thru ordinance, respond to complaints, determining social and financial impacts, is both foolish and unsustainable; indicative of a council paying lip service to the overly loud demanding constituents. Grow a muffler and say no to the program..
Similar to the motorcycle exhaust noise limits which were intended to be regulated by the motorcycle safety inspection program 540CMR4.06, the common sense approach to noise was drowned out by the public calling for enforcement based on quality of life principle. In practical use, the motorcycle operator would bring in compliant mufflers, leave the inspection station and put on the non-compliant loud exhaust; transferring to law enforcement the responsibility for social noise engagement. The intended result was not only field tested with a pilot, but also modified by positive feedback from many different stakeholders. The idea of an irritating noise from a vehicle on the move has since become a social cultural identity, identified and stigmatized by an entitlement minded affluent stationary populace. As we have found in the 25 years since inception, the program serves more as a guideline for efficient bonafide safety concerns. The idea that the city, intending to create regulation thru ordinance, respond to complaints, determining social and financial impacts, is both foolish and unsustainable; indicative of a council paying lip service to the overly loud demanding constituents. Grow a muffler and say no to the program..
Here is a question we need to be asking ourselves. Some of the members on the city council think that we as a town shouldn’t be using blowers to clean up dust, dirt, and debris from our city sidewalks and streets. The question is lets say we decided not too, what is an alternative way to do it? Because for most people these days it isn’t feasible to go out there with a broom to clean up. This is why I think people resort to the blowers because it can get the job done much faster. To also clarify there aren’t just leaves that fall from trees, how about the ton of acorns and twigs that fall down from the trees during the summer months and after wind storms which if blowers were banned completely would make it miserable to clean up. What kind of message are we sending to our local contractors? Would you want to be outside all day during the summer on some of the 95 degree days sweeping after you cut grass all day long? I get that the blowers can be noisy sometimes, but I really don’t think that this city is ready for a leaf blower restrictions yet. The technology just isn’t there for are contractors to do the work in an efficient matter and the Product and Services Committee along with Newton Safe and Sound KNOW that sweeping or raking walkways and driveways just wont work for the Landscapers, who have been repeatedly pitted against since the beginning.
Here is a question we need to be asking ourselves. Some of the members on the city council think that we as a town shouldn’t be using blowers to clean up dust, dirt, and debris from our city sidewalks and streets. The question is lets say we decided not too, what is an alternative way to do it? Because for most people these days it isn’t feasible to go out there with a broom to clean up. This is why I think people resort to the blowers because it can get the job done much faster. To also clarify there aren’t just leaves that fall from trees, how about the ton of acorns and twigs that fall down from the trees during the summer months and after wind storms which if blowers were banned completely would make it miserable to clean up. What kind of message are we sending to our local contractors? Would you want to be outside all day during the summer on some of the 95 degree days sweeping after you cut grass all day long? I get that the blowers can be noisy sometimes, but I really don’t think that this city is ready for a leaf blower restrictions yet. The technology just isn’t there for are contractors to do the work in an efficient matter and the Product and Services Committee along with Newton Safe and Sound KNOW that sweeping or raking walkways and driveways just wont work for the Landscapers, who have been repeatedly pitted against since the beginning.
Hi Bob, Thank you for your thoughts. I do suggest you follow some landscape crews around for a day or two this Spring and breathe deeply while the (mostly minimum-wage immigrant) workers blast the ‘dirt and debris’ into the air and they, and you, and others who happen to be around, breathe the health-hazardous matter it, and the two-cycle leaf blower engine exhaust contains. And take your kids along, so they can breathe it too, like a lot of other kids do on the way to and from school, etc., when they are forced to walk through the stuff. And, don’t wear hearing protection, either, since most of the workers don’t and you are evidently on their side. Then try a leaf blower, and a fan rake and broom, and see which — rake and broom or leaf blower — you actually prefer. (If you haven’t used one before, by the way, the most efficient and easiest way to use a fan-rake is to keep your thumbs up on the handle , keep the handle as vertical as you can, and take light, sweeping strokes. (Or are you, yourself, a landscaper and just don’t wan’t to admit it?) Regardless, all best to you. (By the way, it’s the Program and Services Committee, not the ‘Product and Services Committee.)
Hi Bob, Thank you for your thoughts. I do suggest you follow some landscape crews around for a day or two this Spring and breathe deeply while the (mostly minimum-wage immigrant) workers blast the ‘dirt and debris’ into the air and they, and you, and others who happen to be around, breathe the health-hazardous matter it, and the two-cycle leaf blower engine exhaust contains. And take your kids along, so they can breathe it too, like a lot of other kids do on the way to and from school, etc., when they are forced to walk through the stuff. And, don’t wear hearing protection, either, since most of the workers don’t and you are evidently on their side. Then try a leaf blower, and a fan rake and broom, and see which — rake and broom or leaf blower — you actually prefer. (If you haven’t used one before, by the way, the most efficient and easiest way to use a fan-rake is to keep your thumbs up on the handle , keep the handle as vertical as you can, and take light, sweeping strokes. (Or are you, yourself, a landscaper and just don’t wan’t to admit it?) Regardless, all best to you. (By the way, it’s the Program and Services Committee, not the ‘Product and Services Committee.)
Bob,
Not feasible to go out with a broom to clean up? So what did we do before leaf blowers, then?
Moreover, do we need to blow away every snipped blade of grass, every acorn, every grain of sand on garden path, sidewalk and driveway? No, we do not. This is suburban Newton, not the Palace of Versailles.
Bob,
Not feasible to go out with a broom to clean up? So what did we do before leaf blowers, then?
Moreover, do we need to blow away every snipped blade of grass, every acorn, every grain of sand on garden path, sidewalk and driveway? No, we do not. This is suburban Newton, not the Palace of Versailles.
Rob,
I get what you are saying, and you are very much right we did used too clean up with brooms. But things have changed very much maybe we don’t have to clean up exactly everything, but this city looks a certain way for a reason, and I can guarantee blowers clean up most of the city.
