Heated discussion at meeting on shooting range

FAIRFIELD TWP. — A proposed shooting range drew an, at times, heated discussion during a township meeting Wednesday, as residents brought up safety concerns, noise and environmental impact. The project known as The Freedom Ranch, located at 1333 Ohio 162 W., outlines plans for a clubhouse that would include a retail store, check-in area, classroom, lodging and a lounge area along with four shooting lanes. Trustees, neighboring landowners and range property owner David Buschur attended the meeting on Wednesday, which focused on Buschur's plan to develop a shooting range on 37 acres of wooded property. The proposal includes shooting bays, earthen berms and a small clubhouse for organized events. Attendees spoke during the meeting, expressing concerns about how the range could affect nearby homes and land usage. "We're just asking questions," said one resident, who did not provide a name, at the meeting. "We want to understand how this affects our homes, our land and our safety." Owner outlines project Buschur, who identified himself as a lifelong Wakeman resident and owner of an automotive business there for 37 years, said he spent two years looking for property suitable for a shooting range. He told trustees he contacted township officials before buying the land and was told zoning does not prohibit shooting ranges. "I wasn't trying to hide anything," Buschur said. "I made sure before I bought it." He said the range would not be open for walk-in public use but would only host scheduled competitions, training events and shooting schools, mostly on weekends. "I might come out and shoot if I am sighting something in, but it's not open to the public," he said. Buschur said he is an NRA-certified range safety officer and that organized events would be supervised by certified personnel. Layout and firearms Buschur described the range as a series of four shooting bays enclosed on three sides by U-shaped earthen berms, about 8 feet high and 24 feet thick at the base. Each bay would measure about 25 yards by 15 yards with all shooting directed into dirt backstops and wooded land he owns. According to Buschur, most shooting would involve 9mm pistols and .22-caliber rifles. But, when asked whether high-powered rifles would be used, Buschur said they would be, though "not very often," adding that he doesn't plan to host regular high-powered rifle matches. Neighbors raise safety concerns One neighbor questioned how the range could affect hunting and recreational use of nearby woods. "I hunt in that sliver of woods back there," said the neighbor, who didn't provide a name. "I don't think I will feel safe being directly in the path of a rifle range." Later in the meeting, another man — who said he lives next door to the proposed range site and did not identify himself — raised repeated issues about safety and the proximity of the range to his property. "I don't see any berms being built between my property and the range," he said. Buschur replied that he was considering additional measures. "I think I'm going to put large round hay bales there," he said. When asked how long those bales would last and how often they would be replaced, Buschur responded, "When needed." The neighbor said that answer did not resolve his concerns. "I'm actively downrange when I'm in my woods or working in that part of the field," he said. "That doesn't feel safe. It makes a large portion of my land completely unusable." Buscher claimed that the design of the range along with the safety officers would negate the neighbor's concern. "There are strict rules in place at these events," Buscher said. "If a shooter aims a weapon even one degree beyond the course of fire, the safety officer will tell him he is disqualified and he has to leave the range for the rest of the day." Tone sharpens As questions continued, the tenor of the discussion sharpened. Buschur repeatedly said shooting would continue on the property regardless of whether the proposed range is approved. "There will be shooting there whether it's liked or not," he said. "It's the Second Amendment, and I can shoot on my own property." He added that without an organized range, shooting would still occur. "If this isn't approved, I will still be shooting there," Buschur said. "Instead of a controlled range, it will just be 50 guys shooting (.50-caliber rifles) all day." He added: "There's an easy way and a hard way for this to get done." Following the meeting, several residents said those remarks increased their concern and highlighted the need for clear oversight and strengthened safety features. Oversight still unclear Residents also questioned noise levels, drainage and potential environmental impacts, including lead contamination. Township officials said township zoning does not specifically prohibit shooting ranges but noted that state agencies have authority over safety and environmental compliance. Ohio law limits sound from shooting ranges to 90 decibels at the property line for one hour a day, but the sound must be below that threshold for the other 23 hours. Several attendees questioned if that would be possible with the rifle lane situated directly on the property line. "That sound is going to be way over the limit, and you are going to be in violation," the neighbor said. In an email provided by Buschur to the Reflector, an Ohio Department of Natural Resources official said the agency does not issue permits or conduct inspections for private shooting ranges, instead directing property owners to sections of Ohio law governing range standards and civil immunity related to noise. Township officials said wetlands on the property are under review and that guidance from several state agencies is pending. No votes or motions were taken at the meeting. Officials said the issue will be revisited at a future meeting once additional information is received.