Coronavirus: Huntington Residents Asked To Not Use Leaf Blowers

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON, NY — Residents and landscapers in the Town of Huntington were asked not to use leaf blowers during the new coronavirus pandemic, Supervisor Chad Lupinacci said Thursday, citing public health and safety. The request applies to gas-powered and electric leaf blowers. Landscapers were also asked to follow social distancing guidelines and avoid transportation or other services that violate them.

At its March 31 meeting, the Town Board amended the code on noise to provide more details on gas-powered leaf blowers, deeming them a noise disturbance. Acceptable hours for using them were reduced by one hour on weekdays, from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. The commercial use of gas-powered leaf blowers on residential properties were eliminated on Sundays and holidays, and the definition of a noise disturbance was clarified.

At the same meeting, the Town established a chapter on landscaping to the code to form a commercial landscaper registry for Suffolk County-licensed landscapers wanting to work within the Town, via registering with the Town Clerk. The use of energy-efficient equipment was also promoted. The establishment of a procedure to allow licensed landscapers to register with the Town Clerk’s office is underway and will be announced when the registration process is ready for landscaper applications.

Town officials on Wednesday announced a $1,000 fine for violations of social distancing guidelines on Town property, following the lead of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.