
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 3, 1990                   TAG: 9003032929
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B6   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

FIRING RANGE SITE DEBATED BY CLUB, TOWN

McCoy residents and members of the Shawnee Hunting Club continued their argument Thursday night over pros and cons of the club's firing range.

The Montgomery County Parks and Recreation Commission heard public sentiment at its monthly meeting in preparation for making recommendations about the range to the Board of Supervisors.

"It was an exciting hour and a half of public input," said Donald Linkous, a recreation commission member. "It was a good learning experience for us too."

The supervisors had asked the commission to study noise and safety complaints after hearing public comment at their Monday night meeting from residents and club members.

"We do not have the authority to dictate terms," commission Chairman James C. Stewart said. "We are only in an advisory position to make a proposal for the Board of Supervisors."

Members of the hunting club, in a statement issued to the supervisors, said, "We do not need more restrictions, we need more safe ranges for hunters and competitive shooters to practice their sport."

Members of the 13-year-old club said they have tried to correct any problems and will do more "as soon as funds and material become available."

Sam Roop, a Radford arsenal employee who moved to a home approximately 75 yards from the firing range about a year ago, initiated a petition in November to have the range moved. He said noise levels and safety standards were inappropriate.

The county zoning administrator ruled that the range violated no zoning regulations. The Zoning Appeals Board upheld that ruling and referred the complaints to the supervisors.

Now that the Parks and Recreation Commission has heard comments, Stewart said, "Every effort will be made to make recommendations that are practical from a recreational standpoint."

Stewart said a final proposal will be given to the supervisors in May.

"We want comment from the commission on whether or not there are other places for this activity," said Ann Hess, supervisors chairwoman. "We also want recommendations on whether there needs to be regulations."

by CNB