NO RANGE ON WALTON
Concerned neighbors for the preservation of quiet life
on Goochland & Louisa's Walton Road and Old Fredericksburg Road
View our interactive map HERE.
Concerned Neighbors of Walton & Old Fredericksburg Roads
We are a non-political, grassroots group of property owners and residents of Walton Road, Old Fredericksburg Road, Halls / Proffits Road, Ange Road, Three Chopt, and dozens of adjoining roads, who share a common concern that the proposed shooting range poses adverse impact on our neighborhood, including sound pollution, lead contamination, and property devaluation.
Contrary to public opinion, we aren't politically motivated or against the personal use of firearms.
Our cohort of neighbors range from very conservative to very liberal. We are hunters, homesteaders, young families, environmentalists, veterans, retirees, artists, blue-collar, white-collar, and everything in between. We differ on many things, but we have always striven to be good neighbors to each other. I've personally lived on this road for 25 years, but other neighbors have been here anywhere from 6 months to 60 years.
Despite other differences, we share a mutual concern that a public-use range, operating essentially 365 days a year from 9am to dusk, will subject us to inescapable noise and diminish our property values.
Red markers indicate approximate location of VSP shooting stations. Yellow markers indicate existing residences. See interactive map here.
There are three homes within half a mile, 120 homes within a mile, and 500+ homes within two miles of the proposed range. At the June 9th sound demonstration conducted by VSP, the noise of only eight shooters was heard inside homes even at a distance of 1.5 miles away. How much worse will it be when it's fully operational and hosting 80-125 people for fun shoots?
Has it become the "Goochland way" to trample the property rights of existing families, their sanctuaries and financial investment, simply to satisfy the desires of special interests who never bothered to speak with neighbors in the 2+ years they've been planning this?
This isn't about second amendment rights. It's about property rights. We have the right to enjoy birthday parties and holiday celebrations in the backyard without shouting over tournament gunfire. We have the right to use our well water for our children, pets, and livestock without wondering if or when it will be contaminated with lead. We have the right to enjoy our homes free from the persistent gunfire of a public-use range.
Many of us think VSP's plan is an interesting one for Goochland, but a good idea does not justify a bad location. A public-use gun range does not belong next to family homes.