Rob,
I get what you are saying, and you are very much right we did used too clean up with brooms. But things have changed very much maybe we don’t have to clean up exactly everything, but this city looks a certain way for a reason, and I can guarantee blowers clean up most of the city.
I do my own yard work. I rely on a leaf blower in the fall. It is not just one time, I use it many times. In the fall. For a two month period.
All summer long I hear landscape companies using it to blow dust and grass clippings. We have friends in Brookline, and it is remarkably more peaceful there. I support this compromise.
I do my own yard work. I rely on a leaf blower in the fall. It is not just one time, I use it many times. In the fall. For a two month period.
All summer long I hear landscape companies using it to blow dust and grass clippings. We have friends in Brookline, and it is remarkably more peaceful there. I support this compromise.
Harry, you may be surprised to learn that freedom from air pollution and excessive and unnecessary noise is not just a quality of life issue–it is a constitutional right here in Massachusetts. Article XCVII of the Massachusetts Constitution, which was adopted by Massachusetts voters in 1972, provides that “the people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment.” Muffle that!
Harry, you may be surprised to learn that freedom from air pollution and excessive and unnecessary noise is not just a quality of life issue–it is a constitutional right here in Massachusetts. Article XCVII of the Massachusetts Constitution, which was adopted by Massachusetts voters in 1972, provides that “the people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment.” Muffle that!
We took this issue up because hundreds of Newton residents asked us to. People who work from home; parents of small children; people who work the night shift; people with health issues; people who simply want to be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of their patio on a summer afternoon or evening… they matter too.
I also think we should question our need to remove every single twig and every single blade of grass, especially when we’re burning fossil fuels to do it.
I have learned a lot over the last few months about the value of mulching mowers, and that leaves serve as natural compost by breaking down into the soil and becoming nutrient for plants.
We took this issue up because hundreds of Newton residents asked us to. People who work from home; parents of small children; people who work the night shift; people with health issues; people who simply want to be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of their patio on a summer afternoon or evening… they matter too.
I also think we should question our need to remove every single twig and every single blade of grass, especially when we’re burning fossil fuels to do it.
I have learned a lot over the last few months about the value of mulching mowers, and that leaves serve as natural compost by breaking down into the soil and becoming nutrient for plants.
I don’t understand why the garden services feel the need to use a blower every single week . . . . going out for a walk on a gorgeous day??? Nothing like getting the twigs and dirt blown right into your legs while walking on the side walk! I don’t understand why we all find it acceptable to have people blow their twigs and dirt onto the sidewalk on a weekly basis.
My husband and I use our leaf blower during fall clean up only . . . and we don’t get every twig and leaf.
I don’t expect every lawn to look perfect however I do believe you should not put your trash on the sidewalk. If you are so concerned about every leaf and twig, have them gather it in the bag, and put it in the yard waste container!
I don’t understand why the garden services feel the need to use a blower every single week . . . . going out for a walk on a gorgeous day??? Nothing like getting the twigs and dirt blown right into your legs while walking on the side walk! I don’t understand why we all find it acceptable to have people blow their twigs and dirt onto the sidewalk on a weekly basis.
My husband and I use our leaf blower during fall clean up only . . . and we don’t get every twig and leaf.
I don’t expect every lawn to look perfect however I do believe you should not put your trash on the sidewalk. If you are so concerned about every leaf and twig, have them gather it in the bag, and put it in the yard waste container!
This is my first post to Village 14. I would like to weigh in as an avid runner. I have trained for 11 Boston Marathons (ran and completed!!) in addition to many other road races. In that time, I have had many first hand observations about leaf blowers.
First, I can’t even tell you how many times I would be running west on Comm Ave and saw the following: leaf blower guys blowing leaves under fences onto the neighbors’ yards, blowing leaves out onto the sidewalk without picking them up and 5-6 workers around one leaf pile. The part that would really crack me up is when I ran back, east on Comm Ave, to see a different landscaper company blowing the same leaves out of the yard that had leaves blown into it just 2 hours before by the neighboring homeowner’s landscaping company. At the time I found it comical, but now I really don’t. This happened a lot!
The other thing I have observed is being on the sidewalk and having to dodge several leaf blower guys who are pushing dirt and debris off the sidewalk and into the street. They are not cleaning it up, they are just pushing it elsewhere. I’m not sure when we decided that our outdoors needs to be clean, but it seems to be a big deal now. But, the end result isn’t even that the outdoors is clean, the dirt and debris are merely rearranged.
I also notice that most of these workers wear no ear protection, and just running by, it is extremely loud. When I run with a friend, it is impossible for us to talk, so we have to wait to pass.
I also would like to say that I do use a landscaper, but one who only rakes. I checked prices and his prices are no more than anyone else’s prices. I have always done so because I work a lot from home and didn’t like the noise and the smell of leafblowers. Totally understand that this is my choice, but just thought I would throw that in.
To me, a seasonal ban seems very fair, just my opinion.
This is my first post to Village 14. I would like to weigh in as an avid runner. I have trained for 11 Boston Marathons (ran and completed!!) in addition to many other road races. In that time, I have had many first hand observations about leaf blowers.
First, I can’t even tell you how many times I would be running west on Comm Ave and saw the following: leaf blower guys blowing leaves under fences onto the neighbors’ yards, blowing leaves out onto the sidewalk without picking them up and 5-6 workers around one leaf pile. The part that would really crack me up is when I ran back, east on Comm Ave, to see a different landscaper company blowing the same leaves out of the yard that had leaves blown into it just 2 hours before by the neighboring homeowner’s landscaping company. At the time I found it comical, but now I really don’t. This happened a lot!
The other thing I have observed is being on the sidewalk and having to dodge several leaf blower guys who are pushing dirt and debris off the sidewalk and into the street. They are not cleaning it up, they are just pushing it elsewhere. I’m not sure when we decided that our outdoors needs to be clean, but it seems to be a big deal now. But, the end result isn’t even that the outdoors is clean, the dirt and debris are merely rearranged.
