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Beginning May 16, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited in Southampton Village making it the first municipality on the East End to fully ban the use of gas-powered blowers.
Southampton Village Mayor Bill Manger made it clear at the Southampton Village Board meeting on October 10 that the village is serious about enforcing the now year-round ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, with no exceptions — although that hasn’t stopped some from trying.
At least one written request for an exception to the ban has been sent in to the village on behalf of an owner of just over 7 acres of property in the estate section, on Little Plains Road and Foster Crossing.
In his letter to the board, Brian Higgins asked for an exemption from the ban on the behalf of an unnamed homeowner, saying that without use of the gas-powered blowers, it would be difficult to clean the properties “in a timely manner” due to the size of the properties.
Late last week, Manger said he did not anticipate granting any exemptions to the ban.
“The board does not want to grant exceptions to the new law,” he said, adding it was the first request for such an exemption that the board has received so far. “I don’t think the board anticipates granting any exceptions.”
To ensure compliance with the ban, the village has posted electronic signs, in both English and Spanish, throughout the village alerting landscaping companies that a year-round ban on the gas-powered blowers is now in effect, as of October 1.
Cailin Riley on Oct 22, 2024