WEST POINT — The West Point Town Council will hold a public hearing later this month on the use of golf carts in town after receiving a petition from more than 100 supporters.
The move has divided the Town Council amid safety concerns, however.
Council member James Pruett told the Town Council on Sept. 30 that the Community Development and Public Works Subcommittee reviewed a draft golf cart ordinance earlier this month.
The Town Council earlier held off on a public hearing date pending feedback from the Virginia Department of Transportation, which it has since received. A public hearing is now scheduled for the next Council meeting on Oct. 28.
In late August, West Point resident Holly Sowinski submitted a petition signed by about 130 citizens in support of an ordinance on streets posted with a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
“This petition has received strong support from residents who believe that allowing golf carts will provide many benefits for our community,” she wrote.
The residents excluded Chelsea Road, except for stretches with a 25 mph limit, Thompson Avenue, Magnolia Avenue, King William Avenue and 14th Street.
“By adopting the ordinance in terms of exclusions, the law will be simpler, easier to enforce, and clearer for residents. Residents will be able to use golf carts safely and conveniently throughout most of the town, while high traffic or safety sensitive areas remain protected,” Sowinski wrote.
“Golf carts offer a safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation,” the petition continued. “Beyond convenience, this change will encourage community interaction, provide an accessible option for short-distance travel, and foster a stronger, more connected neighborhood.”
The Town Council is less enthusiastic about a golf cart ordinance that would cover the whole town and it remains to be seen how comprehensive the ordinance will be.
On Aug. 26, the council voted 4-3 to proceed with obtaining VDOT safety approvals for an ordinance in the Country Club Estates area, a golfing community where many residents already erroneously use golf carts.
At the time, Council voted against working with VDOT to assess whether golf carts should be allowed in other parts of the town.
“I think it is something we need to look more at, but we also need to keep the town safe,” Mayor Jack Lawson said at the time. “It’s a want, but not a need.”
“This is not going to happen overnight,” Lawson said. “Nor should it. This is a safety concern, and my number one job on this council, in my opinion, is to keep this town safe.”
Golf carts are a familiar sight in West Point, according to Town Manager John Edwards, who has repeated concerns about safety.
David Macaulay, Davidmacaulayva@gmail.com