I also notice that most of these workers wear no ear protection, and just running by, it is extremely loud. When I run with a friend, it is impossible for us to talk, so we have to wait to pass.
I also would like to say that I do use a landscaper, but one who only rakes. I checked prices and his prices are no more than anyone else’s prices. I have always done so because I work a lot from home and didn’t like the noise and the smell of leafblowers. Totally understand that this is my choice, but just thought I would throw that in.
To me, a seasonal ban seems very fair, just my opinion.
@Rachel G, but several of your examples are not cured by a seasonal ban; they smack more of poor crew supervision. It seems to me that often the crew is dropped off and left to their own devices.
So even with a seasonal ban, landscapers must do a better job of crew training, and must supervise them.
@Rachel G, but several of your examples are not cured by a seasonal ban; they smack more of poor crew supervision. It seems to me that often the crew is dropped off and left to their own devices.
So even with a seasonal ban, landscapers must do a better job of crew training, and must supervise them.
Dan, I agree – I was just thinking there would be less of those examples. My understanding is that Newton does not want a total ban so my thinking was a seasonal ban is at least less waste and less noise. If they can’t use the leafblowers during certain seasons, my examples of problems are solved in at least those seasons. Definitely agree, and just thought I would add another perspective of “real life” that I have noticed over the years and actually did not realize was a more serious problem regarding particulate matter etc. So, less is better than doing nothing – just my opinion.
Dan, I agree – I was just thinking there would be less of those examples. My understanding is that Newton does not want a total ban so my thinking was a seasonal ban is at least less waste and less noise. If they can’t use the leafblowers during certain seasons, my examples of problems are solved in at least those seasons. Definitely agree, and just thought I would add another perspective of “real life” that I have noticed over the years and actually did not realize was a more serious problem regarding particulate matter etc. So, less is better than doing nothing – just my opinion.
Dan,
But they won’t, unless there are real consequences. I made a video of a landscape contractor’s worker blowing water around on one little patch of grass in the pouring rain – – he did this over and over again for 45 minutes! The worker got paid for it and his boss profited from it, of course, so I guess that could be considered a ‘good thing’, though I think it’s ripping the customer off and a total waste of time, effort, gas, etc., and, as Councilor Hess-Mahan has noted, a violation of our constitutional rights. Also, Newton can’t even enforce its current noise ordinance. How is it going to supervise the supervision of landscapers’ crews? And at what cost?
Dan,
But they won’t, unless there are real consequences. I made a video of a landscape contractor’s worker blowing water around on one little patch of grass in the pouring rain – – he did this over and over again for 45 minutes! The worker got paid for it and his boss profited from it, of course, so I guess that could be considered a ‘good thing’, though I think it’s ripping the customer off and a total waste of time, effort, gas, etc., and, as Councilor Hess-Mahan has noted, a violation of our constitutional rights. Also, Newton can’t even enforce its current noise ordinance. How is it going to supervise the supervision of landscapers’ crews? And at what cost?
I think one major problem is the abuse of these machines. I live next door to a two-family home with no yard, one tree on the property, and a small strip in front of the house with mulch and a few shrubs. It’s a rental property and the landlord sends over a landscaping company. They show up with two people, each with a leaf blower, and they walk around the house on the sidewalk and the driveways (2 small driveways – each is a one car driveway) and blow debris around for 45 minutes. I’m always struck by the utter wastefulness of this. They don’t have enough trees to warrant this much yard cleanup, and their mulch is usually just blown into the sidewalk or on to my driveway. And they’re there frequently!! When I work from home, I have to close the windows AND move to another room to take a call because it’s so loud.
I think one major problem is the abuse of these machines. I live next door to a two-family home with no yard, one tree on the property, and a small strip in front of the house with mulch and a few shrubs. It’s a rental property and the landlord sends over a landscaping company. They show up with two people, each with a leaf blower, and they walk around the house on the sidewalk and the driveways (2 small driveways – each is a one car driveway) and blow debris around for 45 minutes. I’m always struck by the utter wastefulness of this. They don’t have enough trees to warrant this much yard cleanup, and their mulch is usually just blown into the sidewalk or on to my driveway. And they’re there frequently!! When I work from home, I have to close the windows AND move to another room to take a call because it’s so loud.
Seems to me this mat be the larger issue: getting landscapers to take more responsibility for their leaf blowing activities.
Carrot and stick? Don’t want a total ban, then police up your crews.
Seems to me this mat be the larger issue: getting landscapers to take more responsibility for their leaf blowing activities.
Carrot and stick? Don’t want a total ban, then police up your crews.
Agree with Emily here. This is also a quality of life issue for many of us. Other than the profit margin of the landscapers and the additional costs they may pass on to their customers (unlikely based on what landscapers are charging in Brookline, but a possibility), what is the real issue here for the “pro” leaf blower side?
I strongly urge the city council to pass this.
And Greg, is your proposal that education is going to make a difference? How exactly? Using them is shorter bursts? using them for only certain tasks? I understand the issue with commercial development needing some level of exemption, but the rest of us need to be subjected to needless noise in the summertime because of it?
C’mon, now. Newton Leaves? Registration of rogue landscapers? What utter nonsense. Most of the work done in my neighbor is done by the big newton landscapers. They all use blowers. It varies in length but it always is a large amount of time.
Agree with Emily here. This is also a quality of life issue for many of us. Other than the profit margin of the landscapers and the additional costs they may pass on to their customers (unlikely based on what landscapers are charging in Brookline, but a possibility), what is the real issue here for the “pro” leaf blower side?
I strongly urge the city council to pass this.
And Greg, is your proposal that education is going to make a difference? How exactly? Using them is shorter bursts? using them for only certain tasks? I understand the issue with commercial development needing some level of exemption, but the rest of us need to be subjected to needless noise in the summertime because of it?
C’mon, now. Newton Leaves? Registration of rogue landscapers? What utter nonsense. Most of the work done in my neighbor is done by the big newton landscapers. They all use blowers. It varies in length but it always is a large amount of time.
Dan, I think a seasonal ban IS the compromise. This works in other jurisdictions. Still not sure why a leaf blower is needed during the summer or winter.
