Board approves Casa Marina switch from scooters to 22 golf carts

The board unanimously approved a conditional‑use amendment at 1500 Reynolds Street allowing the Casa Marina to substitute 22 gas‑powered golf carts for the previously authorized 25 scooters.

Greg Orpiza, representing the applicant, said the carts will be parked in a designated area toward Higgins Beach to minimize impacts on neighboring properties. Planner Sheetal Almas said the code requires one parking space per three golf carts (eight required) and the applicant proposes 11 spaces; the site still shows an excess of parking after allocation. A submitted traffic statement concluded replacing scooters with 22 golf carts will reduce daily trips. A board member noted curb‑safety and scooter crash history in town and supported the swap as a safety improvement.

The board made a motion to find the conditional‑use criteria met and approve the amendment subject to staff conditions; the roll‑call vote was unanimous.