Opinion

Letter to the Editor

By newcanaanite | July 21, 2026

NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letter. Send letters to editor@newcanaante.com to have them published here. (We will publish letters related to the leaf blower ban and referendum through July 22.)

***

While feelings run deep on both sides of the debate about gas powered leaf blowers, one thing that has been encouraging to see is the support that two town bodies, one elected, one appointed, have given to the referendum.  The Conservation Commission, a 5-member appointed body on which I sit, has on 3 occasions over the last 4 years, unanimously endorsed restrictions on gas powered leaf blowers.  Most recently this occurred in March of 2026 and on all three occasions the support has been by unanimous vote of the Commission. This has happened under both Republican and Democratic chairs and with a different mix of members and parties on the commission each time.  How does any commission in New Canaan repeatedly vote unanimously on a topic?  As an engineer and a member of the commission, I can tell you the reasons are simple: because the data is unmistakable.   

Gas powered leaf blowers are, by their very design, extremely loud and polluting machines. The Conservation Commission reviewed myriad well documented studies on the issue.

Opinion

Letters to the Editor

By newcanaanite | July 20, 2026

NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letters. Send letters to editor@newcanaante.com to have them published here. (We will publish letters related to the leaf blower ban and referendum through July 22.)

***

The single biggest weakness in the Gas Powered Leaf Blowers ordinance is that the ordinance’s stated objective is reducing impacts from leaf blowers, yet its exemptions allow many of the same impacts to continue based solely on the identity of the user (resident, DPW, utility, etc.) rather than on measurable factors such as noise level, decibel output, duration, or proximity to homes. It says the noise is unacceptable when a contractor uses a leaf blower however is acceptable when a homeowner does. That distinction is difficult to justify based on the stated environmental or quality-of-life objectives.

Footer Featured Widget

Letter to the Editor

By newcanaanite | July 15, 2026

NewCanaanite.com recently received the following letter. Send letters to editor@newcanaanite.com. (We will publish referendum-related letters through July 22.)

***

Dear Editor, 

New Canaan should approach the leaf blower referendum with respect for everyone involved. 

Supporters of the ordinance have valid concerns about noise, health and the environment.  Opponents have equally valid concerns about fairness, enforcement and the impact on local businesses.  The referendum gives the town the opportunity to reconsider the rule thoughtfully because a one size fits all doesn’t apply. In town residents have different concerns than those living on larger parcels of land.  And, what about the families who maintain their own property.  

Enforcement is one concern.  A gas powered blower may be used only briefly, making violations difficult to verify and creating conflict among neighbors not to mention police resources, too.  

Transition is another.  Commercial landscapers face greater challenges than homeowners when converting to electric equipment including battery capacity, strength, charging, storage and costs. A better approach would be to review the broader noise ordinance, landscaping hours, and other practical measures while allowing time for technology and potential state incentives to improve for the landscaping business that would be enduring this additional expense which is ultimately passed onto the consumer.