West Linn resident urges council to consider phased ban on gas‑powered leaf blowers

A West Linn resident told the City Council on Jan. 6, 2025, that gas‑powered leaf blowers near her Suncrest Drive home are causing frequent noise and cited environmental concerns.

Teresa Coconower, speaking during the public comment period, said she has lived on Suncrest Drive for seven years and is home often because she is retired. She described gardeners operating gas‑powered leaf blowers three to seven days most weeks and sometimes multiple times per day, creating what she called a near‑constant noise nuisance. Coconower said she understood that the City of Portland has restricted gas‑powered blowers and urged West Linn to consider a similar, equitable phase‑out, noting she was mindful of gardeners’ livelihoods.

Council president Baumgartner (speaking for the council) and other members acknowledged the concern and said the issue has been discussed by the city’s sustainability advisory board and is on that group’s goals list for 2025; council members indicated the board plans to work on equitable approaches to reduce or phase out gas‑powered equipment. No council action or ordinance was proposed at the meeting; the comments were entered as public testimony for future consideration by advisory groups and staff.