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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19 Comments (2)From:Mike Ruddy To:Tyler Klein Subject:FW: Email from Frederick County Website Date:Tuesday, October 15, 2019 2:34:11 PM     From: webmastr@fcva.us <webmastr@fcva.us>  Sent: Monday, October 14, 2019 10:28 AM To: Mike Ruddy <mruddy@fcva.us> Subject: Email from Frederick County Website   A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted. Form Name:Email Planning Director - Mike Ruddy Date & Time:10/14/2019 10:28 AM Response #:195 Submitter ID:47812 IP address:71.63.19.43 Time to complete:0 min. , 19 sec.   Survey Details Page 1   Frederick County uses the form below for email communications instead of traditional links within the pages due to the use of software on the internet which collects mail addresses from web pages to send unsolicited commercial email, or "spam". To better assist you, fields marked with an asterisk are required.   1.Your Name Cathy Wolfe-Heberle   2.Your Email cwheberle@gmail.com   3.Your Phone Number 5403272342   4.Subject Shooting Range Comments   5.Message Dear Members of the Frederick County Planning Commission; I was disheartened to hear of the plans to locate a commercial outdoor shooting range at 6519 Valley Pike, Middletown, VA. I am opposed to the development of this proposed facility at this location for three reasons: (1) Proximity to two churches, (2) proximity to three schools and (3) misfire/berm concerns with Interstate 81. Gunfire, especially from high velocity weapons and larger caliber guns, can be heard at least three miles away and as much as five miles away. When adding tannerite to practice, the reach of sound can go as much as 7-10 miles. Where there are high velocity weapons, there will be tannerite, high capacity clips, and rapid fire. (1) This property is located .3 miles from the Unitarian Universalist Church, located at 6380 Valley Pike and .5 miles from Lighthouse Full Gospel Church. The churches are a sacred sanctuary for multitudes of people that not only serves its members, but the community at large.  The community finds solitude in the sanctuary and silence found at the church. The UU Church hosts and graciously allows many programs for the community to use their venue that would be disrupted if this were to be pushed through. Some of these include AA and Al-Anon meetings as well as other therapeutically driven groups. I attend one such program, a meditation group that is hosted at the church on Tuesdays, and spend many Saturdays at the Church in silent meditation retreat. The retreats I attend have as many as 120 participants seeking sanctuary. Additionally, any event held at the church on a Saturday would be disrupted. The church is a venue for conferences, weddings, funerals, concerts, and other events nearly every Saturday. The sound pollution from the range will eliminate these from being held at the UU church. I am not aware of the programs at the Lighthouse Full Gospel Church, but can anticipate, just as any faith- based entity, it also is community oriented that hosts a multitude of community events.  (2) There are three schools within two miles of this location: Lord Fairfax Community College, Middletown Elementary School, and Legacy Christian Academy. Our children and young adults cannot be distracted by gunfire while attempting to learn or play on the playground. School is intended to be a safe sanctuary not only to learn, but to build relationships. Many children already experience a multitude of traumatic events in their lives; gunfire at school does not need to be one of them. I can cite a variety of scientific and medical journals, however, I will summarize the trauma response. When a trigger occurs, there is a physical response that occurs that overrides the brain’s ability to rationalize. Someone experiencing a traumatic response cannot just “get over it” or “think their way out of it.” The fight, flight, freeze response is wired into our DNA and when triggered causes a multitudes of stresses on the body. Learning is not happening and cannot happen. The part of the brain that can communicate and receive information is incapacitated. We cannot subject our children’s developing brains through this on a daily basis.  I personally own guns and am very aware of the need of a safe place to practice. I own several high velocity weapons, as well as, hand guns. I have also lived on a farm my entire life and am very aware of their capabilities.  (3) While I am not an expert at range construction, I do question the berm system that is shown on the plans submitted. The target end berm of this facility is only 16 feet tall 8 feet on the sides. The land, although it appears to be surrounded with woods, does not show that this is being installed into a naturally occurring valley that would provide additional safety measures from Interstate 81 behind the target. With a high powered rifle, it only takes a few inches of err to be over a 16 ft berm at 100 yards.  