Morning Briefing | Security zone planned for NATO event

Safety and security will be top priorities for the first NATO Parliamentary Assembly to be held in the U.S. in more than 20 years.

In today’s Morning Briefing, we tell you how city leaders are preparing for the event and what safety precautions are being taken. We also tell you what is being done after residents complained about stray dogs in the community.

If you have thoughts or feedback on this newsletter or other news tips, please let me know at Greg.Lynch@coxinc.com.

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The newsletter should take about 3 minutes, 19 seconds to read.

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Section of downtown Dayton will be restricted security zone for NATO assembly

Downtown Dayton is going to have tight security for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in late May.

• The event: Dayton is going to welcome about 300 parliamentarians from the 32 NATO countries, plus their families, staff and other officials. International media also will attend, and the total visitor count could exceed 1,200 people.

• NATO Village: Officials say part of downtown Dayton will be transformed into a “NATO Village” from Wednesday, May 21, to Tuesday, May 27.

• Restricted zone: Only people with the proper credentials will be allowed inside a restricted zone where the NATO events will be held. The perimeter of the security zone is still being determined.

• Why the concern? Last fall, protests broke out during a NATO conference in Montreal that resulted in cars being set on fire, property damage and multiple arrests.

• Business as usual? Some downtown businesses in and around the security zone say they plan to remain open for normal operating hours even though there will be measures in place to prevent unauthorized access to the NATO area, such as fencing and barriers.

‘We have more dogs than deer’: County commission supports stray dog task force

Montgomery County commissioners this week said they would support a local task force geared toward addressing stray dogs, pet owner accountability and more.

• What they are saying: “Our stray dog problem has been out of control for years,” said Robyn McGeorge, the founder and director of Robyn’s Nest animal rescue. “It is getting worse and worse, and it is time that we do something about it.”

• Finding solutions: It has been suggested that a task force including rescue leaders, lawmakers, law enforcement, judges and other county officials should be formed to find solutions.

• New laws needed: Montgomery County Administrator Michael Colbert said Ohio communities need laws that hold pet owners accountable and local cities and townships should also reinforce pet ownership.

• The numbers: The Animal Resource Center estimates more than 140,000 dogs live in Montgomery County. The Montgomery County Animal Resource Center only has space for around 80 dogs and is over capacity.

What to know today

• One big takeaway: Dayton expects to crank up the number of vacant and dilapidated structure demolition projects in 2025, possibly nearly doubling last year’s total.

• Tip of the day: Here are some ways to maximize your time spent exercising.

• Big move of the day: M/I Homes is proposing to construct a 118-home development on nearly 86 acres between Spring Valley Pike and Clyo Road in Washington Twp.

• Dayton Food & Dining: Carl Johnson, the owner of Members Only 937, is opening Tear Drops Steak House with his nephew, Celebrity Platinum Chef Jay Jones, this spring.

• Quote of the day: “A lot of the cutting-edge technology that has been developed in space was tested underwater. Even the astronauts today, they train underwater. There’s a nice connection here.” — J.C. Snediker, chief of special events at The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, on their new OceanXperience exhibit.

• Thing to do: 10 things to do in Dayton this weekend

• Photo of the day: After having been held in Columbus for over 20 years, Ohayocon, the largest anime convention in the Midwest, celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Dayton Convention Center in downtown Dayton last weekend. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.