The blaring noise of gas-powered leaf blowers has become a daily part of living in Port Jeff
Gas-powered leaf blowers use archaic two-stroke engines that burn a mixture of gasoline and oil, producing exhaust that contains carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, fine particles, benzene and formaldehyde.
Gas-powered leaf blowers emit toxic pollutants linked to heart and lung disease, cancer and dementia.
Fine particles and airborne dust can remain airborne and travel beyond the immediate area long after the blower has moved on.
Gas leaf blowers can reach 95–105 decibels, noise levels comparable to a chainsaw, jackhammer or power saw.
The extensive length of time and the high decibel levels at which they operate violate Village Noise Code.
Low-frequency gas-blower noise can travel long distances and penetrate walls and windows, affecting people far beyond where the blower is operating.
Children are especially vulnerable because their lungs and bodies are still developing.
Excessive noise can permanently damage children’s hearing.
Fine particles and dust can remain airborne and travel beyond the immediate area, extending children’s potential exposure.
Operating a commercial gas-powered leaf blower for one hour can produce as much smog-forming pollution as driving a car 1,100 miles.
Suffolk County has the highest CO₂ and fine-particle emissions in New York State from fossil-fuel-powered landscaping equipment.
Leaf blowers can blast air at more than 200 mph, stripping away leaves and organic matter and disturbing topsoil. This can degrade the soil’s ability to absorb water, contributing to flooding and increased runoff into Port Jefferson Harbor.
Inspired by the inaugural meeting of the revived Port Jeff Civic Association in January 2023, Kathleen stepped up to serve on the board. Over the past three years, as Corresponding Secretary, she put her journalism background to work by authoring petitions, letters to the editor, and local calls to action.
Her advocacy has focused on critical Village challenges, including flooding, erosion, and over-development. To amplify these efforts, she spearheaded a Tri-Civic collaboration with neighboring leaders in Port Jefferson Station/Terryville and Three Village. This coalition successfully petitioned the Town of Brookhaven to form a Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) task force and established regular briefings with elected officials to keep local concerns front and center.
Now serving as Vice President, Kathleen remains dedicated to growing and strengthening the Civic, fostering community connections, and advocating for Port Jeff’s future.