Although VDOT supplied recommendations for entry way and road modifications required, they have not considered the interference and issues that may occur on 81, which is a very short distance in the rear of the property. A .270 bullet can travel upwards of 1.5 miles, and even larger caliber firearms travel much further. VDOT needs to consider this risk or document that there is no risk.  Thank you for the consideration of my comments. I ask that you oppose the construction of the shooting range at this location.  Minimally, table this application, and (1) request that a consultation with psychological professionals at Northwestern Community Services Board or other local mental health professionals be completed to determine the effects of sound trauma on our children in the schools. (2) Request that letters from Frederick County Public Schools, Lord Fairfax Community College and Legacy Christian Academy be obtained in support for the application before proceeding. (3) Request that letters of a collaborative agreement in operating hours from the two local churches be provided. (4) Obtain a letter of support from VDOT regarding the adequate risk mitigation efforts of the applicant regarding misfire/over-berm fire and the proximity of Interstate 81.  Respectfully Submitted, Cathy Wolfe-Heberle   The County of Frederick respects your privacy. Other than as required by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act or as may be reasonably anticipated in connection with the conduct of the County business to which your communication relates, Frederick County does not disclose, sell, share or trade any information from communications sent to the County. Please note, though, that any written communication, including any e-mail message, sent to a public official and/or employee of Frederick County becomes a public document and may be subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. This means that a copy of any such message could be requested by a citizen, or a member of the media, may be subject to disclosure, and if disclosed could be reprinted and/or used in a public forum by the requestor. If you need immediate assistance or have questions about the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and its impact on this communication, please call (540) 665-5600. Thank you, Frederick County This is an automated message generated by the Vision Content Management System™. Please do not reply directly to this email. From:n2swords@aol.com To:Tyler Klein Subject:Commercial shooting range at 6519 Valley Pike Date:Tuesday, October 15, 2019 4:08:45 PM Mr. Klein I spoke with you on the phone and am now registering my objection to the proposed gun range via email. I live at 183 Campbell Lane in Stephens City, which is less than 3/4 of a mile from the proposed gun range. My husband works odd shifts and often has to sleep in the evenings and thus I have great concern that his sleep will be disturbed. He is a 26 year veteran of the United States Air Force and deserves the right to sleep peacefully in his own bed without the sounds of gun fire. In addition to the noise concerns I also fear that this will negatively impact our property value in the future. Our home is set up as a dwelling for a large family with children and I can only imagine the adverse reactions it would trigger if we attempted to sell our house and had people come and look at it only to hear a barrage of gun shots so near by. I am also a member of Unitarian Universalist church of the Shenandoah Valley whose property is even closer to the proposed gun range than my own. The church has many activities through out the week in addition to Sunday worship that would be disrupted by all the noise. As you can see I have numerous reasons for objecting to this proposal and hope that you will take them all into consideration before making a decision on this permit. Thank you for your time and your service to the public. Jill Morning From:Sandy Walters To:Tyler Klein Subject:Proposed outdoor shooting range Date:Tuesday, October 15, 2019 5:41:15 PM Mr. Klein, I would like to express my family's opposition to the proposed outdoor shooting range off route 11 near Middletown based on its proximity to Middletown Elementary School as well as the noise factor. We have grandchildren at Middletown Elementary and believe the location is entirely too close to a school zone. Persons with guns, responsible or not, should not be shooting where children are that close. Also, there is the noise level to be dealt with. I have a dog that is afraid of the cannons firing at the Battle of Cedar Creek so-called "reenactment" and is also petrified of fireworks. We know when these events are happening and can deal with that but gunshots on a daily basis is unacceptable. We live at 232 Huttle Road and that is close enough to be affected. Please consider all the local residents who oppose this project and deny their conditional use permit. Thank you, Sandra B. Walters From:Tyler Klein To:"DLG@shentel.net" Subject:RE: Feedback for Frederick County Date:Wednesday, October 16, 2019 8:37:00 AM Your comments have been received and will be provided to the Planning Commission in advance of the public hearing (10/16/19 at 7pm). Thank you. M. Tyler Klein, AICP Senior Planner Department of Planning & Development Frederick County, Virginia 107 N. Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601 (540)722-8248 tklein@fcva.us   From: webmastr@fcva.us <webmastr@fcva.us>  Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 5:45 PM To: webmastr <webmastr@fcva.us> Subject: Feedback for Frederick County   You have received this feedback from Diane Gardner < DLG@shentel.net > for the following page:  https://www.fcva.us/departments/planning-development/boards-committees/planning-commission I do NOT support the proposed firing range. I want to enjoy peace and quiet at my home. I have 2 children and 2 dogs that would be frightened hearing gunfire and knowing there were people with weapons in n the area. From:Mike Ruddy To:Tyler Klein Subject:FW: Email from Frederick County Website Date:Wednesday, October 16, 2019 9:00:58 AM     From: webmastr@fcva.us <webmastr@fcva.us>  Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 10:41 PM To: Mike Ruddy <mruddy@fcva.us> Subject: Email from Frederick County Website   A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted. Form Name:Email Planning Director - Mike Ruddy Date & Time:10/15/2019 10:40 PM Response #:196 Submitter ID:47997 IP address:73.152.223.138 Time to complete:0 min. , 20 sec.   Survey Details Page 1   Frederick County uses the form below for email communications instead of traditional links within the pages due to the use of software on the internet which collects mail addresses from web pages to send unsolicited commercial email, or "spam". To better assist you, fields marked with an asterisk are required.   1.Your Name Ross A Carbaugh   2.Your Email racarbaugh@live.com   3.Your Phone Number 5403362746   4.Subject Middletown Firearms Shooting Range on 6519 Valley Pike   5.Message I am 59 years old, and a lifelong resident of southern Frederick County near Stephens City, VA. In my childhood, my dad taught me how to use guns responsibly, and we went on hundreds of hunting trips together throughout my younger years. We were lucky enough to live on a farm with over 30 acres, which allowed us to shoot our guns safely while adjusting the sights in preparation for our hunting trips. Owning this much land also allowed us to enjoy the fun activity of target practice.  Today, very few families have the opportunity to own this much land. Even my family only owns just over 1/4 acre of land. Like most families that live in Frederick County, we don't have many options to enjoy the sport of shooting and target practice, and even fewer options that are affordable. This is especially true in the southern end of the county. Please vote yes to allow Middletown Firearms to build a shooting range on the property at 6519 Valley Pike. Doing so would continue the longstanding tradition of upholding our Bill of Rights, and specifically the 2nd Amendment right "To Keep and Bear Arms" that was given to us at the signing of our amazing Constitution of the United States of America.   The County of Frederick respects your privacy. Other than as required by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act or as may be reasonably anticipated in connection with the conduct of the County business to which your communication relates, Frederick County does not disclose, sell, share or trade any information from communications sent to the County. Please note, though, that any written communication, including any e-mail message, sent to a public official and/or employee of Frederick County becomes a public document and may be subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act. This means that a copy of any such message could be requested by a citizen, or a member of the media, may be subject to disclosure, and if disclosed could be reprinted and/or used in a public forum by the requestor. If you need immediate assistance or have questions about the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and its impact on this communication, please call (540) 665-5600. Thank you, Frederick County This is an automated message generated by the Vision Content Management System™. Please do not reply directly to this email. M. Tyler Klein, AICP Senior Planner Department of Planning & Development Frederick County 107 N. Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601 October 2019 RE: 6519 Valley Pike, Stephens City VA 22655 Dear Mr. Klein, We the sellers of 6519 Valley Pike, Stephens City VA 22655 fully support Middletown Firearms and their plans to build a state-of-the-art firearms training faculty here in Frederick County. As retired law enforcement, we feel that this type of facility is desperately needed for our local agencies and citizens to be property trained. I took an oath to protect and serve, by selling this land, which has been passed down through my family for many generations is our way of giving back to the community. We fully and proudly support Middletown Firearms. Sincerely, Richard and Candace Russell DocuSign Envelope ID: E8876141-CE6E-48D9-A759-FFB27A022517 . From:Tyler Klein To:Debra.sheets58@gmail.com Subject:RE: Feedback for Frederick County Date:Wednesday, October 16, 2019 9:46:00 AM Your comments have been received and will be provided to the Planning Commission in advance of the public hearing (10/16/19 at 7pm). Thank you. M. Tyler Klein, AICP Senior Planner Department of Planning & Development Frederick County, Virginia 107 N. Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601 (540)722-8248 tklein@fcva.us   From: webmastr@fcva.us <webmastr@fcva.us>  Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2019 8:58 AM To: webmastr <webmastr@fcva.us> Subject: Feedback for Frederick County   You have received this feedback from Debra sheets < Debra.sheets58@gmail.com > for the following page:  https://www.fcva.us/departments/planning-development/boards-committees/planning-commission Hi, I am concerned about proposed location of the shooting range.I do have a gun.i do enjoy going to shoot,however this area too populated and proposed growth may not match a recreational Sport that risk the culture of this community...limit type of guns,times, a lot of issues,it would seem From:Harbaugh IV, Charles To:Tyler Klein; Greg Unger; Rhodes Marston Cc:middletownfirearms@gmail.com; gary@garylofton.org Subject:Middletown Firearms Date:Wednesday, October 16, 2019 10:28:41 AM Hello Frederick County Planning Commission Members, I wanted to write an email and let you know that myself and the entire Town of Middletown Town Council supports Travis Dodson, Middletown Firearms and the gun range project. We have been full supporters of Travis' since he started his business 5 years ago. This would be very significant for his business and for tax revenue in the county. It would also be a destination place for people who love to shoot. Currently, gun owners have very, very limited shooting options. This was evident and became evident through talking with Mr. Dodson's customers. Last year, three members of the Washington Redskins came to Middletown to shoot because of a lack of shooting options in Northern Virginia. We believe, strongly, that this range will attract customers from all over Northern Virginia, Winchester, Strasburg, Front Royal, Woodstock, Berryville etc. Travis and his business have been very philanthropic and community oriented and have donated to a large number of causes. They have also assisted Sheriff Millholland and the Frederick County Sheriff's Office with providing transport in the deuce and half truck they own with a domestic assault case in Mountain Falls during a large snow storm in 2016. On behalf of myself, Vice Mayor Jeff Pennington, Council Members Daryl Terrill, Scott Fink, Carole Snyder-Jones, George "Jay" Smith and Carolyn Aliff, please accept our full endorsement of the range. A recent Facebook post on "What's Happening in Winchester and Frederick County" about the gun range showed public support for the project to be 300 people who like and love it to 6 people that were mad or sad about it. Thank you all for all of the time and effort you put into studying and diligently serving the citizens of Frederick County on the planning commission. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Best, Mayor Charles H. Harbaugh IV 2 Comprehensive Plan The 2035 Comprehensive Plan is the guide for the future growth of Frederick County. Rural Areas Current Conditions The Rural Areas best exhibit the nature, beauty, viewsheds, and tranquility for which Frederick County is known. The primary land uses in the Rural Areas are agricultural and forestall operations. The Rural Areas of the County have traditionally seen about 30% of the County’s new residential growth.” [page 11] Focus for the Future Frederick County has a recognizable Rural Area where agricultural operations are promoted, natural resources are respected and its beauty and heritage are preserved … [page 12] Community Benefits … Preserving and protecting the rural areas of Frederick County is important not only to ensure the economic viability of agricultural and forestall operations but to also guarantee that those lands are present for the use and enjoyment of future generations. [page 13] I believe the operation of the proposed commercial shooting range outdoors will have a continuing, adverse impact upon the tranquility of the community. In particular, the impulse sound (sharp and unexpected) from firearms discharging from 30 shooting lanes open for business 7 days a week, 365 days a year, places a year-round burden on humans, farm animals and wildlife living within the surrounding community. Moreover, I believe that the proposed commercial facility will be at its busiest and nosiest on weekends and holidays. This is the same time that residents are home from work and with their families in their house, yard and/or garden. Their use of their own property, their enjoyment of their own property and their individual tranquility will be adversely impacted by operations at the proposed commercial shooting facility outdoors. I believe the operation of the proposed commercial shooting range outdoors will have a detrimental effect on surrounding property values and reduce their desirability for residential use (both existing and future development). 