Mount Clemens amends Macomb Place Mall rules to allow pedal-powered events, keeps ban on skateboards and adopts pedicab fees

Mount Clemens commissioners held the first reading Feb. 1 of an amendment to the Macomb Place Mall ordinance and directed staff to refine language ahead of a Feb. 16 second reading. The proposed change responds to requests from the Downtown Development Authority and others seeking to permit bicycle events and improve walkability downtown.

Staff explained that the city attorney drafted an amendment to repeal section 14.209, which had broadly prohibited the riding of bicycles and other pedal-powered devices in the mall. During the meeting, several commissioners and business-district representatives expressed concern that removing the prohibition wholesale could allow skateboards and other devices that have caused damage downtown.

‘‘We had some events downtown that were bicycle events driven by bicycles, and it was really against the ordinance to have them riding through our towns,’’ a commissioner said while urging a targeted change. Commissioners debated whether to remove the prohibition for pedal-powered contrivances while keeping prohibitions on scooters, roller skates, roller blades and skateboards.

A motion to amend the ordinance to eliminate the blanket ban on pedal-powered vehicles but retain prohibitions against scooters, roller skates, roller blades and skateboards passed by roll call vote. The commission instructed the city attorney to prepare the revised ordinance language for second reading and adoption on Feb. 16.

Separately, the commission approved a resolution establishing a fee schedule for pedicab transportation licensing. Staff recommended fees mirror similar licensing structures already in place; licenses will expire Dec. 31 each year. The fee schedule includes a $5 operator badge fee per person to provide operator identification.

Commissioners said they would consult the DDA and other downtown stakeholders before finalizing amended ordinance language to balance event access, business concerns and public safety.