The White County Board of Commissioners Monday work session lasted for almost four hours, with the majority of the time taken up with public hearings related to land use change requests. The one generating the most attention was a request by Caleb Huiet and Josh Wofford for a change in the land use for property on Alternate Highway 75 for a private outdoor shooting range.
Attorney Spencer Carr spoke for Huiet and Wofford at the public hearing, telling the commissioners about the plans for the shooting range and their plans for safety and sound control.
Several people attending said they were in favor of the range, saying that there is no place to go in a reasonable driving distance to learn to shoot - and it would be used by youth and adults.
Most of those speaking in opposition said they love their tranquil and peaceful community and don’t want it interrupted by the sound of gunfire all the time. Many argued that those who want the range don’t live in the area where it is proposed. Those same residents also pointed to a decline in property values if the range is approved.
Steve Dubois, a gun owner who said he has taught his children about safe gun use, feels it would have an impact on tourism with Smithgall Woods State Park located near the proposed project.
The White County Planning Commission voted 5-1 on July 25 to deny the land use change; it is now up to the board of commissioners to make the final decision. They will meet on September 12 to vote on this and other issues.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/8/439737/proposed-gun-range-draws-large-crowd-in-white-county