Dan, I think a seasonal ban IS the compromise. This works in other jurisdictions. Still not sure why a leaf blower is needed during the summer or winter.
I know that fig. My point, apparently not clear, is that even a seasonal ban doesn’t work unless the landscapers take more responsibility to both train and supervise their crews.
Perhaps they just don’t care, but I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt that it is their crews that just prefer to use the blowers like a toy, But regardless, if they can’t rein in their crews, make the penalty be a total ban on all.
Piecemeal enforcement won’t work.
I know that fig. My point, apparently not clear, is that even a seasonal ban doesn’t work unless the landscapers take more responsibility to both train and supervise their crews.
Perhaps they just don’t care, but I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt that it is their crews that just prefer to use the blowers like a toy, But regardless, if they can’t rein in their crews, make the penalty be a total ban on all.
Piecemeal enforcement won’t work.
Sounds like most of you have an agenda/vendetta towards the leaf blowers and landscapers specifically as most of you indicate here over and over and over and over and over. It’s time to move on. Alex (who just admitted to video taping a landscaper, how pathetic that you do this in your spare time) and his cronies like Karen Bray who’s been known to drive around town looking for landscapers and Alison Leary who has been seen trash talking about the landscapers at a local Starbucks hate leaf blowers that are used by landscapers, and in fact their hatred is passed on to the landscapers as well. This is evident with most of the remarks made on this blog. Get over yourselves and stop telling people in this city how to run their businesses and their lives. My freedom is infringed upon when people like you try to strong-arm their way to a place of ecstasy free of noise and pollution. What kind of romper room do you all play in?!! Life itself is dirty and noisy! Move on to a different town if it’s becoming too much for you all to handle. And yes, since corroded inquiring minds need to know, I support the landscapers and every other citizen in the city of Newton who’s fed up with being told what to do, how to do it, how to act, and how to think.
No doubt these machines are noisy, most machines are. So far, none of you have come up with a better idea for these local tax-paying landscape businesses other than your so-called fan-raking. Are you all for real?! If there were a Better way to work, I gurantee you, it would be in use. I challenge those of you who despise the almighty leaf blower and the landscapers who use them to go out and volunteer to rake about 10-12 of your neighbors properties by fan-rake and let us know your results. Oh I forgot, it’s too much work for y’all and it would take time away from your family life.
Sounds like most of you have an agenda/vendetta towards the leaf blowers and landscapers specifically as most of you indicate here over and over and over and over and over. It’s time to move on. Alex (who just admitted to video taping a landscaper, how pathetic that you do this in your spare time) and his cronies like Karen Bray who’s been known to drive around town looking for landscapers and Alison Leary who has been seen trash talking about the landscapers at a local Starbucks hate leaf blowers that are used by landscapers, and in fact their hatred is passed on to the landscapers as well. This is evident with most of the remarks made on this blog. Get over yourselves and stop telling people in this city how to run their businesses and their lives. My freedom is infringed upon when people like you try to strong-arm their way to a place of ecstasy free of noise and pollution. What kind of romper room do you all play in?!! Life itself is dirty and noisy! Move on to a different town if it’s becoming too much for you all to handle. And yes, since corroded inquiring minds need to know, I support the landscapers and every other citizen in the city of Newton who’s fed up with being told what to do, how to do it, how to act, and how to think.
No doubt these machines are noisy, most machines are. So far, none of you have come up with a better idea for these local tax-paying landscape businesses other than your so-called fan-raking. Are you all for real?! If there were a Better way to work, I gurantee you, it would be in use. I challenge those of you who despise the almighty leaf blower and the landscapers who use them to go out and volunteer to rake about 10-12 of your neighbors properties by fan-rake and let us know your results. Oh I forgot, it’s too much work for y’all and it would take time away from your family life.
Ann, your argument might be more compelling if you made it without personal insults and hyperbole. Actually, I’m not sure there’d be anything left to your post.
Ann, your argument might be more compelling if you made it without personal insults and hyperbole. Actually, I’m not sure there’d be anything left to your post.
@Ann, I think that is an unfair characterization of a number of folks on this thread, and of many folks in the city that believe there is a problem for which there ought to be an acceptable compromise solution.
For myself, i’ve aways been opposed to a total ban solution, but I can’t say there is no problem. And truthfully i think landscapers have brought some of this onto themselves by not self regulating relative to certain abuses that have been brought forth.
Your stance seems to be, “this is the best we can do,” and that is no more an answer than is a total ban.
@Ann, I think that is an unfair characterization of a number of folks on this thread, and of many folks in the city that believe there is a problem for which there ought to be an acceptable compromise solution.
For myself, i’ve aways been opposed to a total ban solution, but I can’t say there is no problem. And truthfully i think landscapers have brought some of this onto themselves by not self regulating relative to certain abuses that have been brought forth.
Your stance seems to be, “this is the best we can do,” and that is no more an answer than is a total ban.
Ann:
I’ve got absolutely nothing against landscapers. They help make my community beautiful. They provide a useful service and deserve to be paid for it.
I’m going to ignore the insults and tone of your post, since I’m sure you are frustrated with this particular issue, either for personal or financial reasons. That’s fair, and that happens. Sometimes these regulatory type issues hit one of us directly, and govt can come with a heavy hand.
But I’ve lived in Newton for many years now, and I do remember a time when I could spend a Saturday outside without hearing the whine of a leafblower. I also visit surrounding communities that have a seasonal ban and their quality of life is better.
Many of my neighbors have small children. I remember quite well leaf blowers waking them up during the days for naps. When my neighbors yard gets done once a week or so, it is loud enough to hear it in every room in my house.
I’m always a big fan of common sense compromise. No one wins completely, no one loses completely. Can you give me some reasons why a seasonal ban doesn’t work? You are effectively saying, NOISE happens. NO COMPROMISE. Why?
I’ll also politely point out that you do your cause no favors by your anger and frustration. But I think you already know that.
Ann:
I’ve got absolutely nothing against landscapers. They help make my community beautiful. They provide a useful service and deserve to be paid for it.
