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COLUMBIANA -- The city is looking into amending a law that would allow for the operation of an indoor gun range on Industrial Drive.
Jake Kellner, owner of Kellner Range and Supply, wants to open an indoor shooting range business at his property at 325 Industrial Drive and has sought both planning commission and city council approval to do so.
In order for the business to go forward, Kellner will need to have a conditional use zoning permit approved by the planning commission, and an amendment approved by city council to allow for the discharge of firearms in city limits.
As it currently stands, the city has a law in place that prohibits the discharge of firearms in city limits and anyone in violation of that law is guilty of a fourth degree misdemeanor.
If approved by council, any amendment to the law would apply to the indoor gun range only.
A public hearing was held regarding the matter during the Sept. 12 planning commission meeting.
Kellner reiterated his plans for the business, explaining that the 10-lane range would have National Rifle Association certified safety officers on site, and that the building would be insulated to keep noise at a minimum.
The range would be open during the hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., he said.
According to minutes of the meeting, Sherry Fry of South Main Street was concerned about the range being near a neighborhood with small children.
She is was opposed to the business in a residential area and opposed to the discharge of firearms in city limits.
Fry said that she had spoken to Kellner, who came to her home to answer her questions prior to the meeting.
Additionally, Fry was concerned about the noise from the range, noting that there is noise at the gun range in Austintown.
Council member Skip Liston, who was speaking as a Radcliffe Pass resident, said that he has used the range in Austintown and could not hear any noise from the parking lot.
As for other concerns, Jeff Bucheit of Juniper Drive said he believes the effects of the lead would be slim to none and the lead levels in the air could be monitored.
Jim Kellner, who owns the property with Jake Kellner, said they also own the alley, which is a driveway, and that the alley could be widened.
City council member Dan Dattilio suggested the commission table the request and seek the thoughts of council members.
The commission approved tabling the request for a conditional use permit while council considers the amendment.
On Sept. 19, the majority of city council approved authorizing Municipal Attorney Mark Hutson to draft legislation regarding an amendment.
Councilman Dick McBAne voted against.
Once Hutson presents council with the legislation council will then need to vote on the matter.
In the meantime, Hutson said the planning commission has 60 days from the Sept. 12 meeting to make a decision on the conditional use permit.
He noted that if the permit is approved by the planning commission but an amendment to the law prohibiting the discharge of firearms is not approved by council, then the business still cannot go forward.