2005.03.24 BOZA Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Board of Zoning Adjustments Meeting March 24, 2005 - page 4 hours over the year and the lights were an expansion of the ability to use the club. Melinda Lopes, 12160 Upper Heather Avenue North, said that muzzleloaders were specifically prohibited but that changed because of what was intended by an emotional issue. She asked the Board consider the emotional intent regarding the hours because it made sense that no one would be shooting after dark. Nick Barry, 12450 Upper Heather Avenue North, said it was the first time neighbors had the opportunity to talk about the lights and asked that, because it is such a heated subject, the neighbors be notified regarding any future issues with the club. Barry said that with only 4-5 people shooting on a night, the club couldn't be making that much revenue. He felt the Club was not being a good neighbor. Steve Fluger, 6570 125t` Street North, said Rhodes had made it obvious that it was an expansion of use. Fluger said there was a halo caused by lights and that the density of air is heaver in the evening, and the gunshots (noise) travels further. He also said his neighbors were not there because they have a financial interest or other ties to the club. Lopes said the prevailing view of the neighborhood is that dealing with the City was a waste of time, and their perception was that the Council does not listen. Brian Esch, 12791 Greystone Avenue North, said there was increased activity when the lights are on. Snyder asked if the lights increased the amount of shooting or just the time of shooting. There were no other comments and Schumann closed the public hearing. Brunotte pointed out that he was not a member of the club. Brunotte said he does not feel the club has expanded. They could shoot until 8 o'clock by headlights and some clubs use white clay pigeons to shoot at night. Puleo stated that he was a member of BESA, though not a very active one. He said he would not participate in any of the discussion and would abstain from voting on the issue. Schumann said that he was not a hunter, did not own a gun, and was not financially connected in any way to any member of the club. Schumann said he felt there had not been an actual expansion and felt it was a legal and appropriate administrative call. He said it should be passed on to the Council with a recommendation to work out a compromise between BESA and the neighborhood regarding the impact of the lights. Brunotte said he did not see any expansion of use; they have the right to shoot until 8 o'clock whether there are lights or not.