Proposed Ban On Gas Leaf Blowers Introduced In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Morristown Council has proposed a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, which would explicitly prohibit their use during the summer months.

Gas-powered blowers are in violation of the town council's noise ordinance, which was passed last year. From June to September, the proposed amendment to the ordinance would prohibit the use of gas-powered blowers, which violate the town's noise ordinance.

If it passes a second reading on July 12 the prohibition will take effect the following summer. According to Council President Stefan Armington, Tuesday's amendment amounts to an "unspoken exception" that allows blowers to violate the ordinance for eight months each year.

For the first rule violation, violators will face a $2,000 fine, according to the council.

The ban was not passed unanimously, as the council only approved the final hearing 4-3. David Silva, Toshiba Foster, and Nathan Umbriac voted no on the ban's hearing.

Umbriac, one of the council members who voted against the amendment said, "I did reach out to many people and a couple of landscaping companies… They said they would not do any contracting in Morristown if they could not use gas."

Other issues brought up by council member Silva and community members included general legislation and the fact that many Morristown residents and small landscapers simply cannot afford a new electric blower in today's economy.

"I've done some research and a good powered electric blower, they are like $300 to $400, if you want a good one, which is cost-prohibitive for many people," Umbriac said.

Resident Stuart Warmink spoke during the public comment section of the meeting claiming that he is "totally for the ordinance, including the summer months."

"Almost not a day goes by where we don't have multiple leaf blowers going in our neighborhood somewhere during the day… They are like sirens, they just penetrate your house," Warmink said.

This decision is similar to that of neighboring towns, which have already prohibited gas-powered blowers. Princeton recently passed legislation that limits the use of gas leaf blowers until October when the restrictions lift for two months during peak fall.

Morristown's residents will have the opportunity to voice their opinion on the amendment at the town meeting on July 12, when the resolution will be considered for adoption.