East Penfield residents have been plagued for many years with illegal hunting and backyard shooters.  We are tired of the trespassing, early morning and late night gunfire, and worrying about our livestock, our pets, ourselves, our children, and threatened with violence for reporting the offenders. An incident involving illegal hunting while children were getting ready to go outside and wait for their school bus prompted us to approach the town supervisor about the issue.  She agreed there was a problem and immediately moved the line (designated in the then called “no firearm discharge/hunting allowed” map) east to Route 250.  This move then afforded protection to the communities of  Cranberry Cove, Rocco Pines/Abbington Place, Helmsford, and Ashby, but left three town parks in the “hunting allowed” area.  She continued to work with us, however, her term expired in December, 2023, and the new supervisor has not only erased the changes she made but has now shut down all communications with us and has refused to reopen the issue without any explanation whatsoever.  This leaves all of the above mentioned communities, as well as the rest of us who all live east of “the line”, at the mercy of anyone who wishes to fire off a weapon for whatever reason.  Society today is largely indifferent and permissive.  Clearly the culture cannot be changed, and rules are not being enforced; the obvious solution…….change the rules (laws).

 In accordance with this we are petitioning the town to move the line (in the newly renamed “firearm discharge map”) further east where the density of the population is far less.  In addition we are asking the town to increase the 500 foot radius allowed for shooting.  This increase, combined with moving the line, would ensure a higher level of safety for all.   To be clear, we are not trying to take your guns away and make shooting illegal...this is a safety issue, nothing more.    Now is the time to act and by signing this petition you will be giving us your support.  This critical change needs to be made so that Penfield will be restored to a safe and enjoyable place to live, not only for us, but especially for our children and for generations to come.

Penfield Residents for Safety