A complete ban on gas golf carts on Peachtree City’s paths in 10 years was temporarily postponed tonight.
But the ban is supported by three city council members, enough to insure its approval assuming no one changes their mind in coming weeks as the ordinance is tweaked and reintroduced.
Citizens criticized the initiative, with several citing the longer range gas golf carts provide compared to electric carts. And a local businessman told council that eliminating gas carts would “kill” his cart rental business because out of town visitors would be extremely limited in their range compared to gas golf carts.
It was also suggested by several residents that gas golf carts are widely used by senior citizens for their ease of use since they don’t have to be recharged. And some families who use a golf cart as a main form of transportation like the gas carts particularly for the extended range compared to electric carts.
Councilman Eric Imker, who supports the ban along with Councilman Doug Sturbaum and Mayor Don Haddix, said he feels technology will be dramatically improved in 10 years in terms of having better batteries for example that would provide a longer range.
Councilwoman Kim Learnard challenged that contention, saying if such technology was under development for golf carts, she wanted to hear about it before the ordinance would be adopted.
Learnard said she was extremely concerned the city would be passing legislation that would have such a negative impact on the city’s tourism and local businesses.
Councilwoman Vanessa Fleisch, who also opposed the gas golf cart ban, said the ban would devalue gas golf carts currently owned by residents.
Imker suggested the matter be tabled so the issue with gas cart rentals could be explored further.
Learnard said the city should also consider allowing gas cart exemptions for residents who depend on a cart as their main means of transportation and also for senior citizens.
After listing further potential exemptions, Learnard clarified she was being sarcastic, as she clearly opposed the ban on gas golf carts.