3 Business Development Tourism Focus for the Future First impressions often set the tone for a visitor’s experience, and the great majority of travelers arrive in Frederick County through its roadways. … “[page 30] Goal: Preserve and enhance the historic character of Frederick County’s roadways. … [page 31] … Strategy: Focus development in compact centers, using Neighborhood Design guidelines, and keeping the rural, agricultural landscape as part of the visitor experience in Frederick County. [page 32] I believe that the operation of the proposed commercial shooting range outdoors generating impulsive sounds (sharp and unexpected) from firearms discharging from 30 shooting lanes open for business 7 days a week, 365 days a year will degrade the day-to-day experience of both residents and visitors travelling along this stretch of US Route 11 and nearby county roads. Agribusiness Community Benefits The rural economy of Frederick County plays a significant role in the life and livelihood of its inhabitants. …. Agriculture contributes to Frederick County’s extraordinary viewsheds while providing a living to its farmers, citizens, and a place of enjoyment for its visitors. [page 34] … Strategy: The ordinances of Frederick County should be reviewed to reference and enable the full range of agriculturally related activities. Care must be taken to ensure that such activities are compatible in scale, size and intensity with surrounding land uses and the rural character. … [page 34] I believe that not only should agriculturally related activities be compatible in scale, size and intensity with their surrounding land uses and the rural character, but also that any commercial activities choosing to locate in the Rural Area should meet these same standards. I believe that the scale, size and intensity of the proposed commercial shooting range outdoors with 30 shooting lanes open for business 7 days a week, 365 days a year, is not compatible with surrounding agricultural and low density residential uses nor is it compatible with the rural character of the surrounding community. 4 Natural Resources Water Supply … The most productive aquifers in the County are the limestone/carbonate aquifers. Ninety percent of the recharge areas for groundwater in Frederick County are located in the limestone-carbonate topography or karst areas (see map). As development continues to occur in this region it is important to consider the impacts to both groundwater recharge and the pollution of groundwater from stormwater runoff. [page 81] Water Quality … Land use and development activities have the potential to impact the ecological quality of streams and water bodies through the direct transport of pathogens and pollutants. … Goal: Protect ground and surface water quality. [page 82] The property is on the edge of the karst area as evidenced by the old limestone quarry found on the property and the sinkholes found on the adjacent Lumpkin property. Bold springs on both properties bring ground water to the surface. I believe that the operation of the proposed commercial shooting range outdoors has the potential to contaminate both ground and surface waters unless proactive measures are taken to address surface water runoff from structures, parking lots and other impermeable surfaces. Light and Noise Pollution Noise pollution is unwanted noise, often described as a displeasing sound that disrupts the activity or balance of human or animal life. …’[page 96] … the County must ensure that acceptable levels of noise are maintained. … [page 97] I believe the operation of the proposed commercial shooting range outdoors will result in an unacceptable level of noise. Moreover, the impulse sound (sharp and unexpected) from firearms discharging from 30 shooting lanes open for business 7 days a week, 365 days a year will disrupt the activity of human and animal life in the surrounding community. 5 Historic Resources Current Conditions Frederick County has shifted in recent years from an agrarian community to one that has seen strong residential growth and an expanding business base. As a consequence of development and diversification, landscapes in Frederick County have changed more dramatically during this period than any other. New residential communities have emerged in what were once rural areas, and architectural styles have become more uniform. However, the historic past (including site, structures and landmarks) of Frederick County continues to play a role in the changing landscape. … [page 99] Community Benefit The value of protecting our historical resources is immeasurable; once lost, historic structures and areas cannot be replaced. They provide a sense of who we are and where we have been. Our community benefits from a balance between surviving historic resources and the new development occurring in this area. … Strategy: The Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) will continue to assist the Frederick County Planning and Development Department by reviewing specific development proposals for potential impact on historic components of the site and surrounding areas and making recommendations