I am writing this urgent petition due to a personal threat to my peaceful community by the imminent construction of the Hamilton County Regional Safety Complex. As a long-term resident of this area, I, along with many others, am fearful of the potential chaos, including unnecessary noise and stray bullets, which this huge gun range facility could bring.

If completed this facility would include:

• Sixty 100 yard shooting lanes
• Six 300 yard shooting lanes for sniper training
• Two 2 story 'barn houses' for move-and-shoot tactical training(which includes using concussion grenades and explosive door breaching)
• Areas for bomb disposal training
• A K-9 training facility
• Classrooms

The Fort Scott/New Baltimore/West Colerain area has always been a safe and serene area, beloved for its tranquility and friendly appeal. With the proposed project, that harmony is at stake. It is estimated that the Safety Complex could accommodate hundreds of visitors each day. The incessant sound from weapon discharge could not only disrupt our daily lives but could also affect the mental health of residents, as various studies suggest that noise pollution leads to increased stress levels (United States Environmental Protection Agency).

Beyond the noise implications, we must also address the risk of stray bullets. In 2020, an investigation carried out by The Trace and USA Today found that at least 363 incidents involving stray bullets were recorded in the U.S. alone. In 2 out of 3 instances, someone was hurt or killed. The proposed facility includes areas for tactical training such as door breaching and room clearing.  This will subject us to a much more increased risk of stray bullets than a standard static gun range. We simply cannot overlook the possible danger faced from stray bullets, especially with large numbers of children living nearby.

This petition, therefore, seeks immediate intervention to stop the construction of the Hamilton County Regional Safety Complex. The health, safety, and peace of our community should be of paramount importance and should never be compromised. Please join me in signing this petition and show your support in keeping our community safe and serene.

If you'd like to get involved please email the New Baltimore Safety Committee: NBSafety513@gmail.com