I’m going to ignore the insults and tone of your post, since I’m sure you are frustrated with this particular issue, either for personal or financial reasons. That’s fair, and that happens. Sometimes these regulatory type issues hit one of us directly, and govt can come with a heavy hand.
But I’ve lived in Newton for many years now, and I do remember a time when I could spend a Saturday outside without hearing the whine of a leafblower. I also visit surrounding communities that have a seasonal ban and their quality of life is better.
Many of my neighbors have small children. I remember quite well leaf blowers waking them up during the days for naps. When my neighbors yard gets done once a week or so, it is loud enough to hear it in every room in my house.
I’m always a big fan of common sense compromise. No one wins completely, no one loses completely. Can you give me some reasons why a seasonal ban doesn’t work? You are effectively saying, NOISE happens. NO COMPROMISE. Why?
I’ll also politely point out that you do your cause no favors by your anger and frustration. But I think you already know that.
Fig:
I can agree with what you are saying, but at the same time we can’t keep comparing ourselves to Brookline. Brookline is a much smaller community, and the houses are more spread out. Newton is much bigger, and the houses are way closer which I think is another reason why people are complaining. To compare ourselves to other communities just doesn’t make sense to me because I feel that Newton is different from everybody in terms of land, and how close the houses are.
Fig:
I can agree with what you are saying, but at the same time we can’t keep comparing ourselves to Brookline. Brookline is a much smaller community, and the houses are more spread out. Newton is much bigger, and the houses are way closer which I think is another reason why people are complaining. To compare ourselves to other communities just doesn’t make sense to me because I feel that Newton is different from everybody in terms of land, and how close the houses are.
Ann, I do apologize for my comment upsetting you. I thought it was objective and I’m sure it wouldn’t even occur to truly professional landscapers to charge their customers for blowing water around on their lawns in downpours, or to use equipment that breaks Newton’s noise law, or OSHA and EPA restrictions, or any other laws, or to in any way disrupt people’s lives or expose them to health hazards. Landscapers are hard workers and, I am sure, would much rather work even harder than to even remotely appear to be sources disruption in their communities. You do have my best wishes.
Ann, I do apologize for my comment upsetting you. I thought it was objective and I’m sure it wouldn’t even occur to truly professional landscapers to charge their customers for blowing water around on their lawns in downpours, or to use equipment that breaks Newton’s noise law, or OSHA and EPA restrictions, or any other laws, or to in any way disrupt people’s lives or expose them to health hazards. Landscapers are hard workers and, I am sure, would much rather work even harder than to even remotely appear to be sources disruption in their communities. You do have my best wishes.
Ann, I am completely supportive of both the substance and tone of your comment.
Having lived in Newton now for well over 15 years and basically raising my 3 kids here, I truly wish I could have convinced my wife to move somewhere else all of those years ago. The schools, while strong, are really not worth the overall cost. More frustrating is the rather invasive nature of city government and a vocal fraction of the residents when it comes to the manner in which homeowners and businesses can conduct their private affairs. Whether it is the knee jerk approach to banning (based on really flimsy arguments) products and services that the larger world find standard, the multiplicity of redundant ordnances, or the truly sanctimonious opposition not just to large scale development, but to how an individual property owner wants to construct a dwelling they find comfortable, the extent to which so many people here in Newton have no compunction about telling the rest of us how to live is rather remarkable. A total lack of any sense of humility.
Ann, if more people spoke out like you, perhaps things would change.
Ann, I am completely supportive of both the substance and tone of your comment.
Having lived in Newton now for well over 15 years and basically raising my 3 kids here, I truly wish I could have convinced my wife to move somewhere else all of those years ago. The schools, while strong, are really not worth the overall cost. More frustrating is the rather invasive nature of city government and a vocal fraction of the residents when it comes to the manner in which homeowners and businesses can conduct their private affairs. Whether it is the knee jerk approach to banning (based on really flimsy arguments) products and services that the larger world find standard, the multiplicity of redundant ordnances, or the truly sanctimonious opposition not just to large scale development, but to how an individual property owner wants to construct a dwelling they find comfortable, the extent to which so many people here in Newton have no compunction about telling the rest of us how to live is rather remarkable. A total lack of any sense of humility.
Ann, if more people spoke out like you, perhaps things would change.
Well Said – Elmo.
Well Said – Elmo.
@Elmo, I agree with a basic premise of yours that Newton often over legislates. And most often those ordinances are rendered ineffective because they can’t be enforced.
There does however appear to be a problem with leaf blowers, one which the “industry” has largely chosen to minimize. So the city council has little choice but to seriously consider some intervention.
The earliest foray from leaf blower opponents went too far in my view by seeking an outright ban, and I expressed my strong opposition to that. But some middle ground seems warranted.
I continue to submit though that landscapers should play an active role in minimizing the problems associated with leaf blowers. Ann’s tirade is reflective of a belief there is no problem, and I would submit that tack will ultimately lead to a draconian ban sometime in the not distant future.
@Elmo, I agree with a basic premise of yours that Newton often over legislates. And most often those ordinances are rendered ineffective because they can’t be enforced.
There does however appear to be a problem with leaf blowers, one which the “industry” has largely chosen to minimize. So the city council has little choice but to seriously consider some intervention.
The earliest foray from leaf blower opponents went too far in my view by seeking an outright ban, and I expressed my strong opposition to that. But some middle ground seems warranted.
I continue to submit though that landscapers should play an active role in minimizing the problems associated with leaf blowers. Ann’s tirade is reflective of a belief there is no problem, and I would submit that tack will ultimately lead to a draconian ban sometime in the not distant future.
Elmo, you and I have agreed on quite a few things on this blog, and it seems from your comment you are a strong believer in personal liberty. I respect that. I guess my issue is how that desire for personal liberty intersects with the ability of a neighbor (or a neighbor’s employees/contractors) to disturb the common peace.
