Residents of Southfield voiced strong concerns during the city council meeting on September 29, 2025, particularly regarding the opening of a gun shop adjacent to local childcare centers. Anne Clark Ors, a long-time Southfield homeowner and owner of Baby Genius Learning Center, expressed her alarm over the proximity of Red Zone Firearms to her centers, emphasizing the negative impact such a business could have on children’s formative experiences. She called for the city council to take action to relocate the gun shop, arguing that its presence next to schools poses a moral obligation to protect the community's youth.

Clark Ors highlighted the need for Southfield to revise its zoning ordinances to prevent similar situations in the future, referencing a comparable incident in neighboring Berkeley where community outcry successfully halted a gun shop's opening near schools. Her husband, Carlton Ors, echoed her sentiments, criticizing the city administration for its lack of proactive measures in addressing community concerns and suggesting that the council should delay the gun shop's opening until a more suitable location can be found.

In addition to the gun shop issue, resident Michael Morrison raised concerns about a converted residence on Alta Vista Place that is operating as a meeting hall, violating local ordinances. He reported that the business has become a nuisance, obstructing emergency access and creating safety hazards for residents.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a growing demand for the Southfield city council to enhance its oversight of local businesses and zoning regulations to better protect community interests. As residents continue to advocate for change, the council faces pressure to respond effectively to these pressing concerns.