snichols28
08-06-2013, 11:34
This. Is. Awesome. This is huuuuuge for Colorado!
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f297/snichols28/Johnstown.jpg
JOHNSTOWN — The largest firearms facility in Colorado if not the country could be coming to a commercial development near the interchange of Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 34.
The Johnstown Town Council on Monday approved plans to build the Liberty Arms Institute in the 2534 commercial area, which sits north of the Thompson Crossing subdivision.
Plans for the 100,000-square-foot building call for five underground firing ranges catering to shooters of pistols and rifles. The building also would have a gun store, restaurant and classroom space for firearms instruction.
The approval came despite complaints from numerous Thompson Crossing residents, who said the facility would be too close to their neighborhood.
Residents said they did not oppose firearms and their proper use, but they have concerns about how noise and traffic from the facility would impact them.
Jim French, who has spearheaded opposition to the proposal, said he worries more about would happen outside the building than inside, which would be highly secured.
A stray bullet from “something foolish” happening in the parking lot is a real concern, he said.
“Firearms are inherently dangerous,” French said. “This business is inherently dangerous no matter what some people say.”
The council’s chamber was packed for the hearing, with the majority of those present opposed to the proposal.
Supporters said the facility is needed to meet the demand for safe places to learn about firearms and to shoot.
Thompson Crossing resident Bruce Weber said the facility would be well managed.
“I have no concerns; I welcome this project,” he said.
Council members said they were torn about the project and understood neighbors’ concerns about traffic, air quality and noise.
But the plans submitted by the developer and business, USA Liberty Arms of Fort Collins, would address those concerns, said Mayor pro tem Gary Lebsack.
“I believe they can keep the noise out of your homes,” he said.
The approval came with several conditions, including independent testing for noise. The main entrance to the facility also must be moved from Thompson Parkway to Ronald Reagan Boulevard.
The company also has to pull a building permit for the project, which is expected to cost $15 million to $18 million to build, within a year.
Mayor Mark Romanowski, who was the only council member to vote against the project, said opposition to the proposal by neighbors could not be ignored. Most of those supporting the idea live elsewhere, he said.
“I think the residents have spoken loud and clear: No — not in my back yard,” Romanowski said.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f297/snichols28/Johnstown.jpg
JOHNSTOWN — The largest firearms facility in Colorado if not the country could be coming to a commercial development near the interchange of Interstate 25 and U.S. Highway 34.
The Johnstown Town Council on Monday approved plans to build the Liberty Arms Institute in the 2534 commercial area, which sits north of the Thompson Crossing subdivision.
Plans for the 100,000-square-foot building call for five underground firing ranges catering to shooters of pistols and rifles. The building also would have a gun store, restaurant and classroom space for firearms instruction.
The approval came despite complaints from numerous Thompson Crossing residents, who said the facility would be too close to their neighborhood.
Residents said they did not oppose firearms and their proper use, but they have concerns about how noise and traffic from the facility would impact them.
Jim French, who has spearheaded opposition to the proposal, said he worries more about would happen outside the building than inside, which would be highly secured.
A stray bullet from “something foolish” happening in the parking lot is a real concern, he said.
“Firearms are inherently dangerous,” French said. “This business is inherently dangerous no matter what some people say.”
The council’s chamber was packed for the hearing, with the majority of those present opposed to the proposal.
Supporters said the facility is needed to meet the demand for safe places to learn about firearms and to shoot.
Thompson Crossing resident Bruce Weber said the facility would be well managed.
“I have no concerns; I welcome this project,” he said.
Council members said they were torn about the project and understood neighbors’ concerns about traffic, air quality and noise.
But the plans submitted by the developer and business, USA Liberty Arms of Fort Collins, would address those concerns, said Mayor pro tem Gary Lebsack.
“I believe they can keep the noise out of your homes,” he said.
The approval came with several conditions, including independent testing for noise. The main entrance to the facility also must be moved from Thompson Parkway to Ronald Reagan Boulevard.
The company also has to pull a building permit for the project, which is expected to cost $15 million to $18 million to build, within a year.
Mayor Mark Romanowski, who was the only council member to vote against the project, said opposition to the proposal by neighbors could not be ignored. Most of those supporting the idea live elsewhere, he said.
“I think the residents have spoken loud and clear: No — not in my back yard,” Romanowski said.