I reside in our shared community and have personally experienced the frustrating and hazardous conditions of our main road Islip Ave (111) and Highway Ramps — both as a driver and a pedestrian. Over the past year alone, I have had to replace six tires due to the poor road conditions and my vehicular shock absorbers are worn. More alarmingly, the dangerous state of our roads makes it especially difficult, and indeed risky, to bring our vehicles to a halt under rainy conditions.

Our local businesses, too, are not immune from the effects of these conditions as they are hindered in their ability to effectively provide their services, affecting local commerce. It is clear, our current conditions are not just inconveniences but they also pose significant safety risks and economic impediments.

Road conditions significantly influence vehicular wear-and-tear, crashes and traffic congestion. In fact, according to TRIP, a national transportation research group, driving on rough roads increases vehicular operating costs by approximately $600 per motorist per year due to accelerated vehicle depreciation, additional repair costs, and increased fuel consumption and tire wear.

Our community deserves better. It is imperative that our local government addresses our concerns and invests in immediate infrastructural improvements — focusing on repairing the rough roads and enhancing the signal lights sensors for more efficient traffic control. Better road conditions will not only reduce vehicular damage and enhance safety, but will also improve commute times and boost local business operations.

Please join me in calling for these much needed improvements in our community. Sign this petition and share on your Instagram, Facebook stories to urge our local government to prioritize and address these pressing infrastructural issues.