Photo: Arlingtonma.gov
ARLINGTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Starting Sunday, only electric leaf blowers will be allowed in Arlington.
Town officials banned the commercial use of the gas-powered equipment a year ago, but it will soon apply to residential use as well.
Dave from Arlington calls the whole thing silly.
"Homeowners should be able to clean their property. If you don't, you get criticized for it. Some people can't rake, and that blower is the best way to do it for them."
Read More: Cambridge City Councilors Look To Increase Residential Parking Permit Fee
John from Arlington says he isn't against the new policy because he already uses an electric blower.
"I think it's more efficient. I had was a gas blower. It seemed like the electric blower did a better job, so I just stuck with it."
The town will also make it possible for residents to report those violating the noise abatement law. Those caught using a gas-powered blower will face a warning, then after that, fines that start at $100.
"That I don't agree with. A neighborhood is a brotherhood. He may want to whisper in someone's ear and just say, hey listen, just know that there's a ban," John said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.