Late last month we published a Guest Editorial by Croton Village Trustee Stacey Nachtaler reminding the community that a three month seasonal ban on gas powered leaf blowers began on June 1, and is in effect until August 31.
As many or most villagers know, the seasonal ban is often violated by both homeowners and landscapers, and that contempt for village law has created considerable anger in the community. While police and code enforcement has been stepped up over the past year or so, the violations continue to be a problem. They are also partly responsible for driving the renewed determination of some residents to see a year round ban enacted.
Mayor Brian Pugh has expressed, on a number of occasions, his reluctance to engage in aggressive enforcement and to turn neighbor against neighbor on this issue. But there is a first, more cordial step that residents can take—with both homeowners and landscapers—to gently remind them of the village code.
The village makes available, both in English and in Spanish, a flyer that can be printed out and given to offenders. There is no need to get into an argument with anyone, or to threaten them with the police or code enforcement—at least not at first.
We have seen evidence that this approach can work, especially if the offender is reminded that there is a possible $250 fine associated with violating the village code. The problem is often solved quickly, especially with landscapers who do not want to be on the wrong side of village law. And if it is not, residents still have the option of calling the police or code enforcement.
In other words, try the gentle approach first. Then you can get tough if need be—or, we should say, let Croton’s law enforcement officers do that. There is no excuse for violating village code, and we should not accept it.
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Last month I was in Pleasantville and was impressed by large banners on main roads that reminded residents of a gas blower ban from May 30th - September 30th. No threats, but a clear statement that they were serious about the initiative.