Salisbury residents demand traffic safety improvements amid rapid development concerns

The Salisbury City Council convened on March 18, 2025, to address various community concerns, focusing on public safety, infrastructure, and budget allocations. The meeting featured several residents voicing their opinions on pressing issues affecting their neighborhoods.

The first speaker, Mr. White, emphasized the need for adequate funding for the fire service, highlighting a critical shortage of personnel. He called for the hiring of 22 additional firefighters and two full-time fire inspectors to ensure the safety of citizens and visitors. His remarks underscored the importance of prioritizing human safety alongside economic development.

Following Mr. White, Mr. Jonathan Barbee, a resident of the Country Club Hills area, raised concerns about the rapid development in Salisbury and its impact on traffic safety. He urged the city to advocate for improvements from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to address increasing traffic issues, particularly on Old Mocksville and Sells Road. Barbee noted that residents have repeatedly requested simple traffic control measures, such as police speed checks, to combat speeding in their neighborhoods. He also pointed out the need for maintenance and stormwater infrastructure improvements in Eagle Heights, arguing that tax revenues from new developments should be reinvested into these growing areas.

Mr. Barbee further criticized the city’s capital improvement plans, suggesting that they disproportionately favor downtown projects at the expense of other neighborhoods. He expressed concern over the sustainability of the city's financial model, especially with rising taxes and property evaluations. He urged the council to reconsider budget allocations to better serve all areas of Salisbury.

The final speaker, Mr. Jeff Salibi, advocated for the installation of speed bumps in Eagle Heights, countering arguments that they would hinder emergency vehicle access. He shared personal experiences demonstrating that speed bumps could be navigated safely at the speed limit, suggesting they would enhance neighborhood safety without significantly delaying emergency response times.

The meeting concluded with a call for the council to reflect on the community's needs and to ensure that growth and safety measures are balanced effectively. The discussions highlighted a growing demand for infrastructure improvements and public safety measures in response to Salisbury's rapid development.