As long-term and short-term residents of Goochland County, we are not opposed to the responsible use and ownership of firearms, nor are we strangers to the occasional sound of recreational firearm use in our neighborhood. We recognize our country's constitutional right to bear arms, and we do not begrudge our neighbors their personal "range time" on their own properties.

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Many of us like the idea of a public clay sporting range in Goochland County, but strongly believe it must be situated on a large tract of land with plentiful natural buffering so as not to be a detriment on existing family homes and neighbors. 

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A narrow 85-acre parcel, with minimal terrain or vegetative buffering for existing neighbors is not suited for a public range. The closest residences are a mere 200, 400, 600, and 1000 feet away from the property line. 

 

To be clear, the currently proposed location for the Virginia Sports Park would have damaging affect on existing property owners in terms of noise, lead pollution, property devaluation, and increased traffic on hard-top roads.

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1. Noise Pollution: Continuous or intermittent gunfire would destroy the peace and quiet that defines our neighborhood. Several homes are a mere 200 feet from the property line and only 600 feet from the clay shooting stations. The developer is proposing to be open 365 days a year from 8am to dusk, destroying our ability to enjoy our backyards in peace. The persistent noise of shotgun fire will severely diminish our quality of life and property values. A good neighbor will graciously "cease fire" to accommodate another neighbor's outdoor plans. A public-use range like VSP will not.
    

2. Environmental and Health Risks: Lead contamination from ammunition can leach into soil and groundwater, threatening wells, wildlife, and nearby water systems. The long-term environmental effects of outdoor shooting activities are well documented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for children.
    

3. Light Pollution and Night Sky Visibility: Significant light pollution will diminish our ability to enjoy the natural darkness of our rural area if lighting is installed at the parking lot, buildings, and/or clay stations.
    

4. Property Values: Studies show that proximity to shooting ranges negatively impacts property values and makes homes harder to sell. Current estimates show a devaluation anywhere between 3.7 and 10% depending on proximity.
    

5. Incompatibility with Zoning and Community Character: The proposed use conflicts with the residential and agricultural character of our area. Our community’s rural environment is valued for its tranquility, safety, and natural beauty—all of which would be jeopardized by such a development.
    

6. Conflict of Interest: The permit applicant, Tom Winfree, is currently the Board of Supervisor member for Goochland County’s District 3 and Chairman of the whole board. This conditional use permit would require a zoning change, which comes before the Board of Supervisors by vote. While Mr. Winfree would not be permitted a vote, he is well-established in the county, and we cannot underestimate the support he is garnering from the community at-large, who do not have to live with the negative impacts of the range.