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GoogleThe town of Bloomfield currently has an ordinance that prohibits golf carts from being driven in town.
Town attorney John Rowe was called on by Council President Eric Harrah to explain the legalities of the golf cart issue.
Rowe said, "Golf carts do not appear to qualify as vehicles that can be operated on public streets."
He added that state statute allows low-speed vehicles to be driven on streets if they meet certain criteria such as speed and safety and are licensed and titled but golf carts do not fall under these guidelines.
"The town has the power to regulate or prohibit low-speed vehicles but a golf cart is not a low-speed vehicle," Rowe stressed.
In attendance was newly-elected Council member Jo Ann Carmichael, who noted other communities in the county permit golf carts to be driven on the streets.
She also asked if there was anyway to make golf carts legal in the town of Bloomfield.
Rowe replied, "I don't think that's an option."
Low-speed statutes specifically say that golf carts do not qualify and it may be that some communities look the other way, Rowe added. But, these laws are recent and are evolving.
Harrah joined the discussion by noting that some communities may have permitted golf carts to be driven in town prior to the passing of such statutes.
"It's frustrating," he added--noting that scooters can legally be driven on the streets by 15 year-olds, but golf carts cannot be driven on the streets by anyone.
In other business, Michelle Carrico, a representative of Southern Indiana Development Commission, informed the public that the town of Bloomfield was again applying for a housing rehabilitation grant totaling $330,000--which if received the town would supply a 10 percent match of $625.
The grant would cover costs of updating up to 20 houses within the town limits, she said. Guidelines would require qualified applicants to have a low to moderate income as well as be single or elderly, among others.
If awarded the grant could cover a maximum of $12,600 of updates per home, she said.
December 3 is the application deadline for those residents interested in applying.
Harrah explained, "We were turned down the first time. This is the second time we're applying for this…Linton and Worthington have had several of them (approved)."
Carrico noted that Bloomfield did not make the cut during its first grant application, but the town still has a good chance of being awarded the housing rehabilitation grant.
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I really think that Bloomfield has more pressing matters to worry about than if we can have golf carts on the streets or not.
Like with property taxes everyone needs to be contacting their legislator before the session. It would not be that hard to amend the ATV law to cover golf carts. Let them know what you want or don't cry about what you get or don't get.
But if it is what the citizens want you have to listen and investigate. In the meantime Bloomfield is the only place in the county where the town specifically says they aren't allowed. All they are really doing is reiterating state law. A golf cart is illeagel to drive on any street even in Linton. The Linton police just chose to ignore it.
Bloomfield my have more pressing matters to worry about, but it looks like the town cares what the citizens want.
Vehicles of all kinds, shapes, and sizes
legally use our streets: bicycles, scooters,
cars, trucks, farm tractors, farm combines,
horse & buggies, etc. Approve the use of
golf carts and move on. A horse drawn vehicle does not require registration, insurance, or Town Board legislation. What
is the problem that has not been self-inflicted or self-imposed. Simply, there
isn't one. Communities all across our great
Nation allow golf carts on their streets. And, all the while we wonder why our towns
and county can't grow and prosper.
The real benefit to the law overlooking safe usage is that it also gives them an avenue to deal with people who have no regard for others. That being said, it is inappropriate for any elected or appointed official to claim or state that the usage would be allowed, in violation of a state law. Don't ask dont tell
Golf carts: let them on the streets. Maybe it IS a secret way to let communities grow and prosper that "the man" has been hiding from us for all these years!
Housing Rehab: I don't get the housing grant of $330k being matched at 10% coming to $665. I am fairly ignorant on these types of fiscal issues so maybe it is a correct number, though my little brain says it should be $33k. Maybe its kind of like a convict receiving a life sentence but being eligible for parole in 7 years. Government numbers, to me, are like dog years.
Last week there was an accident at the intersection involving a pedestrian in a motorized wheel chair and he was just crossing the street. I am afraid that there would be a lot of accidents involving golf carts. Golf carts are great machines but are not traffic worthy. If a car would rear-end a golf car the people riding would be injured. I think Bloomfield should consider all the risks before allowing this to happen. I don't like to rain on anyone's parade but is there a real need for this? Just curious.
According to Indiana code a golf cart is a motor vehicle. Therefore it must be registered and plated according to state law but of course the BMV won't plate it. So thank our state government for this confusion. If a police officer sees someone speedign should that officer stop that person??? Likewise if an officer sees someone operating an unlicesened vehilce should he stop them??? I say yes... no matter if it is a car or a golf cart.
I think that those in favor of golf carts, etc will change their mind quickly after someone is seriously injured or killed while driving one.
america how shallow can you be... Comparing choking on food to a golf cart... come on... Food is a need, golf cart is a want.