Shepherd
05-16-2011, 05:34 AM
Press Democrat, May 16, 2011
A blower plan
EDITOR: The Sebastopol Peaceful Air Effort proposes this compromise solution for our City Council's leaf blower ordinance hearing on Tuesday. The compromise would reduce leaf blower usage by more than 90 percent while allowing personal usage of blowers.
First, the city would lead by example, curtailing its use of blowers, switching to vacuums, push sweepers, rakes and brooms whenever possible, especially in school zones.
Next, residents would be free to use leaf blowers on their own property Monday to Saturday, except holidays, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Third, and most important, professional landscapers who work in Sebastopol on commercial or multi-unit residential properties would be required to switch to vacuums, push sweepers, rakes or brooms within six months. Weekly “dust blowing” sessions on hardscape parking lots and walkways are responsible for a majority of blower air and noise pollution.
Landscapers hired by homeowners would be subject to a new “neighbor request” system. If a neighbor is bothered by a landscaper's use of blowers, he may request that the blowing take place during the same scheduled two-hour period on the same day each week, and that he be given advance notice. Then a bothered neighbor will be able to manage his time around the scheduled blowing.
JONATHAN GREENBERG, Sebastopol
A blower plan
EDITOR: The Sebastopol Peaceful Air Effort proposes this compromise solution for our City Council's leaf blower ordinance hearing on Tuesday. The compromise would reduce leaf blower usage by more than 90 percent while allowing personal usage of blowers.
First, the city would lead by example, curtailing its use of blowers, switching to vacuums, push sweepers, rakes and brooms whenever possible, especially in school zones.
Next, residents would be free to use leaf blowers on their own property Monday to Saturday, except holidays, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Third, and most important, professional landscapers who work in Sebastopol on commercial or multi-unit residential properties would be required to switch to vacuums, push sweepers, rakes or brooms within six months. Weekly “dust blowing” sessions on hardscape parking lots and walkways are responsible for a majority of blower air and noise pollution.
Landscapers hired by homeowners would be subject to a new “neighbor request” system. If a neighbor is bothered by a landscaper's use of blowers, he may request that the blowing take place during the same scheduled two-hour period on the same day each week, and that he be given advance notice. Then a bothered neighbor will be able to manage his time around the scheduled blowing.
JONATHAN GREENBERG, Sebastopol