regarding impact mitigation. [page 100] “After reviewing this information and the Applicant’s materials and proposals, the Historic Resources Advisory Board (HRAB) did not support the approval of the Conditional Use Permit as presented. The HRAB expressed concern with the visual and noise impact this would have on the historic adjoining and surrounding properties. It was further noted that this area has a relatively intact collection of historic structures and could potentially qualify as a rural historic community.” - HRAB letter of September 18, 2019 I concur with the findings of the HRAB. Moreover, I believe that there are other locations in the county that can be used for a commercial firing range outdoors, but there is only one, unique Vaucluse.. It should not be sacrificed. From:Tyler Klein To:"edward.cobb@gmail.com" Subject:RE: Feedback for Frederick County Date:Wednesday, October 16, 2019 12:51:00 PM Your comments have been received and will be provided to the Planning Commission in advance of the public hearing (10/16/19 at 7pm). Thank you. M. Tyler Klein, AICP Senior Planner Department of Planning & Development Frederick County, Virginia 107 N. Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601 (540)722-8248 tklein@fcva.us   From: webmastr@fcva.us <webmastr@fcva.us>  Sent: Wednesday, October 16, 2019 12:48 PM To: webmastr <webmastr@fcva.us> Subject: Feedback for Frederick County   You have received this feedback from Edward Cobb < edward.cobb@gmail.com > for the following page:  https://www.fcva.us/departments/planning-development/boards-committees/planning-commission Registering my support for Middletown Firearms' bid to establish a shooting range on Valley Pike. P a g e 1 | 3 October 16, 2019 Re: Conditional Use Permit #07-19 Middletown Firearms (Travis Dodson) – Commercial Shooting Range, Outdoors Dear Planning Commissioners et all, I am writing in response to the application for Conditional Use Permit #07-19 Middletown Firearms (Travis Dodson) – Commercial Shooting Range, Outdoors. I have questions and suggestions for the consideration of the planning commission and board of supervisors. In addition to the requirements of Article VIII of the Fredrick County Zoning Ordinance, there are two documents that are helpful in establishing criteria to be attached to the CUP for an outdoor shooting range. The U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Office of Health, Safety and Security - Range Design Criteria includes details on site selection, design criteria, danger zones, range for small ammunitions, etc. Key considerations:  “How will lead contamination be controlled?” (page 2) o The application does not contain a detailed plan on how lead contamination will be controlled.  “To ensure the project is feasible the following data should be considered.” 1) Documents (ie. site environmental and construction criteria); 2) Alternate sites: (Identify alternate sites, because one or more of the potential sites may be unsuitable or construction costs may be prohibitive); 3) Technical: (ie. zoning maps, aerial photographs, topographic maps, and onsite ground and aerial informat ion). Environmental consideration includes: “Environmental restrictions; e.g., Endangered Species Act, Wilderness Act, and air and water pollution criteria.” (page 2) o Have all the necessary documents and studies been completed to identify this site as being the most appropriate site for an outdoor shooting range? o Have environmental impacts been identified by a third party? How would the facility, including its use of lead ammunition, impact the property’s natural resources, including a perennial stream and pond? o Are there alternative sites that are better suited for this type of facility, such as near the landfill, quarry, or construction businesses? Where is the P a g e 2 | 3 best location for a rural business, like this, to make the least impact on the environment and surrounding landowners and communities?  Considerations for site selections include environmental restrictions and community growth. “Community growth, especially in areas where urban growth is rapid. Escalating property values may make it unwise to construct in a particular area.” (page 3) o Rural Agriculture Zoning permits 1 unit per 5 acres (165-401.04 Permitted Residential Density, Exception). How would this type of business affect those permitted residences? o On page 17 of the Staff Report, the landowner proposes a membership base of 1000 people plus daily rentals and an operation of six days per week. What will be the noise impacts on the surrounding area, including the towns of Stephens City and Middletown? Would this adhere to the Comprehensive Plan’s goal to "minimize exposure to unhealthy noise?”  