WAJR photo.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – As the protest against the proposed Big Daddy Gun Store continues an anchor tenant has pulled out of the “The Deck” and the group protesting, Protect Morgantown has announced plans to shift their focus.
Officials from Starbucks have announced plans to pull the plug on opening a store next to the planned location of Big Daddy Guns.
Spokesperson Jodie Hollingshead said they have attempting to contact Hardy World LLC, the property owner and landlord for the University Avenue proposed location for the gun store.
“In fact, the first time anyone at Hardy World reached out to us was to reprimand us for reaching out to a family member,” Hollingshead said.
But in a report from the Dominion Post, Hollingshead said she participated in a conference call with Starbucks officials who released the following letter that said in part,” we have made the decision to not move forward with the opening of our store on University Ave in Morgantown, WV. We have heard from members of the community and, importantly, many of you about the safety concerns you have for this location’s proximity to another business planned for University Avenue.”
Without being specific, Hollingshead said the communication with Hardy World LLC has not been productive. She said while the group has asked Hardy World LLC to cancel the lease with Big Daddy Guns, they have made it clear they have no intention to do so.
“They feel their hands are and we feel it’s impossible for a billionaire’s hands to be tied,” Hollingshead said. “They should make the right decision, the correct decision for Morgantown and that is to tear up their contract with Big Daddy Guns.”
So, now the group has plans to target corporate headquarters locations of the Hardy World group of companies. Hollingshead made it clear the protests would not focus on local 84 lumber locations.
“Because they refuse to contact us we are prepared to show up at Hardy World LLC headquarters, at Nemacolin and 84 Lumber headquarters- whatever it takes,” Hollingshead said.
Community leaders and elected officials gathered at the First Presbyterian Church this week and Monongalia County Delegate Evan Hansen expressed his concern.
“Big Daddy has a platform, and they have a choice how to use that platform. They could acknowledge the facts about gun violence in America and use their platform to help make things better. Or they can try to divide us and scare us so that they can sell more guns, Hansen said. “They chose the latter approach, which led me to my choice – I choose to speak out and be clear that I don’t want Big Daddy opening a gun shop in my community.”
Organizers have also circulated a petition at events and online to gain support for their position. Additionally, the group has held protests at the site of the store and attended city council meetings.
“For the small city of Morgantown, I think 2,000 people willing to sign this is great,” Hollingshead said. “I think it’s a tangible indication of the support Protect Morgantown has in opposing Big Daddy Guns here.”
Co-owner of Big Daddy Guns, Sherrie McKnight and members of her staff also made the trip to Morgantown to address council members during a regular meeting. McKnight explained the company emphasis on training, education and safety. Also, noting their first location is in Gainesville, Florida- the home of the University of Florida where they offer range days, training and safety classes.
” I would be happy to have a conversation with Sherrie (McKnight),” Hollingshead said. “I don’t know how productive it would be, but she has been mostly respectful in her comments toward us.”