On November 8th, the Town Clerk received a petition, that was initiated and circulated by Energy Task Force and RACE member Vincent Giordano, for proposed amendments to the Town Ordinance, Chapter 250 regarding noise. The suggested amendments recommend certain restrictions on gas powered leaf blowers, referred to in the proposal as “internal combustion leaf blowers” and defined as “Any device powered by an internal combustion engine/motor which is used or designed to move leaves, grass, clippings, dust, dirt, or other matter by blowing them with air emitted by such device.”
While these changes could affect the way homeowners and landscapers handle leaf clearing, the goal is to reduce noise pollution and toxic fumes that can cause a variety of health and environmental issues. One alternative to gas powered tools is electric or battery-operated leaf blowers, which help reduce the negative impacts to individuals and our ecosystem.
The Board of Selectmen will vote on a date for a Public Hearing and Town Meeting at the November 29th meeting in the Town Hall Large Conference room at 6:30pm. As with all BOS meetings, the first item on the agenda is public comment. All are encouraged to attend.
View the proposed amendments here.