The main concerns about gas powered leaf blowers in East Grand Rapids are air pollution from the exhaust and the noise they make. Commissioner John Arendshorst says they are as loud as a jet plane:
“That noise is primarily a low frequency noise which among other things can penetrate cars and houses pretty easily so it is difficult to get away from that.”
While some agree the noise can be annoying, almost everyone who spoke at Monday’s commission meeting is against banning gas leaf blowers. resident Daniel Brown.
“What is he next step? The next step is the lawn mower. And then the next step is the car.”
And Jim Benedict:
“I spent a lot of money on a leaf blower and now the city is considering telling me I can’t use it anymore. That is unacceptable.”
Deputy City Manager Doug Lafave assured residents the blower ban is not likely in the near future, but worth discussing.
“This is just a discussion this evening there is no action on any item. Just sort of have the commission have open dialogue and hear from the general public.”
Commissioner Arendhorst admits banning leaf blowers will always be a tough sell:
“Five years from now whether it happens 25 years from now, there is never going to be a time where this is this easy to do.”
