ST. LOUIS — SMS Novel Films is moving forward with its plan to fly for up to three hours starting at 3 p.m. Monday
It all started in the Gravois Park neighborhood when the company announced it would be testing out its drone surveillance there. The founder has since backed out of that neighborhood, but it raised red flags for residents in other parts of the city.
Gravois Park Resident Sarah Crosley said the idea of drones surveilling their homes and streets has been a major concern for her neighbors and her over the past few weeks.
“At one point, part of the proposal to us was that we could be paying kind of an exorbitant amount per hour to have surveillance by drone at request. And to me, that just that felt wrong. That's not how public safety should work,” Crosley said.
According to the SMS Novel website, people who are paying for the service can submit requests to look at certain addresses live.
The concerned residents canvassed their neighborhood, started a petition against it and worked with their alderpersons to advocate for a law to prevent this kind of thing, which is already in the works and nearing completion.
SMS Novel Films Founder Jomo Johnson said while they won’t be in the Gravois Park neighborhood, they didn’t say where they’d be going only that they have a right to take to the skies.
“We have to take a stand against unjust laws that contradict FAA, that prevent us from being able to fly or to start businesses," he said. "So, you know, again, let the aldermen, do what they will. We're willing to communicate. We're willing to help educate because a lot of individuals don't know these laws. But ultimately we want to be a partner. We're not wanting to be in opposition, but we do want to stand up on the truth of the First Amendment that we do have the right to photograph in public."
Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier said the measure will be compliant with FAA regulations.
“Municipalities have the right to do legislation around anything that protects people's privacy, protects people's safety, protects them from harm,” Sonnier said.
Dutchtown resident Dallas Adams said she was worried her neighborhood could be next, as it's located right next to Gravois Park.
“Whether you are a neighbor of an area that's being affected or one that's adjacent, anything that can happen to one community, it can absolutely happen to yours. And it's up to us to get involved, be informed, be aware and take action before it spreads,” Adams said
She said these drones may make people feel even more unsafe.
“I mean, when you're in overpoliced neighborhoods, I mean, think of some of the ways that they surveil us like they have the towers with the red and blue blinking lights at all hours of the day," Adams said. "Our lights are brighter if they are in, lit areas. And I mean, all of that has an effect on a human being. So, yeah, having a drone just going around, your street up and down where you're trying to walk your dog or you're just trying to walk to the store to get to transit, could incite a lot of fear. Why are you following me?"
Johnson reached out to 5 On Your Side on Saturday saying the company has received threats from people claiming they will stop them from flying by shooting down their drones, but we did not hear back from him on Sunday about whether or not this will change their plans.
According to the website, the launch is still moving forward.
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