A Safer Annapolis, One Intersection at a Time
- John Christian Diomaro
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
When we say “public safety,” we’re not just talking policy — we’re talking people. Real lives. Real neighbors. Real danger at corners we’ve all driven through far too many times.
In Annapolis, public safety means more than policies and procedures — it means protecting lives at the most local level. It means making neighborhoods safer not just in theory, but in action.
For years, the intersection at West & Gibraltar Streets was a site of near-daily accidents and tragic losses. Despite over 15 years of attempts, a permanent solution remained out of reach. But just months into her first term, Rhonda Pindell Charles brought City, County, State, and developer partners together, securing $225,000 for a long-overdue traffic signal. By July 11, 2020, the light was installed and operational. What had stalled for over a decade was completed in less than one year — thanks to leadership that prioritizes results.
Another long-standing concern was the Rt. 2 & Forest Drive intersection, particularly the northeast corner. Known for its high risk, this location had long demanded attention. After three years of studies, agency coordination, and sustained effort, a Right Turn Only sign and pavement arrow were installed, transforming a dangerous turn into a safer, more predictable passage.
These aren’t just road fixes. They are the result of steady, determined leadership that brings together the right people, focuses on community needs, and delivers solutions.
These improvements are more than infrastructure upgrades — they represent a deeper promise: that public safety means addressing the dangers residents face every day, not just the ones that make headlines.
Each completed project is a clear reflection of Rhonda Pindell Charles’s focus on collaboration, responsiveness, and results. By working across government levels and with private stakeholders, real change was delivered — quickly and effectively.
The message is clear: When leadership is focused and community voices are heard, Annapolis becomes safer — one intersection at a time.
And there’s more work ahead.
