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Proposal for golf cart communities stalls with Forsyth commissioners
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A proposal that could have brought golf carts to certain county roads will not move forward.

Forsyth County commissioners voted 4-0, with District 1 Commissioner Pete Amos absent, at a recent work session to withdraw a proposal to change the county’s unified development code to allow for the carts on certain county roads, similar to an ordinance in Peachtree City.

“If this gave connectivity from neighborhood to neighborhood or something like that, something like Peachtree City, [or] we had multi-use sidewalks that were separate for them and they had a bigger impact … I might be more in favor,” Chairman Todd Levent said.

County Attorney Ken Jarrard said the proposal included the county being in charge of paying for signs – they would need to be placed on state routes entering the county and any roads allowing the carts – and instituting and enforcing regulations, such as a permitting the carts and determining where the carts would be allowed.

“It is an ordinance that allows a governing authority … to basically designate two sorts of arterials for these golf carts: public roads that are golf cart-friendly … and public pathways that are [cart]-friendly,” Jarrard said.

Though it is not allowed, Jarrard said it is likely golf carts are already being driven around residential neighborhoods.

Two public hearings were held on the proposed change, during which there were no polarizing opinions.

Commissioners also said they have received little public outcry for allowing the carts.

“To my knowledge, there was one subdivision where a guy made a request and came to [District 1 Commissioner Pete Amos],” Engineering Director John Cunard said.

Since the item was withdrawn rather than denied, it can be bought back to the table with another two public hearings.