Requests for more transparency about NATO plans are being made to Dayton City Commission

DAYTON, Ohio (WEF)-- Dayton United for Human Rights writes to the city asking for more transparency about NATO planning, including peaceful protests.

As the city continues to roll out plans, some community members are asking for more transparency from policymakers and city leaders.

“The news kind of all came out at once and people were pretty excited and surprised, but as things started to develop, I think we realized that there wasn't as much transparency as people were hoping for as far as, like, the planning goes," said Keslina Luoma, a board member of Dayton United for Human Rights and a licensed social worker and mental health therapist.

She said DUHR sent a letter to the city commission and city manager with three main concerns: RTA routes, budget, and protesting. Dayton United for Human Rights is a volunteer non-profit organization advocating for the protection of human rights.

“Part of being in accordance with human rights is allowing people to have that free space to express themselves as needed, uplifting their dignity and social service resources such as the public transportation," added Luoma.

Regarding protesting, a gated parking lot on the corner of East Second Street and North Jefferson Street has been designated as a demonstration area. The Dayton Police Department said the area is meant for demonstrators to express their first amendment right to protest without “compromising the safety and integrity of the event.” DPD also said peaceful demonstrations in public areas outside NATO Village are allowed just as they would be any other time, but actions that are not peaceful will result in “law enforcement intervention”.

But Luoma was concerned about situations that could arise from corralling demonstrators with potentially opposing opinions into a gated area with only one way in and out.

“That's also an enclosed space that is right behind the businesses that the city has been telling us they're trying to promote to delegates and that they'll be, you know, having increased revenue from all this influx of delegates coming into the city and their families. Are they really going to feel comfortable going to businesses that are having active demonstrations right next to them and behind them?”

Luoma was also concerned that people who live or work downtown won’t feel safe going in and out of the area or will be deterred from supporting businesses near demonstrations.

DUHR also asked the City of Dayton about funding, impacted RTA routes, and the unhoused population. Dayton 24/7 Now's Kaitlyn Herman will have more on those concerns tomorrow night at 10 and 11.