Residents urge Randolph County to restrict Fuller Mill Road gun range operations

In the heart of Randolph County, a heated discussion unfolded at the Board of Commissioners meeting on June 2, 2025, as residents voiced their concerns over the Fuller Mill Road gun range, known as the Triad Action Shooting Club (TASC). The atmosphere was charged with emotion as community members highlighted the impact of the range on their quality of life and local property values.

One resident brought attention to a study by the county tax department, which indicated that the presence of the gun range has led to a 25% decrease in surrounding property values, translating to an estimated $12,000 in lost revenue annually for the county. This figure, while seemingly small in the broader budget, could have funded essential projects such as educational grants and community infrastructure improvements. The speaker lamented that the gun range not only fails to contribute financially through permit fees but also does not attract spending from its visitors, as the nearest businesses are several miles away in Davidson County.

Another resident, Ed Lietz, painted a stark picture of the gun range's operations. Unlike other ranges in the area, TASC operates year-round and allows a wide variety of firearms without on-site range marshals, raising safety and noise concerns among nearby residents. Lietz contrasted TASC with other local ranges that have stricter regulations and limited hours, emphasizing the unique challenges posed by the Fuller Mill Road facility.

Steve Thayer, another concerned neighbor, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the gun range management. He urged club members to recognize the disruptive noise levels that affect the tranquility of the surrounding community, particularly during events like wine tastings at nearby vineyards. Thayer suggested that with a reported cash reserve of $188,000, the club could invest in sound barriers to mitigate the noise impact on residents.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the debate over the gun range is far from settled. Residents are calling for action, hoping to find a balance between recreational shooting and the preservation of their community's peace and property values. The discussions at the Board of Commissioners highlighted a growing tension between local interests and the operations of the gun range, leaving many to wonder what steps the county will take to address these concerns in the future.