Have you ever lived in an apartment building? One of my former neighbors when I was younger was a chain smoker. Turns out I’m allergic to smoke, which I didn’t know until he moved in next to me and I developed asthma. Another one of my neighbors kept long hours and came home late, and would play music at loud volumes until 3 am. Not ideal. I view this as something similar. Everyone should have a “right of quiet enjoyment” in their home. This needs to be balanced out by the rights of other homeowners to enjoy THEIR home, which includes the ability to do yardwork. To bring it back to my example, my neighbors had every right to smoke and play music, and I had every right to sleep and not have an asthma attack. There’s the rub when they intersect, right?
That is what we have here. This isn’t the nanny state in my view. I realize some opponents feel like this is about the environment, the greater good, and all that. That’s fine. But for me, this is really about not being able to go outside due to a dust cloud in the air and noise all around me. About yardwork starting at 7 am and waking my kids. It is about my quiet enjoyment.
In the apartment, I begged my smoking neighbor to open a window and put a wedge under his door when he smoked. I asked my music neighbor to wear headphones at 1 am. No one was 100% happy. But we all managed to live together.
It would be better for me personally to limit blowers as much as possible. But I recognize the rights and desires of my neighbors, and that leaves are a hazard if not cleaned up. This to me isn’t like the items you mentioned, this is a COMPROMISE, no one gets what they want, but we all manage to live together. I still can’t figure out why banning blowers during summer and winter is a non-starter. Do you really feel as Ann does, that life is noisy and messy and those of us who are negatively effected should just suck it up and deal. Is THAT being a good neighbor?
What this compromise does is provide clean bright line rules. No testing volume levels which no one will enforce. No “teaching” moments for landscapers which are impossible to enforce. Clear, bright line rules that will be clear to all landscapers and property owners. Dates certain for use/not use. Clarity lowers conflict and is an important part of the compromise.
Finally, Newton has a lot of cooks in the kitchen. Most communities do these days. Social media and email have made advocating a lot easier. Folks spend a lot to live here and care a lot too. That can lead to some great results and some results where we are paralyzed by analysis, or by a vocal minority, or an overreaching majority frustrating by said vocal minority. I say the same thing as you just did regarding Newton at least once a month to my spouse. And then I take the commuter rail and it gets me home on time, or go to 51 lincoln, or walk around the village and I remember why this place isn’t so bad….
Also, I also would like Ann to tell us if she is connected to one of the landscaping companies that work in town. It is always helpful to put comments in context. I get the sense she wasn’t speaking out like you Elmo, but out of a personal financial interest. Read some of the earlier chats about this topic…
Elmo, you and I have agreed on quite a few things on this blog, and it seems from your comment you are a strong believer in personal liberty. I respect that. I guess my issue is how that desire for personal liberty intersects with the ability of a neighbor (or a neighbor’s employees/contractors) to disturb the common peace.
Have you ever lived in an apartment building? One of my former neighbors when I was younger was a chain smoker. Turns out I’m allergic to smoke, which I didn’t know until he moved in next to me and I developed asthma. Another one of my neighbors kept long hours and came home late, and would play music at loud volumes until 3 am. Not ideal. I view this as something similar. Everyone should have a “right of quiet enjoyment” in their home. This needs to be balanced out by the rights of other homeowners to enjoy THEIR home, which includes the ability to do yardwork. To bring it back to my example, my neighbors had every right to smoke and play music, and I had every right to sleep and not have an asthma attack. There’s the rub when they intersect, right?
That is what we have here. This isn’t the nanny state in my view. I realize some opponents feel like this is about the environment, the greater good, and all that. That’s fine. But for me, this is really about not being able to go outside due to a dust cloud in the air and noise all around me. About yardwork starting at 7 am and waking my kids. It is about my quiet enjoyment.
In the apartment, I begged my smoking neighbor to open a window and put a wedge under his door when he smoked. I asked my music neighbor to wear headphones at 1 am. No one was 100% happy. But we all managed to live together.
It would be better for me personally to limit blowers as much as possible. But I recognize the rights and desires of my neighbors, and that leaves are a hazard if not cleaned up. This to me isn’t like the items you mentioned, this is a COMPROMISE, no one gets what they want, but we all manage to live together. I still can’t figure out why banning blowers during summer and winter is a non-starter. Do you really feel as Ann does, that life is noisy and messy and those of us who are negatively effected should just suck it up and deal. Is THAT being a good neighbor?
What this compromise does is provide clean bright line rules. No testing volume levels which no one will enforce. No “teaching” moments for landscapers which are impossible to enforce. Clear, bright line rules that will be clear to all landscapers and property owners. Dates certain for use/not use. Clarity lowers conflict and is an important part of the compromise.
Finally, Newton has a lot of cooks in the kitchen. Most communities do these days. Social media and email have made advocating a lot easier. Folks spend a lot to live here and care a lot too. That can lead to some great results and some results where we are paralyzed by analysis, or by a vocal minority, or an overreaching majority frustrating by said vocal minority. I say the same thing as you just did regarding Newton at least once a month to my spouse. And then I take the commuter rail and it gets me home on time, or go to 51 lincoln, or walk around the village and I remember why this place isn’t so bad….
Also, I also would like Ann to tell us if she is connected to one of the landscaping companies that work in town. It is always helpful to put comments in context. I get the sense she wasn’t speaking out like you Elmo, but out of a personal financial interest. Read some of the earlier chats about this topic…
@Fig, nicely put.
One added point, where perhaps we disagree. In my view, the seasonal ban misses one important factor: that it doesn’t address what happens during the “in-season” where they can be used. Significant complains will still persist unless the landscapers do take seriously the abuses that have been brought forth. Many are curable by a stronger commitment to having crews better trained in their proper uses. Their best defense against those who still want a total ban is to better police their crews.
I do agree we can’t likely handle this via better city enforcement. But warding off a total ban later ought to be a reasonable incentive.
@Fig, nicely put.
One added point, where perhaps we disagree. In my view, the seasonal ban misses one important factor: that it doesn’t address what happens during the “in-season” where they can be used. Significant complains will still persist unless the landscapers do take seriously the abuses that have been brought forth. Many are curable by a stronger commitment to having crews better trained in their proper uses. Their best defense against those who still want a total ban is to better police their crews.
