Tom Nobile

Staff Writer, @TomNobile

Existing 1961 ordinance allows for indoor, outdoor firing gun ranges

RAMSEY – The borough is attempting to amend its gun control laws, which may derail a proposal to build a 60,620-square-foot indoor firing range.

Under revision is a local 1961 ordinance that prohibits the firing of “any pistol, shotgun, rifle or other type of firearms anywhere in the borough,” but exempts indoor and outdoor firing ranges.



An ordinance introduced by the borough council this week removes firing ranges from exemption.



"Recent events have given us cause to strengthen and further clarify language in the existing ordinance to ensure that there is no misunderstanding about how seriously we take the health and safety of our residents,” Councilman Peter Kilman said.

Proposed Ramsey gun range draws opposition

The ordinance is scheduled for final adoption on Feb. 8. If adopted, it would apply to any proposed projects, said Peter Scandariato, the borough's attorney. The mayor and other council members declined to comment.



New Jersey has some of the strictest guns laws in the nation, earning an A- grade from the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. State law grants municipalities broad authority to regulate and prohibit the sale and use of firearms, for the “preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the municipality and its inhabitants.”



The ordinance comes on the heels of a proposed gun range introduced to the Planning Board two weeks ago by a Pennsylvania gun range safety officer.



The developer's plans seek to renovate the former Liberty Travel building on Spring Street into a full-service firing range, complete with 67 firing stalls, a space for retail sales and a restaurant.



The Screaming Eagle Club would have from 60 to 75 employees, including full-time armed security officers at each of the three entrances. Those with a membership would have access to locker and bath facilities, and a country club-style room with a fireplace, billiards and gaming.

Members of the Planning Board questioned the safety procedures at the operation, including the developer’s plan to rent guns for the day.





The developer had said all first-time arrivals must go through a check-in procedure, which involves demonstrating competency with a plastic gun and completing a written and physical safety evaluation. Patrons would be required to check their firearms at the entrance, which would be given back to them once inside the range stall.



Some residents set up an online petition against the project, which to date has received 852 signatures.



Resident Chance Parker, who created the petition, has scheduled a town hall-style meeting for Thursday at the library.

“We’re not disputing the right to bear arms,” Parker said. “We’re concerned for quality-of-life issues.”

Legal counsel for the Screaming Eagle Club could not be reached for comment.

