Politics & Government

Hastings Mayor: 'No' to Leafblower Proposal

The mayor reports almost 100 people reached out to the board in writing or in-person to weigh in on the proposed change.

A suggestion to change local law to allow some leafblower use over the summer months has been rejected by the Board of Trustees and the community, according to an update from Mayor Peter Swiderski.

"An astounding ninety-five of you either wrote in with your opinion on this issue or showed up at meetings to comment," he reported. "The Board has decided to leave the law as it is but with one crucial modification."

Swiderski went on to detail that the "modification" will allow the village manager to shift the dates the law goes into effect, "when climate presents us with surprises..."

According to the Mayor, "The Board's decision was driven by a number of factors. We all agreed that enforcement now is already a challenge, with the law frequently ignored by contractors. Further muddying the situation by having some devices allowed and others not would compound the issue."

Village trustees and residents alike raised possible pollution and noise concerns as effects of a more lenient law.

"We remind people that there is a hardship exemption in the current law if you have health issues or are elderly," Swiderski added.


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