Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 12/26/2023
HATFIELD — During its meeting on Dec. 12, the Hatfield Select Board discussed the idea of sending a letter to the state asking the Legislature to consider drafting laws that would allow the operation of golf carts on the town’s roads.
According to Michael Dekoschak, the chief of Hatfield Police, driving golf carts on Hatfield roads is an illegal activity, but Dekoschak said that many people still utilize them in town for various reasons.
“It started with a couple farmers years ago, which was no big deal, but it seems to have caught on to the point where a lot of people are using these golf carts to go to Fishtails, or to go to the store, or to come down to the concerts during the summertime,” Dekoschak said. “We as a Police Department can’t ignore that … if something were to happen, it would open us up to liability.”
To curb this issue, Dekoschak said he has talked to state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton) about the possibilities of drafting legislation that would legalize the operation of golf carts in town and also allow the town to regulate their use. He said Sabadosa has been receptive to the idea.
Dekoschak added that the regulation of the golf carts would include insuring them and getting registered with the town.
“I don’t disapprove of golf carts on the road, but we have to do something to allow that happen so it’s legal to happen,” Dekoschak said. “I know there are a few people in town who are optimistic that this is something we can get done.”
Since Massachusetts is different from a place like Florida, where golf cart regulations for communities are more commonly delineated, Dekoschak said this is different territory.
Currently, Massachusetts General Law only allows golf cart operation crossing public ways when the golf cart is used in conjunction with a golf course and when certain liability insurance requirements are met.
“We’re inventing the wheel when it comes to this sort of thing in Massachusetts, so it starts with us penning a letter to the Legislature asking them to take this up,” Dekoschak said.
Diana Syznal, the chair of the Select Board, also supported the idea of allowing golf carts on the road and added that she wants to see residents operate them safely.
“I think we should look into it and do what we can try to do so people can continue to use these,” Syznal said. “It’s really become a thing here.”
Smith Academy pavilion
Richard Abbott, the chair of the Open Space Committee, also provided updates to the Select Board about the construction process for the pavilion being built at Smith Academy Park.
Abbott told the board that the Open Space Committee received a bid from Keiter Builders, a local construction services company, for the construction of the pavilion.
According to their website, Keiter has managed many key construction projects in the area that range from residential projects, to real estate to other types of sitework.
Keiter was one of three bidders for the project.
“We think they’ll do a good job,” Abbott said of Keiter.
The Select Board officially accepted the contract with Keiter. Abbott said that construction for the pavilion is set to begin on April 15.