The Associated Press

WEST CARROLLTON, Ohio - Opponents of building a new YMCA are believed to be behind death threats against two City Council members, police said Wednesday.

"It's probably one of the most unusual things I've ever seen," said Police Chief Richard Barnhart. "We're typically a good, peaceful community. It's kind of got us stunned."

Police are investigating the threats, which were made against John Jensen and William Gordon.

In July, council members voted 5-2 to locate the new $6 million YMCA on land near Interstate 75 instead of in a park owned by the city. In August, a petition signed by 160 residents opposed to the location was presented to council.

Chief Barnhart said the site, which is bordered by homes on two sides, is in an area with a history of flooding and that some opponents fear building the YMCA could make the problem worse. However, he said he doesn't know if that is what spawned the threats.

Chief Barnhart said tires on Mr. Gordon's van were slashed Oct. 8 in the council parking lot. Later, both Mr. Gordon and Mr. Jensen got phone calls threatening their lives.

"The caller basically stated if they voted for the Y, their lives were in danger," Chief Barnhart said.

Last week, bullets were shot into Mr. Gordon's van, which was parked in his garage, and at his vehicle parked in the driveway.

Mr. Gordon said the threats have been nerve-racking.

"It still seems like a dream - a monthlong, terrible dream," Mr. Gordon said. "It's difficult to get your mind off of it."

Why Mr. Jensen and Mr. Gordon have been targeted is puzzling police because three other council members voted with them.

"That's kind of got us baffled," Chief Barnhart said.

The proposed location for the YMCA must be approved two more times by the council before it becomes final. Votes are scheduled for later this month.

West Carrollton is about five miles south of Dayton.