N. Hempstead sets hearing on landscaping tool ban

The Town of North Hempstead will hold a public hearing on Tuesday about a proposed law that would ban certain motorized landscaping equipment.

During the hearing, town council members will discuss amending town code to prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers every year from June 1 to Sept. 30. According to a draft of the law, using battery or gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on weekdays and banned before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Any resident who rents or owns a one- or two-family dwelling may use one gas-powered leaf blower on their property once a week for no more than 30 minutes, the draft states. The town’s public works commissioner can grant “a special circumstance” temporary permit for someone to operate outside of the restrictions, the draft law also states.

Town officials proposed the amendment after residents complained about loud noise from landscapers using leaf blowers and weed trimmers. The town believes gas-powered leaf blowers are hazardous to the environment.

The town purchased battery powered landscaping equipment in June and began using it at Clark Botanical Garden in Albertson.

The hearing is at 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at Town Hall in Manhasset.