Madison residents divided in leaf blower battle
Across the state, some residents say there is too much noise and too many emissions from gas-powered equipment in their neighborhoods.
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Madison residents are getting ahead of the leaf blower battle as more towns consider bans on gas-powered leaf blowers.
Across the state, some residents say there is too much noise and too many emissions from gas-powered equipment in their neighborhoods. But landscapers feel targeted, saying they built their businesses around this type of equipment and have not had issues.
At the state level, a bill was pre-filed that would prohibit certain gas-powered leaf blowers and provide credits for the purchase of electric blowers to replace them.
In Madison, a recent council meeting showed a divided room. Local landscapers say the change would crush their businesses, while residents are worried about health risks.
Meanwhile, the Borough of Madison says no formal legislative proposal has been drafted, and there are no plans to introduce an ordinance in the near future at any upcoming meeting. In the meantime, the mayor is asking residents to speak with their landscape contractors about limiting the use of gas leaf blowers.
