As a concerned resident of Azalea Park, FL, USA, I am writing this petition to urge local authorities to reconsider their decision to install a median on Goldenrod Road, which would prevent vehicles from turning left at the exit of Leaders Preparatory School and Masjid Al-Rahman. Instead, I strongly advocate for the installation of traffic lights in this area.

I am a concerned parent of three children currently attending LPS and a member of The Islamic Society of Central Florida (ISCF). ISCF has been an integral part of our community since its establishment in 1973, serving people from all walks of life, regardless of their religious beliefs or economic backgrounds. The society provides comprehensive social, religious, educational, economic, and interfaith services to enhance the lives of individuals residing in Central Florida. ISCF also offers many other services to the community, and its offices are located along Goldenrod Road.

These services include:

Paradise Food Pantry, which assists low-income individuals and families in need with free food.
A Free Healing Clinic that officially serves community members considered to be in the low-income bracket.
Muslim Social Services, which provides a resale store for clothing and household items sold at a low cost to cover the operating expenses of MSS and to support MSS programs and services. Eligible individuals and families in need may also access clothing at no cost.

In addition to the valuable community services provided by ISCF, there are many homes, apartment communities, and small businesses along Goldenrod Road that would be adversely affected by the placement of a median.

We currently face ongoing safety issues due to the hazardous conditions created by FLDOT during a STATE ROAD project. This project did not allocate budgetary resources for road safety measures, and there are no Sheriff officers or State Patrol officers present during the construction of the additional lane on Goldenrod Road. There is an urgent need for improved safety measures at the exit point shared by Leaders Preparatory School, Horizons Day Care, Masjid Al-Rahman, the Free Healing Clinic, and Azalea Cove Community.

The current plan to construct a median in this location, instead of installing traffic lights, raises significant concerns regarding accessibility and safety for both pedestrians and motorists along North Goldenrod Road. As we are all aware, Goldenrod Road is infamous for the annual occurrence of traffic crashes.

Here are the reasons for advocating the installation of traffic lights:

Safety First: Studies conducted by reputable organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have shown that traffic lights are effective in reducing accidents at intersections.

High Pedestrian Volume: Leaders Preparatory School, Horizons Day Care, Masjid Al-Rahman, the Free Healing Clinic, Azalea Cove Community, and the Christian Church attract a large number of pedestrians and vehicles to the area.

Convenient Access: Traffic lights will ensure smooth traffic flow during peak hours while allowing pedestrians ample time to cross safely.

Improved Visibility: Unlike medians that may obstruct visibility when turning onto or exiting from these locations, traffic lights provide clear signals that help prevent collisions.

By choosing to install traffic lights instead of a median at this crucial intersection point between Azalea Cove community, Leaders Preparatory School, and Masjid Al-Rahman, as well as the surrounding small businesses and apartment communities, we can ensure the safety and accessibility of all community members. This decision will benefit the broader Azalea Park community.

I kindly request that local authorities reconsider their plans and prioritize the well-being of our community members by installing traffic lights at this location. Additionally, I request the deployment of a Sheriff outside our school during public STATE ROAD construction activities.

Together, let's create a safer environment for everyone in Azalea Park, ensuring that our children, families, and community members can navigate these roads without fear. Let us not compromise the safety and well-being of those we hold dear; instead, let compassion and safety guide our decisions. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and for taking action to protect our loved ones on Goldenrod Road.

Sincerely,

Carolina Lorenzi