WICHITA, Kansas -- Pro-lifers delivered 14,000 signatures on a rezoning petition to the Wichita City Council.
Pro-choice advocates say it's a move to block the opening of a clinic at the building once owned by slain abortion provider George Tiller.
But pro-lifers say they're concerned for the safety of the neighborhood surrounding the clinic.
Kansans for Life say many of their 13.937 signatures are from people living in the neighborhoods surrounding the former Tiller clinic, near Rock and Woodlawn.
"At least in a commercial area. it's planned parking, traffic, stuff like that will be a place where it should be zoned," says David Gittrich, with Kansans for Life.
Kansans for Life says since the former Tiller clinic shutdown, the neighborhood has returned to peace and quiet.
"Now we know the difference between what was there before and what there is after. Before 2009 lots of police calls, parking problems, lots of pedestrians lots of demonstrations. 2010, 2011 almost nothing," explains Gittrich.
But the Wichita chapter of the National Organization of Women is concerned the petition is just another challenge to prevent the clinic from opening.
"If they're truly interested in the welfare of the community and the traffic conditions, then they would stop harassing patients trying to get health care," says Corey Swertfager.
Kansans for Life say hundreds more signatures will be turned in at the planning commission meeting later this month.
The city council asked staff to research the issue.
"The business itself does not cause any traffic problems. It is the blocking of people from getting access to healthcare," says Swertfager.
The group 'Trust Women' bought the former Tiller clinic and plans to offer reproductive health services, including abortions, at the site.
"In history, civil disobedience and protest against things that are wrong and should be illegal. Obviously their business should be illegal and protestors will always be there," says Gittrich.
The attorney for 'Trust Women' says there is no legal basis that will justify rezoning the land.
Kansans for Life say they are taking the appropriate steps to ensure their neighborhood stays quiet and peaceful by asking for the zone change.
