ST. LOUIS — SMS Novel Films, a company that planned to bring a beta test of its drone surveillance to St. Louis' Gravois Park neighborhood, halted the program Friday but said it was not done trying in St. Louis.
Jomo Johnson, the CEO of the company, said in a letter that the program would be halted in Gravois Park due to concerns raised by neighbors. The announcement comes days after Johnson said his company would not comply with a cease and desist order issued by the city's board of aldermen, saying the program abided by state and federal laws.
"Unfortunately, fear and ignorance of privacy laws have caused a frenzy of concern over our program," the letter released Friday said, "despite its legality and adherence to state and federal laws."
The trial for the surveillance drone beta test was set to run from Jan. 29 through Feb. 13. Johnson told 5 On Your Side his goal is to prevent crime by recording footage and monitoring and livestreaming activities.
He also said they were testing the system to alert police.
Gravois Park resident Jacob Lyonfields pushed for the cease and desist letter and created a petition with other neighbors.
Lyonfields explained the petition has received more than 200 signatures with a third being Gravois Park residents.
The Gravois Park Neighborhood Association said they opposed the idea.
Lyonfields believes there's been a lack of communication.
"Whether it's public engagement, protecting civil liberties, hearing concerns about real public safety in our neighborhood, this guy has been absent. If this guy was concerned about curbing crime in St. Louis, then he should come to us with what we actually need and that's investment in our people," Lyonfields said earlier this week.
Johnson's letter Friday said the plan to launch in Gravois Park has been scrapped, but he said the company will be launching somewhere else in the city.
"In light of these challenges, SMS Novel Films has chosen to conduct the beta test in an unnamed neighborhood at a time of our choosing," the letter said. "Rest assured, our on-demand drone app service will remain available citywide."
Alderperson Alisha Sonnier is taking action with Board Bill 199, which requires “people operating drones in St. Louis for commercial purposes to have a drone license and business license in St. Louis.”
“No person, entity or state agency shall use a drone to conduct surveillance or observation of any individual or privately owned property without the express written consent of that individual or property owner," The bill also said.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, local governments can prohibit take-off and landing in certain areas, but the FAA has sole authority over the skies and is the only one who can restrict airspace.
The bill was set to be taken up on Friday.
Jake Lyonfields, who created the petition to stop the program in Gravois Park, shared this statement:
“Simply put, Gravois Park residents are breathing a sigh of relief this morning. We thank Mayor Jones, President Green, Alderwoman Sonnier, and Alderman Cohn for their steadfast support of the Gravois Park neighborhood throughout this process. Additionally, SMS Novel’s recent statement underscores the importance of passing BB 199. The company says our concerns are overblown — while also saying they’ll still fly drones in an ‘unnamed neighborhood at a time of our choosing.’ This is alarming, and Mayor Jones and our Alderpeople should further protect us by increasing regulations on the use of commercial drones. Additionally, we urge the Board of Public Service to deny any business license application that SMS Novel submits, now or in the future, so that this company cannot continue trying to take advantage of our city. Finally, Gravois Park residents are committed to achieving real public safety together by strengthening our neighborhood ties and calling for the investments we need into affordable housing, public schools, and our people. We’ll continue our community organizing efforts in the weeks and months ahead.”