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The New Baltimore City Council approved a pair of updates to the community’s golf cart ordinance on May 13.
Under the new rules, registered golf carts may cross state trunk lines, highways or county roads using the most direct line of crossing. Golf carts still cannot be operated on those roadways, except to cross.
At the recent city council meeting, New Baltimore Police Chief Randy Blackburn recommended limiting crossing on 23 Mile Road to east of Lempke Street. Council members accepted the recommendation and included it in the ordinance update.
“If we approve this and not have any stipulations on how far west they can cross, they’re going to be able to use Birch and Cypress to cross all five lanes of 23 Mile Road … so that’s my concern,” Blackburn said. “It’s five lanes. “It’s even busier than Green Street.”
A second change reduces the maximum speed limit for roads on which golf carts may be operated from 35 mph to 30 mph, in compliance with state law.
Officials said they plan to continue discussions about golf carts crossing County Line Road. Using the road or adjacent pedestrian path to cross is still prohibited.
“That’s a pedestrian walk, and the law says a pedestrian walk does not qualify for golf carts,” City Attorney Tim Tomlinson said.
Three golf cart incidents have been documented by the city’s police department since the ordinance was rolled out in 2021, Blackburn said, at a council meeting last month. All involved juveniles operating golf carts in city parks.
City council member David Duffy made the motion to adopt the ordinance amendment, supported by council member Jacob Dittrich and unanimously approved. Council members Jason Harvey and Mel Eason were absent from the May 13 meeting.
Solar Skin Residents who own golf carts must register every calendar year with the city’s code enforcement officer by calling 586-725-2151, ext. 113.