On Dec. 21, The Blade reported on Sylvania City Council’s public hearing about a proposed zoning variance to allow a gun store and shooting range in the old Andersons Market building at 7600 W. Sylvania Ave. (“Sylvania residents share concerns with, support for proposed shooting range.”)
While the article began with an accurate reflection of the hearing, noting that “[a] number of Sylvania residents” voiced their opposition to the plan, it did not accurately convey the tenor of the hearing or the extent and diversity of opposition to Midwest Shooting Center’s petition.
Those who opposed the plan were in the majority. Doctors, educators, parents, and high school students expressed numerous valid concerns about the location in a suburban neighborhood, close to Southview High School and other schools. They voiced legitimate concerns about the safety of their children, their places of worship, the library so many students use, their homes. They also were concerned about the clientele the proposed facility might attract and the kind of gun culture it could foster. They spoke about property values and the message having a gun shop and shooting range sends about Sylvania as a community.
By not reporting on the extent and diversity of these opposing viewpoints but rather, emphasizing the petitioner’s claims about safety, employment, and revenue, The Blade article didn’t do justice to the seriousness of the issue or to the hearing, which was, in reality, a very powerful testament to how deeply Sylvania residents care about their safe, beautiful community.
FRAN CARY
Sylvania
Not all gun owners bad
In the Dec. 27 letter to the editor, “Block gun club proposal in Sylvania,” the letter writer asks what is wrong with us.
He lectures people about guns as if they are all irresponsible children. They are not. He cites gun shops as providers of death and destruction. Go tell the poor who cannot afford security, who live in high crime areas, and whose police force is now being threatened with defunding, that they should not have the right to protect themselves. If they choose not to, that is their right. But they should have the right to make that decision.
Are car companies responsible for citizens who irresponsibly get behind the wheel of a car and cause damage? What about alcohol companies? Let’s stop those as well because alcohol can lead to violence, which can cause death. Not to mention damage to the liver. How about pharmaceutical companies? We know drugs and pain relievers in the wrong hands can cause addiction and death. Let’s eliminate all drugs and pain meds as well.
Most things in the wrong hands can cause potential damage and destruction. Look, if you do not like guns, fine. That is your right, and you are entitled to your opinion about them.
However, no one is infringing on your rights or forcing you to own one.
But likewise, do not infringe on citizens who chose to own a firearm. Please do not paint everyone with a broad brush. Oh, by the way, we have a Second Amendment as well.
DOUG HARTNETT
Springfield Township
First Published December 29, 2020, 5:00 a.m.
