Traffic congestion and road safety took center stage at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners Planning and Zoning meeting on May 19, 2025, as officials discussed the implications of a new development project. The proposed project, located near Trinity Catholic High School, is expected to significantly impact local traffic patterns, particularly on Seventh Avenue and County Road 475.

According to traffic studies presented during the meeting, 91% of the anticipated traffic from the project will funnel through a new northern driveway on Seventh Avenue, with an additional 9% using an access point on 29th Street Road. Current conditions indicate that the roads are already nearing capacity, with projections showing a decline in service levels from C to D by 2027 due to background traffic from other approved developments.

The analysis revealed that while the project technically meets the minimum level of service standards, it falls dangerously close to failing conditions, particularly on critical intersections like 30 Second Street and Seventh Avenue. Local residents voiced concerns about existing congestion, citing personal experiences of severe backups during peak hours. One resident described the road conditions as "horrible," emphasizing the urgent need for improvements.

Moreover, safety concerns were highlighted, with data indicating 25 crashes in the area over the past five years, averaging five incidents annually. The combination of increased traffic and existing road deficiencies raises alarms about the potential for further accidents and delays.

As the meeting concluded, officials acknowledged the pressing need for infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the projected traffic increases and enhance safety for all road users. The discussions underscored the importance of addressing these challenges before the development moves forward, ensuring that Marion County's roads can support both current and future demands.