Planning Commission to consider revised ordinance
By NICOLE MOORADIAN
Most of the controversy surrounding a proposed ordinance regarding hunt and shooting clubs in Rockbridge County appears to be the result of a misunderstanding, one member of the Planning Commission says.
The Planning Commission decided to review rules for areas zoned for agricultural use after receiving complaints regarding the Glorious Twelfth, a shooting business. Neighbors, including Frank Wright, complained about noise from the business, but it was determined to conform to current county zoning rules.
"Basically, we're trying be proactive" in looking at the zoning ordinance, commission member Chris Wise said. The commission wants to "make a vague ordinance less vague."
But when one member of the Planning Commission came up with a list of points to discuss, Wise said, some people thought the points were part of a proposed new ordinance.
After the commission's February meeting, another member of the Planning Commission met with shooting ranges and hunt clubs in order to draft a more suitable ordinance. The proposed ordinance will be reviewed during a public hearing at the commission's next meeting.
Charles Weber, secretary of the Blue Ridge Shooters' Club, a nonprofit organization that has been a part of Rockbridge County for more than two decades, says the ordinance should not have a big effect.
"I don't know if we even consider it a controversy," Weber said. "I think right now both sides are very pleased with what is coming out."
Wright could not be reached for comment.
Produced by Washington and Lee journalism students.
Lead supervisor: Prof. Claudette Artwick
Reporting supervisors:
Technical supervisor: Michael Todd