I do agree we can’t likely handle this via better city enforcement. But warding off a total ban later ought to be a reasonable incentive.
Dan: I would prefer that the blowers be restricted during in-season before 8 am. I don’t think we disagree, I’m just not sure how any type of enforcement of anything else will occur. Open to suggestions, as long as they are reasonable and aren’t a ban during leaf seasons by other means.
Dan: I would prefer that the blowers be restricted during in-season before 8 am. I don’t think we disagree, I’m just not sure how any type of enforcement of anything else will occur. Open to suggestions, as long as they are reasonable and aren’t a ban during leaf seasons by other means.
Fig, I don’t see those wanting a total ban going away.
I’m on record as being against such an outcome, but if in season practices don’t improve, I could easily see that being revisited. And frankly it should be an option if practices aren’t better.
Fig, I don’t see those wanting a total ban going away.
I’m on record as being against such an outcome, but if in season practices don’t improve, I could easily see that being revisited. And frankly it should be an option if practices aren’t better.
Jonathan Dame’s article in the Tab includes some specifics from the city council meeting.
“The most recent draft ordinance would outlaw leaf blowers between May 15 and Sept. 15, and between Dec. 15 and March 1 along with time restrictions between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, and between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekends. On Sunday, only residents could use the devices.”
“Ward 8 Councilor Cheryl Lappin said she didn’t see how the city could enforce “pretty much any of this,” specifically addressing registration requirements and limits per square feet.”
It would limit “the number of leaf blowers per lot to one for every 10,000 square feet. Large property owners like golf courses and colleges could apply for exemptions so long as they justify themselves and propose mitigation measures. The draft ordinance presented to the council Monday had language indicating anyone could apply for an exemption. Leary, however, said the committee had been discussing a size cut off of between two and five acres to qualify.”
“The rules would require contractors with two or more employees register with the city, a provision some councilors questioned on grounds it could be burdensome for city employees while at the same time overly bureaucratic.
In addition, leaf blowers used within city limits would need to bear a manufacturer’s label documenting a noise rating of no more than 65 decibels.”
http://m.newton.wickedlocal.com/news/20160308/newton-city-council-mulls-proposed-changes-to-leaf-blower-laws?utm_term=view_as_webpage
I agree that registration, labeling and limits per square foot are unenforceable. I like the “clear bright line rules” that Fig lists including the dates of use and time restrictions.
Jonathan Dame’s article in the Tab includes some specifics from the city council meeting.
“The most recent draft ordinance would outlaw leaf blowers between May 15 and Sept. 15, and between Dec. 15 and March 1 along with time restrictions between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, and between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekends. On Sunday, only residents could use the devices.”
“Ward 8 Councilor Cheryl Lappin said she didn’t see how the city could enforce “pretty much any of this,” specifically addressing registration requirements and limits per square feet.”
It would limit “the number of leaf blowers per lot to one for every 10,000 square feet. Large property owners like golf courses and colleges could apply for exemptions so long as they justify themselves and propose mitigation measures. The draft ordinance presented to the council Monday had language indicating anyone could apply for an exemption. Leary, however, said the committee had been discussing a size cut off of between two and five acres to qualify.”
“The rules would require contractors with two or more employees register with the city, a provision some councilors questioned on grounds it could be burdensome for city employees while at the same time overly bureaucratic.
In addition, leaf blowers used within city limits would need to bear a manufacturer’s label documenting a noise rating of no more than 65 decibels.”
http://m.newton.wickedlocal.com/news/20160308/newton-city-council-mulls-proposed-changes-to-leaf-blower-laws?utm_term=view_as_webpage
I agree that registration, labeling and limits per square foot are unenforceable. I like the “clear bright line rules” that Fig lists including the dates of use and time restrictions.
I think the registration and the exemptions muddy the waters too much. But I do want to be able to enforce this. Do folks not think that a bright line ban during certain seasons would be respected?
If one of my neighbors was using a landscaping company that used blowers during the ban, I would ask them to have it be stopped, and then if that didn’t work, I’d appreciate a clear-cut way for the city to get involved. I’d also take down the name of the landscaping company who was violating the law.
But the ban is important and clear cut is important. Harder to prove noise ratings, etc. And when talking to neighbors politely, it is easier if things are clear. It also makes it easier to talk to them.
What are the chances the compromise passes?
I think the registration and the exemptions muddy the waters too much. But I do want to be able to enforce this. Do folks not think that a bright line ban during certain seasons would be respected?
If one of my neighbors was using a landscaping company that used blowers during the ban, I would ask them to have it be stopped, and then if that didn’t work, I’d appreciate a clear-cut way for the city to get involved. I’d also take down the name of the landscaping company who was violating the law.
But the ban is important and clear cut is important. Harder to prove noise ratings, etc. And when talking to neighbors politely, it is easier if things are clear. It also makes it easier to talk to them.
What are the chances the compromise passes?
And if we see an offending company, am I to call the police? I know in the past I have called the police when landscapers were blowing leaves onto the street, and the police came 45 minutes later (not a priority call, which is fair), and the company was gone and leaves were on the street, but they have no proof it was the landscaper. I can’t see why the police would come to a location with their sirens on . . . so who do we use to enforce this?
There’s no question that some commercial landscapers have behaved very badly and that is at the root of this problem.
But I urge folks to consider a registration system with an open mind because it is designed to address that very problem. In order to be an approved landscaper in the city, applicants would be required to attend a class focused on explaining the ordinance. In addition, the rules would be explained in a brochure printed in multiple languages. It will be easier to file a complaint — even issue a fine — against a registered landscaper because the city will know who they are. If they violated the ordnance, or are the source of multiple complaints, they’d be removed from the list of approved landscapers.
Non-registered landscapers could be fined simply for operating without being registered, no need for db meters. No registration? Here’s your fine.
