But one speaker’s comments on Wednesday drew a harsh rebuke from Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.
Vandalia resident Roger Bailey said Dayton has been hit hard by a natural disaster and then human tragedy, referring to the Aug. 4 shooting in the Oregon District.
MORE: Dayton prairie targeted for development, upsetting some
The tragedy involved “an unbalanced human being who had no respect for human life before the avoidable consequences that was caused for those left behind,” Bailey said.
“The same can be said of the developers who want to decimate Knoop prairie,” he continued. “They are selfishly thinking of the short-term gain it would bring to them and not the long-term painful consequences it would bring to those living in the area now and for future generations to come.”
Whaley at the end of the meeting said words matter and Bailey’s were objectionable.
“We can have lots of disagreements about the development of Knoop prairie,” Whaley said, “but to equate the people wanting to develop the prairie as a mass shooter — I find that incredibly offensive considering what has gone on in this community.”
Bailey during his time at the podium also said the redevelopment of the land would be disastrous to the environment, the water tables and local water ways.
An industrial project would harm Wiles Creek, which feeds Aullwood Audubon Center, and the city surely has other sites that are a good fit for a commercial building instead of “raping” beautiful prairie land, he said.
Bailey said the commission should do the right thing and stop the project. Commissioners will be remembered for either acting like heroes to save the prairie or will be remembered as selfish for allowing it to happen, he said.
Other speakers became emotional while asking the city to protect the prairie.
“Keep Dayton strong by protecting our natural resources, our water and specifically Paul Knoop prairie,” said Laurie Cothran, a Troy resident. “It’s definitely about love.”
Jane Henry, who lives south of Dayton, said it would be shortsighted and foolish to destroy a long-established prairie.
“It would give the Dayton area a black eye and send a very bad message if this were allowed to happen,” she said.
MORE: Dayton airport official says prairie redevelopment will bring 600-700 new jobs
About the Author
