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4/18/2011 7:37:40 AM
 
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Section 4: General Subject: Go Green with Golf Carts Msg# 786453
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Joe and Gang, I would like to pitch an idea at the May board meeting, but thought I would get some public feedback here on the forum first. I had it on Power Point but easily cut and paste it without graphics... I’ve pitched it to the 52 members of the Ocean Pines Corvette Club with 2 decenting votes. I feel it’s the elephant in the room and some have likely even tried in the past. But I think the timing is appropriate now, with new open minded members, changes at the golf course, changes in the yacht club and $4 a gallon gas. I also see it as another revenue stream for our association. Let Ocean Pines “Go Green” and use their golf carts [with modifications] to drive on our roads. I know Worcester County owns the roads now but Jimmy Bunting and gang will agree if we want it to fly. I also know the parkway could be a bit fast for them at first so I’ve recommended the speed to be lowered to 30 mph. See my attached power point slides and see if I’ve addressed the issues and effectively mitigated risk. Respectfully, Bill Haase, OPA member since 1989, full time business member and homeowner just off the truck route on the corner of St Martin’s and White Horse Slide 1 Authorize the use of Golf Carts [Cars] throughout the OP community for licensed operators… •Golf Cars will reduce the use of cars for short trips in OP [less fuel] more green
• Golf Cars can double parking capability
• Individual Golf Carts will bring more money to the golf course
• Trailer Fee for those who use their own Golf Carts [free money]
• Less carts needed at the course; lowers wear and tear, extends shelf life
• Potential Golf Car Sales from the Golf Pro shop [Revenue]
• Potential Golf Cart maintenance from Golf Course [Revenue]
• Golf Cars could bring money to OPA and subsidize other accounts
• Mandatory safety class/training from OP police [drive with traffic, same as auto…] $50
• Potential safety kits; OPA sticker, tape, reflectors, triangle, tape, flag etc. [$25]
• Annual safety check & registration sticker [minimum brake lights, tape, etc.] [$50]
• Sets our community apart from all others [or makes us like Villages, Fla]
• Lower “parkway” speed to 30 mph makes our roads safer all around for bikes, walkers etc
• Keeps our people going to our amenities [Golf, Yacht Club, Tennis, Pool, Country Club]
• Adds some more fun to our community; new social clubs, creativity and colors
Embrace the thought and wrap your arms around it; All positive outcomes…
•Slower speeds = Safer community [after 3 days no big deal try it]
–Educate our community and marketing campaign
•Go Green environmentally
–Obvious potential for environmental impact
–Sign of the times [ahead of the curve in this area]
•Go Green with our pocket books for a typical OP household
–One car and one golf car versus two cars
–Saves gas money
[Look at the cars in OP; how many people ride in them at a time]
•Likely revenue stream for OPA
–Golf course trailer fee
–Traffic Control; Registering, Training & Outfitting
–Coordinate with Omni Golf Dagsboro, De [upfront planning coord.]
•Sets us apart from other local communities [Montego Bay]
•Keeps our members going to our amenities
•Adds levity and another social organization
–Parades; It’s got to be fun
–Tricked out cars, displays and demonstrations
•Increases parking capacity at our amenities
•Golf Cars are unsafe vehicles on our roads…
–Who or what would you like to pass on Ocean Parkway @ 30 mph??
•Three cyclists doing 28 mph passing each other trying to go to the next tour-de-France
•Two 13 year olds with ipods in their ears, no helmets, on 49cc mopeds riding abreast
•At dusk wearing dark clothes, Mom and Dad pushing a side by side twin stroller down the street with two cute little girls
•Elderly couple driving a Golf Cart w/ golf bags; brake lights, turn signals, Hi-vis flag and reflective tape
•Lower 30 mph speed limit backlash [It’s only 3 miles, after 3 days, no big deal… try it]
•Back lots have tighter roads [today kids play, bikers bike, walkers walk. Next]
•Night time drivers [reflective tape, brake lights, signals, flags, etc]
•Under Age drivers [must own a drivers license, responsible adults, enforcement]
•Unregistered Golf Cars or Gators, Jazzes etc [enforcement]
•Insurance and liabilities are unknown [golf cars are authorized in 45 states]
•Worcester County owns our roads [And we can bully them I would think]
•Coordination with new golf contractor [add to contract agreement]
•Revenue losses on Cart Rental [lease] vs. Trailer Fee [do the math]
•Maintenance, break downs [OPA-AAA?? Have a plan – traffic issue like cars]
•Crossing RT 589 and driving on golf course roads [Nope can’t— even though geese can]
•New comers and unaware drivers [big signs- We are a GREEN GOLF CARS community]
•Funding for signage or increased personnel [Golf contractor, Police Dept, volunteers]
•Can’t do it year around due to snow and ice [okay- only 9 months no thanksgiving to Presidents day]
•Cell phone use or seat belt requirement… yes to both
•Marketing - campaign plan [embrace it]
•Establish a start date
–[based on goals; signage, trainers, volunteers, stickers, equipment, control]
•Don’t start in the summer
•30 days out, lower speed limit on Parkway to 30 mph
•Set “warning-ticket” speed traps
•Train the community and enforce the rules
–[enforce the marketing and campaign plan]
•Teach the operators and register the Golf Cars $$$
•Control our roads, environment and enforce rules
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OPA Board Meeting - Golf Clubhouse
5/24/2025 - 9:00 A.M. |
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OPA Board Meeting - Golf Clubhpuse
6/28/2025 - 9:00 A.M. |
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