We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders of Gulfport, Mississippi, respectfully petition the City of Gulfport to install traffic lights at the intersection of Rippy Road as part of the upcoming widening project on Washington Avenue.

Reason for Petition:

The current ingress and egress to the Bayou Vista Golf Course and the Gulfport Lake public boat launch presents significant challenges and safety concerns. With the proposed additional lanes along Washington Avenue and the corresponding increased traffic, the absence of traffic lights will exponentially heighten the risk of accidents creating an unsafe environment for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Points of Concern:

1.  High Traffic Volume:  Bayou Vista Golf Course serves over 25,000 golfers annually, in addition to hosting high school golf tournaments and various charity events. This influx of visitors increases traffic significantly, necessitating controlled access for safety.
2.  Demographics of Golf Course Patrons:  Many golfers and visitors to the Bayou Vista Golf Course are senior citizens, who may face difficulties navigating an uncontrolled intersection. Their safety is paramount, and traffic lights would greatly assist in ensuring their safe passage.
3.  Increased Use of the Boat Launch:  The Gulfport Lake public boat launch is heavily utilized and is currently being expanded to accommodate more users. Many of these boaters operate large vessels, making it crucial to have safe, controlled access during peak hours.
4.  Heavy Truck Traffic:  The wastewater treatment plant on Rippy Road receives weekly access from several semi-trucks. The presence of these large trucks further complicates and heightens the risk of accidents at an uncontrolled intersection.
5.  Potential for Accidents:  An uncontrolled intersection at Rippy Road could lead to dangerous situations, particularly as traffic increases. The addition of traffic lights would help mitigate the risks of accidents and enhance safety for everyone using the area.

Conclusion:

 We strongly urge the City of Gulfport to include the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Rippy Road as a necessary enhancement that will benefit the safety of the patrons of these facilities and all residents in the area. The well-being of our community should be a priority, and this important addition will ensure safer access to vital recreational facilities.