Frederick News Post Letter to Editor Regarding Proposed Gun Range in Urbana

 

Urbana gun range will spoil quality of life for residents

Posted 2 weeks ago

 

It is with great concern we learn that Old Line Arsenal is planning a large firearms training facility and firing range on Thurston Road in Urbana. The facility will consist of multiple firing ranges, a three-story “shooting tower” and 144 parking spaces.This large shooting facility will be sited on one of the most peaceful and beautiful areas of Frederick County less than 2 miles from Urbana High School and just minutes from Sugarloaf Mountain.The proposed facility will devastate the good people of the surrounding area who have chosen this place to live because of the beauty, peace and tranquility the area offers. Quality of life, safety, home values, traffic, etc., will all become a problem.The sound of high-powered weapons going off all day will be heard for miles. Even the major development in Urbana will not escape the noise. Add to that all the traffic coming to the facility on a daily basis from Washington, Montgomery County and Frederick and you have a loud, congested mess.Thurston Road is currently used by hundreds of recreational bikers who travel to and from Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s a beautiful ride not spoiled by traffic and congestion. In addition, a family of bald eagles nests and fishes in the area between Peters Road and Thurston. This family will surely leave once the shooting begins.Please don’t let this happen to one of our few remaining unspoiled areas.There is a hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals scheduled for July 24. Voice your concerns!G. P.Frederick

 

Friends - the hearing before the Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals will be on Thursday, July 24th at 7pm in Winchester Hall.  There are 4 hearings on the socket for that evening with this being the last.  The first 3 are expected to be short.  Please try to attend to show your support NOT allowing a Special Exemption for this particular proposed use.

 

Judy