Greetings I am probably going to be the odd man out here, but my nearly 30 years experience with bees has taught me that hives should not be placed closer than a half a mile from any dwelling without the owner's permission. People should be allowed to choose whether they want to live near bee hives. Bees can be annoying and at times very dangerous. Why should anyone unwillingly be exposed to such a risk? Preventable stinging incidents only cast a dim light on beekeeping. It is a rural occupation, despite the success some people have had keeping bees in town. I understand the logic behind exterminating any loose swarms in the areas where African Bees are established. It is better to be safe than sorry in these cases. Honey bees can be outlawed from urban areas without harming the bee industry and the gardens, since there are other pollinators which can fill in the gap. My feeling is that if you want to keep bees, or horses, or chickens, you should live out in the country where people accept these occupations as a way of life and understand the risks and responsibilities. pb