During a recent Gulfport city council meeting, residents voiced strong concerns regarding city planning and zoning decisions that they believe threaten their community's safety and well-being. The meeting featured a series of passionate testimonies from local citizens, highlighting issues related to proposed industrial developments, traffic enforcement, and community health.

Kelvin Barnett, a resident and community advocate, likened the city's planning process to a game of Monopoly, criticizing the council for prioritizing development without considering the impact on families, particularly children. He expressed alarm over plans for a freezer facility near residential areas, emphasizing the need for safer environments for children to play.

Sandra Weiss echoed Barnett's sentiments, expressing frustration over the city's tendency to place industrial facilities in predominantly Black neighborhoods. She condemned the council for allowing developments that could harm the community, including a proposed chicken processing plant and an ammunition plant, which she argued could pose health risks due to potential asbestos exposure.

Sammy Wiseman raised concerns about the economic implications of such developments, questioning the decision to relocate a chicken plant to an area already burdened with health issues. He urged the council to consider the broader economic development needs of Gulfport rather than focusing on short-term solutions that could harm residents.

Traffic safety was another significant topic, with James Cyrils, a volunteer crossing guard, calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws. He highlighted the dangers posed by reckless driving in the city and urged the council to prioritize public safety.

Dr. Brenda Matthews, representing Saint Mark United Methodist Church, requested that the council reconsider zoning decisions affecting the church's vicinity, particularly regarding the proposed freezer facility. She emphasized the need for community input in such decisions.

Residents also raised concerns about inadequate drainage and code violations in their neighborhoods, with Martha Jones Polk detailing ongoing issues with a nearby property that has become a nuisance.

Overall, the meeting underscored a growing frustration among Gulfport residents regarding city planning decisions that they feel prioritize industrial growth over community health and safety. The council faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and engage more thoughtfully with the community in future planning efforts.