The Roslyn Estates Board of Trustees passed a noise ordinance amendment intended to make enforcement of the code easier for the village but compromised on the final amendment after residents expressed concerns over the seasonal ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers.
Mayor Paul Peters said previously that the amendment gives the village a “path for enforcement” to better control offensive noise in the village.
This would be done through a new proposed method of reporting, which would allow two or more neighbors to report a noise violation to the village. Residents would also be able to provide evidence of the violation, including videos of the offensive noise.
Upon an investigation by the village, using the testimony of the neighbors, the building inspector or code enforcer would then be able to issue an appearance ticket.
“The code is set up to give the court and the residents the ability to understand this is possible,” Village Attorney Christopher Prior said at a previous meeting.
The amendment was previously proposed to also include a partial ban on gasoline leaf blowers, which would be enforced on the weekends between June 1 and Sept. 15. This is to diminish the noise they emit while also staying ahead of the curve on shifts from gasoline to electric-powered technology.
Peters said a compromise on the amendment between the village and residents had to be made after many were concerned about landscapers not being able to work in the village due to the ban on gasoline-powered leaf blowers.
“We’re trying to look at the best interest of the residents and their landscapers,” Peters said. “It’s a balancing act.”
The passed amendment now bans internal combustion engine-powered leaf blowers on holidays and weekends during the same time period.
Peters said the village anticipates that within two years from now the advancement of battery technology and the increased use of battery-powered leaf blowers will make the aspect of the law moot.
The Roslyn Estate Board of Trustees will convene again at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 20.
