Residents of Fairview voiced strong opposition during a recent city commission meeting regarding the proposed establishment of an outdoor shooting range at Buie Park. The meeting highlighted concerns over the legality and safety of the project, which has been met with significant backlash from local property owners.

Clifford Brunger, a resident whose property borders Buie Park, presented a detailed argument against the shooting range, citing the original intentions of the land's donor, Dr. Buie. He emphasized that the land was meant to serve as a wildlife preserve, a stipulation documented in the deed when the city accepted the property in 1988. Brunger argued that constructing a shooting range would violate both Dr. Buie's wishes and the legal agreement made by the city.

Brunger also referenced past discussions from city commission minutes, which indicated that the outparcel had been excluded from conservation efforts due to safety concerns related to contamination and human occupancy. He warned that moving forward with the shooting range could expose the city to legal liabilities, particularly if an injury were to occur due to stray bullets.

Other residents echoed Brunger's sentiments, expressing frustration over a perceived lack of communication from city officials regarding the project. Aaron DeBose, a neighboring property owner, criticized the city for not notifying residents about the proposal, which he claimed had been previously rejected in 2006 and 2007. DeBose questioned the ethics of revisiting a project that had already been defeated and highlighted the potential negative impact on property values in the area.

Mike Cruz, another local resident, urged the city to reconsider the necessity of the shooting range, suggesting that existing training facilities in nearby counties could be utilized instead. He emphasized the importance of listening to community concerns and spending taxpayer money wisely.

The meeting concluded with multiple residents calling for the city to abandon the shooting range proposal and restore the outparcel to its original condition as a wildlife sanctuary. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader community concern about the future of Buie Park and the preservation of its intended purpose.