Pleasantville Divided on Leaf-Blower Proposal

Pleasantville residents turned out in large numbers for a public hearing regarding proposed leaf-blower restrictions in the village Monday evening.

Earlier in the month, the reasons for the a proposed seasonal ban on the tool.

The council's proposal asks for a complete ban on gas and electric-powered leaf-blowers between April 30 and Oct. 15. They ask the use of leaf-blowers only be permitted between Oct. 15 and Dec. 15, the dates when the village typically picks up leaf piles left in the street.

At the beginning of Monday's hearing, members of the council gave a presentation highlighting some of the cons of using leaf blowers.

The reasons to implement the ban, according to the council, include pollution caused by gas-powered engines, pollution from blowing particulate matter, noise and ecological harm caused to the environment.

Each of these reasons were contested during the public comments by those against restrictions.

Additionally, the council proposed several alternatives to the use of gas-powered leaf blowers; including mulching, raking, sweeping and adjusting one's expectations for a presentable lawn.

Those against the ban said the ability to maintain one's lawn as desired would be infringed upon if a law were to be passed and mentioned county laws already regulate the types of leaf-blowers and hours when they can be used.

Many opposed to the proposal asked for an opportunity in the future to prepare a research-supported presentation, similar to the one provided by the Conservation Advisory Council.

See attached video for footage of public comments from the meeting.