'Weak' Response From Clarendon Hills Officials: Resident

CLARENDON HILLS, IL – The man who complained to Clarendon Hills officials about the noise of gas-powered leaf blowers wants to gain support for his cause.

In the spring, resident Patrick Comer said he contacted the village about what he described as the problem of gas-powered blowers.

"I repeatedly emailed all trustees to make them aware of the issue and my interest in reducing the negative personal and environmental effects of these machines," Comer said in an email to Patch. "Their response, predictably, was weak."

In response to Comer's complaint, the village administration put forward a measure that slightly changed the hours for landscaping work.

Now, the hours for such noise are limited to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Under the proposal, the village would have followed Hinsdale's hours – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Electrical equipment would be exempted because it's much less noisy.

The board voted 4-2 against the changes.

In his email, Comer said he knew it would take a sustained effort to keep the issue on the top of officials' minds.

He said he is broadening his effort, contacting schools, community groups, environmental groups and churches, among others.

Comer said he was also designing a survey to distribute door to door and looking to set up booths at local events.

"Several communities in Illinois have already taken some action – as well as more than 100 others in the nation - and it seems past time for Clarendon Hills to take some action as well," Comer said.