There are reports that 224 Bussey St. in Dedham, MA will be leased and occupied to a firearms dealer/shop. We, the citizens of Dedham, Massachusetts, oppose a gun shop in this location. This shop is within 0.2 miles of three public schools (elementary, middle, and high school) and within 550 feet of a neighborhood park where many children play. Several other elementary schools are within a five mile radius of this location.

It is unconscionable, in an era where our children are forced to practice "lock down" drills designed to train them how to protect themselves from armed intruders, to locate a gun shop anywhere in the vicinity of schools. The fear of armed intruders permeates their education, and placing a shop that sells guns and/or ammunition within immediate distance of schools is confusing to students at best, and sparks fears of access to them at school at worst. 

We call on the owner of the shop to exercise concern for the community, and most particularly its youngest and most vulnerable residents, and cease any action that would allow a gun shop to occupy the space. 

Please also express your concern to your local elected officials - 

Dedham Board of Selectman, freshideas@dedham-ma.gov

Dedham Public Schools, School Committee (https://www.dedham.k12.ma.us/Page/2101):

Kevin Couglin, Chairperson: kevincoughlin@gmail.com

Lisa Laprade, Vice-Chairperson: Llaprade18@gmail.com