The Noblesville Common Council met Dec. 19. Its next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 9 at city hall, 16 S. 10th St. All nine members of the council were present for the meeting. For more, visit cityofnoblesville.org.
What happened: The council heard a presentation for a golf cart ordinance presented by Councilor Chris Jensen.
What it means: “Over the last several years, the usage of golf carts has gone beyond golf courses around the city,” Jensen said. “Currently, golf carts are blatantly not allowed, but the law is written so it is difficult to enforce.”
The new ordinance allows golf carts to be used in Home Owners’ Association-governed subdivisions, to not exceed 25 miles per hour, to not operate on sidewalks or trails, and to only be used to cross roads if driven perpendicular to a road that does not exceed a 45 mph speed limit and only if it is to enter another subdivision also allowing golf carts. In the new ordinance, golf carts would not allowed to be used for general transportation throughout the city, and participating HOAs must display signs regarding the golf carts.
Noblesville Police Dept. Chief Kevin Jowitt said he did not believe it was safe to have golf carts and motorized vehicles coexisting on the road, but that this ordinance was a compromise observed by ordinances enforced in neighboring cities Fishers and Westfield. The council did not vote on the ordinance and will hold a second reading at its next meeting.
What happened: The council approved the vacation of 15th Street, 9-0.
What it means: The old 15th Street runs through the Boys and Girls Club parking lot and is currently out of service.
What happened: The council approved a resolution to the acquisition of .42 acres of real estate at 255 Nixon St., 9-0.
What it means: “This could bring a new downtown office building or restaurant,” Economic Development Director Judi Johnson said at the meeting. “It’s exciting to see the energy and growth occurring in the Federal Hill District, and I hope to see more economic development projects attracted for more growth in the downtown.”
A request for proposals to interested developers would occur in the first quarter of 2018. A possible development Johnson mentioned, since a minimum of two-story buildings is required in the downtown district, would be a restaurant on the first story and an office space on the second story.