The commercial landscapers who’ve been showing up at City Hall, offer this as a solution designed to address the complaints. They are motivated to self-regulating because they know the alternative is a ban. I think we should let them give it a try. If it doesn’t work, then implement a ban.
And if we see an offending company, am I to call the police? I know in the past I have called the police when landscapers were blowing leaves onto the street, and the police came 45 minutes later (not a priority call, which is fair), and the company was gone and leaves were on the street, but they have no proof it was the landscaper. I can’t see why the police would come to a location with their sirens on . . . so who do we use to enforce this?
There’s no question that some commercial landscapers have behaved very badly and that is at the root of this problem.
But I urge folks to consider a registration system with an open mind because it is designed to address that very problem. In order to be an approved landscaper in the city, applicants would be required to attend a class focused on explaining the ordinance. In addition, the rules would be explained in a brochure printed in multiple languages. It will be easier to file a complaint — even issue a fine — against a registered landscaper because the city will know who they are. If they violated the ordnance, or are the source of multiple complaints, they’d be removed from the list of approved landscapers.
Non-registered landscapers could be fined simply for operating without being registered, no need for db meters. No registration? Here’s your fine.
The commercial landscapers who’ve been showing up at City Hall, offer this as a solution designed to address the complaints. They are motivated to self-regulating because they know the alternative is a ban. I think we should let them give it a try. If it doesn’t work, then implement a ban.
Greg, the landscapers refuse to even comply with the existing noise limits on leaf blowers. In fact, they want limits that are more than 10 times louder than the current limits. How will self regulation help with excessive and unnecessary noise when they defy the law now?
This is about balancing competing rights. My right to swing my arm freely ends where your nose begins. Landscapers and homeowners have a right to do yard maintenance, but that does not include denying neighbors their right to be free of excessive and unnecessary noise and the quiet enjoyment of their own homes and back yards.
A seasonal ban shares the rights and burdens of living in close proximity with one’s neighbors. Registration is a cosmetic solution that accomplishes bupkis.
@Councilor Hess-Mahan: Yes, too many commercial landscapers are defying the law — and good manners — now. In fact, would you agree that if our current ordinance was being followed (along with a dose of common sense), that we probably wouldn’t have an angry public clamoring for a ban?
So why not clarify the regulations, through a mandatory education program and better enforcement, before imposing new rules?
Greg, the landscapers refuse to even comply with the existing noise limits on leaf blowers. In fact, they want limits that are more than 10 times louder than the current limits. How will self regulation help with excessive and unnecessary noise when they defy the law now?
This is about balancing competing rights. My right to swing my arm freely ends where your nose begins. Landscapers and homeowners have a right to do yard maintenance, but that does not include denying neighbors their right to be free of excessive and unnecessary noise and the quiet enjoyment of their own homes and back yards.
A seasonal ban shares the rights and burdens of living in close proximity with one’s neighbors. Registration is a cosmetic solution that accomplishes bupkis.
@Councilor Hess-Mahan: Yes, too many commercial landscapers are defying the law — and good manners — now. In fact, would you agree that if our current ordinance was being followed (along with a dose of common sense), that we probably wouldn’t have an angry public clamoring for a ban?
So why not clarify the regulations, through a mandatory education program and better enforcement, before imposing new rules?
The current laws are clear. Scofflaws rely on the fact that enforcement with meters is ineffective. It is far easier and fairer to inspect the stickers that manufacturers put on leaf blowers to determine whether they comply with the existing noise limits. And the police department told the committee that restrictions on hours and dates are the easiest to enforce.
The people who are angry complain that the noise, dust and fumes are noxious, and they are most likely to complain when they are outside trying to enjoy their back yards in summer, when there are no leaves to clean up.
As far as education goes, people who are in business are supposed to know what the law is. Banks cannot get away with charging usurious interest rates on loans by claiming they didn’t know it was against the law. The same is true with limits on noise and hours of operation.
The current laws are clear. Scofflaws rely on the fact that enforcement with meters is ineffective. It is far easier and fairer to inspect the stickers that manufacturers put on leaf blowers to determine whether they comply with the existing noise limits. And the police department told the committee that restrictions on hours and dates are the easiest to enforce.
The people who are angry complain that the noise, dust and fumes are noxious, and they are most likely to complain when they are outside trying to enjoy their back yards in summer, when there are no leaves to clean up.
As far as education goes, people who are in business are supposed to know what the law is. Banks cannot get away with charging usurious interest rates on loans by claiming they didn’t know it was against the law. The same is true with limits on noise and hours of operation.
Why would golf courses be exempt? I am lucky to live abutting a golf course: Braeburn. Below our windows are four fairways. When the gardeners are on fairway one and two, we can hear them and it is LOUD. When they are on fairway three, we barely hear them but the abutters on the other side of the course can hear them. I can think of ONLY one area on the course where abutters from all directions are far away: the area around the artificial pond. Anywhere else impacts the abutters. Golf courses should NOT be exempted.
For the first 30 years, everything was fine. For the last few years, the leaf-blowers have been waking us at 6 AM (even with our insulated Pella windows) and when they come on during the day, we come in. Where is our right as residents who chose to live in a quiet place?
Please limit the decibels to 65. And restrict to ONE leaf-blower per property. Yes, it might take longer for the job to be done but I won’t have to cover my ears and breathe all those particles
Why would golf courses be exempt? I am lucky to live abutting a golf course: Braeburn. Below our windows are four fairways. When the gardeners are on fairway one and two, we can hear them and it is LOUD. When they are on fairway three, we barely hear them but the abutters on the other side of the course can hear them. I can think of ONLY one area on the course where abutters from all directions are far away: the area around the artificial pond. Anywhere else impacts the abutters. Golf courses should NOT be exempted.
For the first 30 years, everything was fine. For the last few years, the leaf-blowers have been waking us at 6 AM (even with our insulated Pella windows) and when they come on during the day, we come in. Where is our right as residents who chose to live in a quiet place?
Please limit the decibels to 65. And restrict to ONE leaf-blower per property. Yes, it might take longer for the job to be done but I won’t have to cover my ears and breathe all those particles