The Greene County Board of Supervisors denied on October 13 Big Iron Outdoors’ special use permit, which would have allowed owners of the gun shop to build a 20-lane open-air firing range right outside its headquarters.
At the end of September, the Planning Commission recommended denial of the permit because of safety—about 160 homes are located within a half-mile of the proposed site. A group heavily opposed to the range, Greene County Neighbors, cited safety, noise, home values and impact on lifestyle as key reasons for nixing the plan.
Carolyn Politis, a local resident and member of Greene County Neighbors, says she’s pleased the Board of Supervisors put aside popular support to make a decision on what she believes is best for the Ruckersville area. She still hopes to see a new gun range in Greene, but one that isn’t in her backyard.
“We are hoping that someone can take on this challenge, but in a way that families are protected,” she says. “Quite simply, it should not be anywhere near homes.”