Ashford Boxing Gym / Coley building

Founding supporter defended the gym against rumors (pot smell, lights, kerosene heater), noting police have never been called in 15 years, and urged the council to give the gym the 'full hundred yards' in any redevelopment plan.

Shared success stories — graduates, airmen, a junior Olympian, ECU's first college grad — and warned that shrinking the gym would cost the community opportunities.

Echoed support for the gym, warned a police substation could become a 'Trojan horse' and change how the community views the gym, and urged the council not to displace those with the least capital.