Picture this: you're looking to live in the quiet village of Clearview, West Virginia,, an area renowned for its low crime, friendly people and quiet neighborhoods, only to find surveillance equipment staring back at you from your potential new home’s front yard. That's the reality I, a resident of this wonderful village, face every day — a constant, Orwellian eye monitoring every move I make, diminishing the serenity and privacy one expects in their own abode.

This isn't just about discomfort—it's about value. My home, with its cozy corners and well-loved spaces, is more than shelter; it's an investment. And yet, my property value is taking a nosedive, with real estate agents and potential buyers deterred by the presence of a conspicuously-placed flock camera. Would you eagerly invest in a property where your every coming and going gets recorded? This intrusive gadget is more than a benign fixture; it's a deterrent, casting a dark shadow over my plans to sell and move on in the near future.

I understand the necessity of safety, but what about the safety of my investment and the sanctity of my home? Placing these devices in less intrusive locations, such as nearby public areas that still fulfill their purpose of community protection, seems a much more reasonable solution. Every resident deserves to feel secure without feeling violated or undervalued in their own neighborhood.

According to the 2024 estimate: about 189 households, with roughly 500 residents make up The Village of Clearview yet we have THREE flock cameras up here. 

Statistics show that often, visible invasive surveillance technologies can deter both buyers and renters. As supported by a study from the Urban Institute, the fear of constant surveillance ranked among the top ten reasons why individuals decide against purchasing homes in areas with excessive monitoring systems.

I have been to the Village Council meeting and made the request and received zero feedback. When I inquired if it is state approved, as the camera is located on the state easement, I was told the camera company takes care of that and no solid answers. I was brushed away by the council members. 

I am asking for the understanding and cooperation of village officials and local housing authorities in Clearview to relocate this public surveillance camera to a site that preserves both individual privacy and public safety, potentially near public spaces rather than invasive personal properties.

Join me in advocating for a balance—a balance where safety does not come at the cost of personal privacy and reasonable property valuation. Let's work together to move this flock camera to a more appropriate location, ensuring that our homes remain the sanctuaries they are meant to be.

Please, sign this petition today to support a fair compromise and protect our community's privacy and property value.