Agenda - Council - 02/11/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Andrea Jay 14375 289th Ave. NW Zimmerman, MN 55893 Hello, My name is Andrea Jay. I am an employee of Little Me Childcare Center in Ramsey, MN. I am also a parent to two children that attend the daycare with me. I am writing this letter in regards to the approval of the upcoming business located next to the daycare facility. The idea of an indoor gun range next to my place of employment concerns me. I feel that the safety of my children, as well as 40 other children in our care, will be in an unsafe environment if Total Defense is approved. First and foremost, my concern is the safety of my children, the children enrolled in the center, parents and our staff. While it is true that guns are required to be kept safe and contained in a locked case, my biggest fear is the thought of somebody not properly doing this and a gun being fired. Our outdoor play facility is located next to the building that Total Defense is pursuing. Our children spend a great deal of time playing outside, especially in the summer months. We have large windows with many kids behind them in our care. As a parent, I would not want to take the slightest chance of such an accident happening. Second, my concern is the noise and disturbance an indoor gun range will create. We rely on our quiet and kid -friendly atmosphere. When the weather is warm out, our windows are sure to be open to let in the fresh air. The kids enjoy doing outdoor activities, games, and gardening. We were informed that there could be some noise heard from the rifle range. Our daycare is so close, that our children and parents will hear these noises. Some parents may not be comfortable with this thought and it will disturb our teachings. We follow a preschool curriculum and ready children for school. My third and last concern is my job security as well as my friends and coworkers. If this gun range is approved, we stand to lose many families and will face difficulties trying to enroll more. If the daycare business suffers, we suffer. I have worked with Little Me Childcare for almost two years and I love my job. I would hate to risk losing it. We treat each other like family and have built strong relationships with our parents. We want our place of employment to be successful. In conclusion, I strongly believe that the approval of this gun range is an unsafe and irresponsible idea. It is too close to small children and creates chance for dangerous accidents. I believe that Total Defense should seek their business elsewhere in Ramsey. A gun range being placed next to a school or daycare center is unheard of. Why take the chance of putting such young and innocent lives in harm's way?