Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, May 6, 1990 TAG: 9005050116
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KIM SUNDERLAND NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
`Shooting ranges not properly handled are a hazard to the public," said Douglas J. Milder, a commissioner assigned to an investigating subcommittee on the matter.
The recommendation came in response to requests by the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors, which asked the commission to investigate complaints of the Shawnee Hunting Club in McCoy, which is the central focus of controversy over past months.
As urbanization has reached into the farming area of McCoy, problems have arisen. The county noise ordinance, for example, has come under critcism from residents who believe the 13-year-old shooting range is too noisy and unsafe.
In November, residents petitioned to have the range moved. Zoning Administrator Jeff Scott investigated and ruled that the range had no zoning violations, but sent a memo to county supervisors saying that "shooting ranges may create problems that cannot be dealt with by current ordinances."
The Zoning Appeals Board upheld that ruling and referred complaints to the supervisors.
In March, the supervisors asked the parks commission to ascertain several facts, including whether shooting ranges should be regulated. At the commission's monthly meeting Thursday, it was recommended that supervisors look into possible regulations for noise and safety.
Milder said the subcommittee investigated the privately owned Shawnee Hunting Club April 11, visually inspecting the premises. It was found that the club was "making good efforts to be safe" and that they were "showing an effort to cut down on the noise."
Milder said the subcommittee referred to guidelines set by the National Rifle Association to make its determinations. The NRA recommends, among other things, that range owners be aware of development trends in their area and to expect complaints if residents live within a mile of the range.
Sam Roop, a Radford arsenal employee who started the petition against the range, lives about 75 yards south of it. He isn't convinced by the subcommittee's report.
He said wood and carpet used to enclose the area around the firing line do not constitute soundproofing. And he remains upset that a gate and fencing have not been put in.
"Hopefully, no one will get killed before this is all finished," Roop said.
No one from the hunting club attended the meeting.
The parks commission will draft its findings and send a written advisement to the supervisors for their May 14 meeting.
"We are not recommending that this shooting range, or any other, be closed," said commission Chairman James C. Stewart. "But they need regulations to govern their use."
by CNB