During a recent government meeting, local business owners voiced strong opposition to a proposed zoning change that would allow for the construction of a new gas station on Malabar Road in Palm Bay. Concerns centered around traffic congestion and safety issues in an area already struggling with heavy vehicle flow.

Chris Thomas, a business owner in the vicinity for 15 years, highlighted that the existing infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle the additional traffic that a gas station would bring. He pointed out that the proposed plans would funnel traffic into an alleyway not designed for such use, exacerbating congestion and creating potential hazards for local businesses and their customers.

Another local business owner echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the traffic patterns in the area are already problematic. He raised questions about the proposed entrances and exits for the new business, noting that navigating the busy intersections of Babcock and Malabar Roads is challenging and dangerous.

Bill Batten, a resident, questioned the necessity of changing the zoning when a conditional use permit could suffice for the proposed business. He expressed concerns about safety, particularly regarding the difficulty of making left turns onto busy roads and the potential for increased accidents.

Steve Abbott, who owns a business directly behind the proposed site, raised issues about the alleyway's capacity for handling increased traffic, especially during peak hours when deliveries and loading activities occur. He warned that the proposed changes could disrupt operations for existing businesses that rely on that space.

In response to the concerns raised, the applicant stated that a traffic study had been conducted, indicating that the new development would not significantly impact traffic on Malabar Road. They assured attendees that the primary entrance would be off Malabar Road, not Babcock, and emphasized that any new business would generate some level of traffic, regardless of its nature.

The meeting concluded with a clear divide between local business owners advocating for the preservation of their operational environment and the applicant's assurances of minimal impact, leaving the future of the proposed zoning change uncertain.