Possible: Massive LEO/FBI gun range in Frederick

OrbitalEllipses said:

THE HORSES WILL BUCK RIDERS AND KILL THEM THEN PEOPLE WILL KILL THE HORSES

Is about all I've heard from some coworkers. Oh and, 'think of the children' too.

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Yunus said:

Most people in attendance were against the range. Some with valid concerns, some with ridiculous concerns. I never made it into the room but I did get in the building at least. My understanding is that it was postponed, I'm confused as to how that happens.

What I was told by a rep from Sugarloaf Alliance but have no verification other than him and he said that Sugarloaf Alliance met with the owners and had a discussion.
-Tower would be for Mil/LE use only. The 3 story height was not set in stone, might be higher or lower.
-144 parking spots total
-500 yard rifle range would be built
-All six classrooms could be in session at the same time
-Max 50 shooters at any one time (I believe this means 50 outdoor shooting positions)

People against the range showed up in mass, everyone I spoke with was polite. When asked if you were for or against the range and wanted a Sugarloaf Alliance sticker a few people responded with the finger. We need to be better than that, I was vocally for the range and many people wanted to talk to me about why I should be against it but no one was rude. Misinformed but not rude.

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THis is a LTE about it which I think is rationale:

We are owners of horse businesses in the Sugarloaf area that will be impacted negatively by the proposed shooting range in the special exception (file BOA #B-14-23).

The location in question has naturally attracted horse properties over the years because of its tranquility, beauty and extensive riding areas. Horse riders need a calm, quiet place in which to ride. This is because a spooked horse is a dangerous horse. Horses are prey animals and as such have a strong flight instinct. When spooked by noises such as gunfire, they can hurt themselves, damage property and injure those who are on them in order to get away.

Our clients would be faced with the prospect that every day, when they ride their horses on our properties, they will not know when/if their horse might spook due to gunfire noise. It will become a distraction and a burden for them. This constant threat will drive our clients away, both external (clients who trailer in to use our facilities) and internal (boarders). We believe our businesses will suffer to the point of shutdown over time, because no one wants to ride a horse where gun noise is present. It is simply too risky. Our clients will go elsewhere.

This matter boils down to a location issue. The affected neighborhood — densely populated with residences, horse properties and businesses — is not the place to locate a commercial firing range operation. We will ask that the Board of Zoning Appeals disallow this special exception on the basis that it creates a dangerous environment for our clients, threatens our businesses and is simply incompatible with the natural quiet and beauty of the Sugarloaf Mountain area.

I also write on behalf of Vicki Bazan, Saddleview Ranch, and Karla Stoner, Bloomsbury Forge.

MARGY SIMP

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Dingo3 said:

Montgomery County Police has it's outdoor range off of Elmer School Road in Dickerson. This facility is across the street from the NIH Animal Facility and a next to various horse farms that offer boarding and trail rides. To my knowledge, there has never been a problem. My parents still live very near there and you can hear the shots quite clearly. They, as well as others in the area, have horses and livestock. Again, the noise has never caused an issues with the animals.

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Dingo3 said:

It's between Poolesville and the river. The ZIP Code is 20842 which is Dickerson and mail goes through the Dickerson post office. I know it doesn't seem like it should be, but that's the case.

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