Ridgefield Petition: Cap The Noise Of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

RIDGEFIELD, CT — A petition that would place certain restrictions on the operation, and operating times, of gas powered leaf blowers in Ridgefield is triggering a Public Hearing and Town Meeting.

The petition was initiated and circulated by Energy Task Force and Ridgefield Action Committee for the Environment member Vincent Giordano, and presented to the Town Clerk's Office on Nov. 8. It proposes amendments to the Town Ordinance, Chapter 250, regarding noise. With 411 signatures, the petitioners account for more than 2 percent of the town electors, requiring the Board of Selectmen to schedule a Special Town Meeting.

The debate over how loud is too loud, and how early is too early, when operating a gas-powered leaf blower is a national one that has been dividing suburban neighborhoods for years. In a recent national Patch survey, leaf blowers were tapped the least favorable method of dealing with fall leaves, and more than twice as many people said they prefer to mulch them with a mower.

The BOS is scheduled to vote on a date for a Public Hearing and Town Meeting at its Nov. 29 meeting in the Town Hall Large Conference room at 6:30 p.m.