“I support [efforts to regulate leafblowers] because I am concerned about noise and air pollution in general here in Providence.” — Federal Hill resident

“Highway noise, especially loud exhausts, [and] idling cars nearby with loud modified exhausts, which is more aggravating because they sit there for 20 minutes, especially in winter. Also, music from the Bold Point Park concert venue all summer is anxiety provoking, especially the pounding bass drum and bass guitar.” — Fox Point resident

“It’s so frustrating that nothing seems to be done about noise pollution. I’ve lived in big cities all around the world — in California, Germany, England, and the Czech Republic — and I have never heard so much noise pollution in my life.” — Fox Point resident

“Gas-powered leafblowers should be abolished for several reasons — pollution and noise. Also, some developers are negatively impacting formerly peaceful neighborhoods by purchasing homes and creating ‘mini-dorms’ when there are actually laws in place that could prevent this. They make huge profits, while students wind up spending just as much rent and the peaceful enjoyment … Read more

“My neighbor uses his leafblower all year long … Yes, in the winter too. Ridiculous.” — Charles resident

“Unable to sleep in the morning due to leafblowers. Unable to sleep at night (in summer) because of people driving up and down with blaring music. Motorcycles revving up and down the street. Friday night music on weekend nights down at India Point Park or wherever (East Providence) carrying up by the river. Also I … Read more

“Gas-powered leafblowers and edge trimmers are horrifically loud and toxic to humans, animals, and the natural world. They must be banned or replaced by battery-powered equipment. Limit the times of year when leafblowers can be used.’ — East Side resident

“The noise of leafblowers is far worse than car radios or motorcycles because it lasts for up to an hour at at time — and that’s just for one yard. Peaceful summer afternoons are ruined by these completely unnecessary monstrosities.” — Elmhurst resident

“There are now plenty of studies detailing a long list of health effects of excessive noise. Leafblowers are low-hanging fruit to start to bring awareness to this issue and make a significant difference immediately. A sensible plan for phasing out the gas-powered ones over time, but not too long, would be better for landscaping employees … Read more

“Every Spring and Summer the landscapers use gas-powered leafblowers to move debris from [my apartment building] parking lot, the sidewalks, and even public streets. It does not remove debris — it just moves it out of sight onto the grass area, and generates a lot of unnecessary noise and air pollution.” — West End resident