Shooting-range plan rankles residents

A plan for a multi-use shooting range has merit, but the place the developer wants to put it doesn't hold as much promise, according to neighbors and members of a citizens panel.

The issue drew a standing-room-only crowd to the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Tuesday.

"We're upset Carson City is considering a range one-half mile away from a residential area. You should have talked to us," said Eddie Mayo, who lives in the area and was among more than a dozen speakers.

Mayo told the commissioners that the site is "a joy" and "a wonderful piece of open space the public has used for many years."

"A shooting range would make it a wasteland," he said.

"In Carson City, we only have one river," said Merilyn Paine, another resident. "Why would we want to block access?"

Other concerns expressed included noise, fire potential, lack of utilities, the elimination of other uses and its proximity to the proposed Virginia & Truckee Railway tourist train route.

"I don't think you've made proper safety accommodations," said Commissioner Tom Keeton, of the 305-acre site east of Sedge and Deer Run roads.

Keeton was worried about rifle shooters and the possibility of ricochets. At least one of the areas appeared too short to accommodate the shooting distance.

And he was concerned about the condition of Brunswick Canyon Road. He said it's too narrow and would need major upgrades to accommodate traffic to and from the range. Regular fire engines would have trouble traveling the narrow road in emergencies, he said.

Supervisor Pete Livermore, who also sits on the commission, pointed out that the plan's clubhouse appears to be "in the line of fire."

The real question is, "Where should a shooting facility be located?" said Commissioner John McKenna. "Not on the east side near a residential area. It should be in (JohnD Winters) Centennial Park."

This suggestion brought a round of applause.

A state-of-the-art range with ample amenities could serve as a venue for shooting competitions. Visitors would help raise the city's lodging occupancy rates and, in turn, add to its tax base, said Dave Fielder, manager of the Capitol City Gun Club.

Fiedler and others involved with the project say this type of facility could add up to $25,000 annually to the tax base and bring in up to $900,000 in visitor and event-related spending.

The developer, Capitol City Shooting Sports Alliance, has looked at several spots, but settled on the Deer Run location because it's in a canyon, Fiedler said.

He also said the group plans to meet with residents to improve the concept.

No action was taken regarding the plan or how the site now owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management relates to the city's overall land-management plans. This won't occur until the entire land-management issue returns to the commission on Oct. 17.

A request for control or ownership of the site could end up as part of the federal lands bill the city is creating, even if the shooting range is placed there, Livermore said after the meeting.

The city is considering changing control or ownership of dozens of parcels, most of which are near the city's edges. Many of the sites are federally owned.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.