I am a resident of Bakersfield Neighborhood in Nesbit, MS and live almost directly across the street from the commercial lot at the southeast corner of Malone Rd and Pleasant Hill Rd, which has been approved for a gas station/commercial development known as "Bakersfield Neighborhood Market." This issue is deeply personal to me as it threatens to disrupt the peace and tranquility of our residential neighborhood, as well as the property values of our beloved homes, and the health and well-being of our people.  This development will be in our front yards on Bakersfield Drive - not the busier main roads of Pleasant Hill and Malone.  

This proposed development threatens not only the peaceful ambiance of our community but also poses potential health risks. According to studies by Environmental Health Perspectives, living near a gas station can expose residents to harmful pollutants that can lead to serious health issues over time, including respiratory issues (my child suffers from severe asthma), anemia, and cancers.

Furthermore, commercial developments can significantly increase traffic congestion and noise pollution. This not only disrupts our peaceful living but also poses potential safety risks for children and pedestrians, as our neighborhood does not have sidewalks to allow pedestrians to safely navigate the streets of a commercial area.

Additionally, this development appears to have been planned "out of order" (i.e. Bakersfield Sec. D was approved, then the commercial lot plans, then Bakersfield Sec. C - the lots directly connected to the commercial lot - was approved and it was questionably stated these lots were "forgotten in the original plan") and the zoning classification seems to be inaccurate.  

Finally, the residents who are most impacted by this development, those who can see this lot from inside the walls of their home were never informed that this development was planned.  At bare minimum, these residents have the right to make an informed decision or be consulted in the planning process for a development which can cause safety, health, and financial implications.  Unfortunately, we were not given that opportunity.  

We understand that growth is important - our neighborhood has grown exponentially since this development and the site plans were approved; however, such growth and economic gain should not come at the expense of residents' health, peace, and well-being. We urge local authorities to reconsider this decision keeping in mind its impact on us - your constituents who call this neighborhood home.

Please sign this petition if you believe that our neighborhoods should be protected from this disruptive commercial development. Your signature will send a strong message about what we value most - our homes, peace of mind, safety for our children - over unnecessary commercial expansion.  We must protect our homes and families from such intrusive developments that prioritize profits over residents’ well-being.