Former Wayland Mayor Burrell Stein and citizen Amy DeShaw Monday night asked the Wayland City Council to reconsider earlier inaction and adopt an ordinance permitting use of golf carts.
“I would like to see the council discuss legalizing golf carts and side by sides” in the next meeting Aug. 1, DeShaw said.
Stein pointed out that the cities of Allegan and Fennville have local ordinances that permit and regulate golf cart use, as does Allegan County.
“We should adopt a golf cart ordinance,” the former mayor maintained. “I think it would be a benefit to the city. I think it’s something we should do. I don’t see anything complicated about it.”
Stein said such vehicles would be a big help to older citizens who want to get around the city of side streets and sidewalks without having to buy gasoline for cars and SUVs. He said he used a golf cart within the city limits to help stage the annual Memorial Day parade.
City Manager Josh Eggleston said the issue was brought before the Public Safety Committee and then a council a couple of years ago. However, the idea did not garner even one vote of support in open session of the council. It was believed golf carts would just create more public safety headaches.
Stein agreed golf carts should not be permitted on state roads and major streets that have a lot of traffic, but they could be beneficial in helping senior citizens get to restaurants, Harding’s Market and other places of business.
No action was taken on the proposals, but there may be further discussion.
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