Government
Presentations Made to Town Council About Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
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Members of New Canaan’s legislative body met two weeks ago to discuss possible next steps regarding a citizen-led campaign for a seasonal ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. The Town Council held a meeting on June 18 where the elected body discussed gas-powered leaf blowers for more than 90 minutes, including more than 30 minutes of public comments on the issue. Those taking to the podium, and members of a committee addressing the Town Council, spoke either in favor of a ban—citing noise, public health and environmental issues—or against it, citing business needs and potential cost to residents with larger properties. New Canaan resident Katie Owsley, co-president of Planet New Canaan, opened the public comment section by citing several statistics in support of a seasonal ban on the leaf blowers. “Gas-powered leaf blowers range from 90 to 100 decibels while electric ones are 60 to 90,” Owsley said during the meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference.