Over the past decade, the city of Vandalia in unison with Dayton and Butler Township has decided to enact projects that directly affect the community, our lifestyle and our cherished memories. Our residential property was forcibly converted into office space and light industrial zones without any given notice. Further to this, harassment in the form of threatening messages, bearing news of unexplained violations and punitive fines became a part of our lives. The anxiety led to a severe health problems, which only compounds our frustration at the situation.

Now, the municipalities are set to construct an unnecessary first-of-it's kind 11-foot wide sidewalk. This sidewalk has no logical terminus, leading to many calling it "The sidewalk to nowhere”.  

Unfortunately, the devastation doesn't stop at our doorstep. This project requires the confiscation of properties that have been owned by families for generations. The justification for such a massive undertaking falls flat when one considers that none of the businesses along the proposed route are ones that would benefit from pedestrian traffic. Moreover, only five houses abut the planned path.  The path will run a disrespectful distance from the Forest Hills Memorial Gardens where the closest graves have people gathered daily to pray.  

The small community of Ginghamsburg located in Miami County, just north of the project route is being kept in the dark; even with Miami County commissioners being involved with the project. 

This project doesn't serve any discernible purpose for the public. Instead, it stands to disempower individuals and families who have built their lives in this community.  

We urge you, the people of Vandalia, Dayton, Butler Township, Tipp City and beyond, to stand together against this unnecessary, expensive, and intrusive project. It's time for our voices to be heard and our properties to be left in peace. Please sign this petition to halt the sidewalk project and demand fair treatment from our local government.  The joint Board of County Commissioners of Montgomery and Miami counties will host a public viewing of their plans on Tuesday April 8th 2025 at 2:30pm in room 1001, 10th floor, County administration building, 451 West 3rd Street, Dayton Ohio, 45422.