The Preliminary Design Stage should include, “a draft document, which should include specifications for applicable zoning, building codes, environmental, safety, and health considerations, and other pertinent restrictions.” (page 3) o The application does not include specifications for environmental impacts. The Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges (PDF) manual “provides owners and operators of outdoor rifle ranges with information on lead management. The manual explains how environmental laws are applicable to lead management and presents a number of successful best management practices available to the shooting range community." Key considerations:  Page 33 of the Staff Report for the Planning Commission (CUP application) has three precautions for human contact to lead and other contaminants. The report does not contain information on environmental and wildlife impacts of lead, such as potential soil contamination, leaching into the nearby stream or pond and/or contamination of wildlife. o Consultation by an experienced third-party would determine what the potential impacts are on human, wildlife, and the environment and how to mitigate them. o In addition to following the practices outlined in the Best Management Practices document, the most effective way to avoid lead exposure and impact is to not permit the sale or use of lead ammunition on the property. P a g e 3 | 3  The Health District’s letter (page 50 of Staff report) did not express concerns or questions, so as long as "an onsite sewage system is approved." What type of system and infrastructure will be adequate to cater to 12 stalls / 1,000 members (as proposed on page 17 in the Staff Report) plus any additional attendees? How will liquid contaminants (including cleaning solvents) be disposed of to ensure they do not impact the nearby waterway and soils?  The Health Department’s letter (page 50 of Staff report) states that “if the proposed structures are to be served by an existing private well, water must not be made available for public consumption.” How will potable water be served to daily attendees?  Page 33 of the Staff Report for the Planning Commission (CUP application) mentions procedures for closing the range that include target area cleanup, berm inspection, and properly disposing of any misfires.  These procedures do not state detailed protocol for cleanup of the range. What will the procedures entail to ensure all lead ammunition is collected and properly disposed of offsite, regularly? I appreciate your time and considerations as you discuss the application for Conditional Use Permit #07-19 Middletown Firearms (Travis Dodson) – Commercial Shooting Range, Outdoors. Thank you, Tracy Lind From:Carolyn Ash To:Tyler Klein Subject:Proposed Outdoor Shooting Range Date:Wednesday, October 16, 2019 7:46:23 AM I am writing to oppose the conditional use permit to allow an outdoor shooting range to be located at 6519 Valley Pike. This property is highly unsuitable for this type of use. It's close proximity to Middletown Elementary School, Lord Fairfax Community College, US Route 11 and I8, plus all the new housing being constructed less than a mile away, not only make it dangerous but the noise factor would be a huge public nuisance. No one likes to listen to gunshots all day long, not to mention the fear it instills in many household pets and livestock. The above factors are my main concerns from a personal perspective. From a community perspective, an outdoor shooting range is simply an unacceptable use for any property located in this area. This venue is of interest to only a very limited number of people (those who like shooting and wear earplugs) and Middletown Firearms that wants to make a profit at the expense of all other local residents who will have to live daily with constant shooting at our back doors. In addition to the issues stated, the shooting range will reduce property values for miles around it. An outdoor shooting range should only be allowed in remote areas where it will not disturb the peace of others, not in an area that is being highly developed for community living. Please think about the negative effects to hundreds of local residents by allowing this shooting range and weigh those facts against the personal profit to one person, the owner of Middletown Firearms. Lastly, let me ask you how you would feel if this shooting range were being located next to your home? Carolyn Ash 49 Huttle Road From:Tyler Klein To:"Frankefesta@gmail.com" Subject:RE: Feedback for Frederick County Date:Tuesday, October 15, 2019 10:00:00 AM Your comments have been received and will be provided to the Planning Commission in advance of the public hearing (10/16/19 at 7pm). Thank you. M. Tyler Klein, AICP Senior Planner Department of Planning & Development Frederick County, Virginia 107 N. Kent Street Winchester, VA 22601 (540)722-8248 tklein@fcva.us     From: webmastr@fcva.us <webmastr@fcva.us>  Sent: Monday, October 14, 2019 6:13 PM To: webmastr <webmastr@fcva.us> Subject: Feedback for Frederick County   You have received this feedback from Frank Festa < Frankefesta@gmail.com > for the following page:  https://www.fcva.us/departments/planning-development/boards-committees/planning-commission Hi! I’m writing because I saw there was going to be a meeting to discuss a fire arms range in Middletown. I am not able to attend the meeting but I would very much like to voice my support for this! I definitely feel like it’s something that would be incredibly beneficial. Thanks!