'Complete hazard': Frustrations growing over inactive traffic signal in Palm Bay

Palm Bay residents frustrated over traffic light delay

Residents in a Palm Bay neighborhood are frustrated over a traffic light that is not functioning. They say it causes traffic delays and puts pedestrians safety at risk. FOX 35's Esther Bower spoke to some residents about their concerns.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - Neighbors are fed up with a traffic light that hasn’t been turned on for nearly a year in Palm Bay.

More homes are constantly being built in the area just off St. John’s Heritage Parkway so there’s a lot more traffic.

Now, people are worried about public safety since the light is just sitting there.

The light causing concern is at the Babcock and Mara Loma intersection in southeast Palm Bay.

Local perspective:

"Oh my god, I have to take a Xanax just to get out to the traffic," exclaimed Kristi McKinney who lives near the signal.

She says stress is at an all-time high for people in the Waterstone subdivision because the traffic light’s been covered in trash bags for way too long.

Kristi McKinney, Resident

"I’d say at least maybe six months to a year. It hasn’t progressed. Nothing’s changed," she said.

Mckinney isn’t the only one who’s concerned.

"This traffic light has just been here nonoperational, it never worked, it was never turned on. It’s just been a complete hazard," said Bruce Sokolovic.

FOX 35’s Esther Bower asked these homeowners how they felt that the nearby Publix was erected quicker than activating the light.

"Do you really want to know how I feel?," said McKinney. "That should have been taken care of. The light should have been taken care of before any extra traffic come through the area."

The new grocery store is making the street traffic busier, and residents say they can’t even walk to the store because there’s no sidewalk. Since the traffic light isn't working, they don't feel safe crossing the street.

"Can somebody from my local representation here look into this and get some movement?" asked Sokolovic.

Fox 35 found out even though the light is technically in Palm Bay, the permitting is going through Brevard County, and there’s an issue with the government and the developers.

Don Walker with the county said in a statement:
"The developer has not finished the work and they are proposing changes that can’t be permitted. That’s the snag."

That snag is now a setback for safety and still no clear timeline for when the light will turn on.

"This light is important. It’s important for pedestrian safety. It’s important for traffic safety. It’s important for the entire community," concluded Sokolovic.

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