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Planning commission approves MJ's Ammo Saloon with security and event limits
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Summary
The Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission approved a commercial business application for MJ's Ammo Saloon at Crown Point Plaza, adding conditions including two panic buttons, limits on special events and non‑live‑fire training. The vote was 4–1–1.
The Shelton Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve the commercial business application for MJ’s Ammo Saloon, a proposed firearms retail and classroom business at 514 Bridgeport Avenue in Crown Point Plaza, with several conditions aimed at security and crowd control.
The commission approved the application by roll call, 4 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 abstention. Commissioners Kelly, Ticky and Christiano voted yes, Commissioner Perkins voted no and Commissioner Motto abstained; Chair Virginia Harger voted yes. Commissioner Kelly moved for approval; Commissioner Christiano seconded.
The approval includes required security measures and operational limits. Staff will place the following stipulations in the approval letter: installation of two panic‑button activators beneath the sales counter, a monitored alarm and camera system 24 hours per day, and a requirement that any in‑person firearms training conducted on site be non‑live‑fire (the applicant said such training will use a commercial MILO digital simulator rather than a shooting range). The commission also prohibited “special events” that would function as gun shows or large multi‑seller events, though the applicant retained the ability to hold standard two‑day classroom courses for pistol‑permit instruction.
Applicant Justin Bruno described the proposed operation as a retail firearms and accessories store with classrooms for Connecticut pistol permit instruction. He said the classroom would be “a full Saturday and full Sunday” and that the store would not have an on‑site firing range. Attorney Dominic Thomas, representing the applicant, told the commission that an existing Planned Development District allows retail sales in the proposed location: “Plan Development District 48, approved in 02/2004, allows retail sales, and this is a retail sales operation.”
Commissioners pressed the applicant on security and delivery procedures. The applicant said deliveries would be received through a rear door during business hours and would “be signed for by a person” per federal law, and that firearms would be kept secured behind the sales counter and in vaults or safes after hours. The applicant said staff would run permit numbers and firearm serial numbers through the state system before releasing a firearm.
Commissioner Perkins said he voted against the approval because he “just [doesn’t] like the location for it.” The commission required the applicant to return for sign permitting separately; the business approval does not include signage.
The applicant said he expects to staff the store with three full‑time employees plus two to three part‑time workers and to operate roughly Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6–7 p.m., with shorter Sunday hours. The applicant also agreed to install two panic buttons and other security measures before opening. The commission recorded the final vote as 4 yes, 1 no, 1 abstention.
The applicant left the meeting saying he would return for a separate sign application hearing.
Ending: The commission’s approval permits the business to proceed to building, fire and sign reviews under the stated conditions; staff will include the stipulations in the written approval and the applicant must return with a sign application for separate review.
