NORTH AUGUSTA, SC. (WRDW/WAGT) – City leaders began discussions Monday on potentially allowing golf carts to operate on city roads during nighttime hours.
This is a move that could expand the popular daytime transportation option.
The conversations follow a South Carolina bill passed in May that allows cities to create their own ordinances around golf cart usage. The legislation was sponsored in part by local State Representative Bill Hixon.
Golf carts are already a common sight on North Augusta’s main roads during daylight hours, particularly in neighborhoods as the weather cools off.
Mixed reactions from local businesses
Matt Kelly, broker and owner of Wrkhorse Real Estate, supports the expansion, citing convenience and lifestyle benefits.
“You’ve got the Publix right there. You’ve got all sorts of shopping and retail. So from a lifestyle perspective, in my opinion, you can live a full life down here with just a golf cart,” Kelly said.
Kelly sees the potential change as beneficial for community growth.
“There’s tons of, just tons of situations where that will just be even more convenient,” he said. “I’d be surprised if you can find one person with a negative outlook on it.”
However, some business owners have concerns about parking limitations.
Melina Valentine, manager of Antonio’s Italian Eatery, worries about increased competition for parking spaces.
“I would honestly hope that they would not pass it for our parking lot. We already have so many businesses, so many employees, and it’s already hard for us to find parking,” Valentine said.
Valentine said she sees both sides of the issue.
“I honestly feel like it really just could be a 50-50. Would it benefit more people coming down if they had more space, then that’s fine. But then also it’s the parking for everybody else,” she said.
Growth versus current capacity
Kelly views the expansion as part of broader community development efforts.
“We see what it looks like to not grow in our area. And we see the frustrating situations that a lack of growth can be and what that can do to a community. So I would say you either get busy growing or you get busy dying,” Kelly said.
City Council is not voting on the proposal during Monday’s meeting, but rather starting the conversation about potential changes to current golf cart regulations.
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