We, the undersigned business owners, employees, residents, and community members, respectfully oppose the proposed closure of 177th Street between Highland and Hammond.

This roadway serves as a critical access point for businesses located along and near 179th Street. Closing 177th Street would leave these businesses with only one point of entry and exit, creating serious concerns for safety, traffic flow, and daily operations.

This change would directly affect local businesses, their employees, and customers. Reliable access is essential for daily operations, deliveries, and overall economic stability in the area.

In addition, emergency response times for fire, police, and medical services could be delayed, and increased traffic congestion would raise the likelihood of accidents in an already active business area.

Key concerns include:

• Public Safety: Limited access may delay emergency response times
• Traffic Congestion: A single entrance will increase bottlenecks and accident risk
• Business Impact: Reduced accessibility for employees, customers, and deliveries

While we understand maintenance and cost concerns, the long-term impact on safety, traffic, and local businesses outweighs the short-term savings.

We respectfully urge local officials to keep 177th Street open and to prioritize the safety, accessibility, and economic wellbeing of the businesses and community members who rely on it.