The mayor of Lady Lake is calling for the implementation of a golf cart crossing across U.S. Hwy. 27/441 at Wales Plaza.
In an unexpected move, Mayor Jim Richards offered up the idea at Wednesday’s meeting of the Lady Lake Commission.
He was clearly motivated by the recent lack of access residents of the Historic Side suffered when flooding blocked entry to the golf cart bridge at U.S. Hwy. 27/441 in the wake of Hurricane Irma.
The bridge has since reopened as access to it is available at Paradise Park. Lady Lake police initially provided assistance for golf carts crossing U.S. Hwy. 27/441 at Boone Court.
However, the mayor made it clear he would like to see a crossing permanently put in place at Wales Plaza.
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The way the law is written, if the town has controlling interests on both sides of the roadway, it can provide access, the mayor said.
“We own both sides, Avenida Central and Wales,” said Richards, a resident of the Historic Side.
He said there would be a benefit to those residents who only have a golf cart. He noted that some of those residents are reluctant to use the golf cart bridge.
Commissioners Ruth Kussard and Paul Hannan, both residents of The Villages, expressed reservations about the idea.
“I am just wondering if this is going to open up a whole can of worms,” Kussard said.
She noted that outsiders, including Stonecresters, would have golf-cart access to The Villages if the crossing is put in place. Theoretically, Stonecresters would be able to roll up to the gate, push the button and gain golf cart access to The Villages.
Commissioners agreed to have town staff look into the matter.
Spruce Creekers lobbied for years to win golf cart access across U.S. Hwy. 27/441.
