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Pitt County commissioners approve first reading of ordinance aimed at shootings near populated neighborhoods, 5-4
Summary
After public comment both opposing and supporting tighter firearms restrictions, the Pitt County Board of Commissioners voted 5-4 on first reading to accept a proposed ordinance addressing shooting near populated neighborhoods.
The Pitt County Board of Commissioners voted 5-4 on March 10 to accept the proposed ordinance aimed at restricting shooting in or near populated neighborhoods, moving the measure past its first reading.
Supporters said the ordinance is intended to reduce accidental and stray gunfire near homes; opponents called it unnecessary or legally problematic. The vote followed a lengthy public-comment period in which residents and advocacy organizations urged different courses of action.
During public comment, Pitt County resident Bill Redding described his medical experience and urged action. “If we can have a simple ordinance that might prevent that, accident or or death,” Redding said, adding that preventive measures could reduce hospital visits and funerals. Another resident, Joe Miller, urged the county to focus on efficient county operations and questioned site selection for a proposed industrial complex, saying rail access and airport capacity should factor into decisions.
Sean Sorrentino, vice president of operations for Grassroots North Carolina, told commissioners the group opposes the ordinances. “We are opposed to these ordinances,” Sorrentino said, arguing they do not solve the problems advocates describe and praising the board for listening to constituents who said no.
The motion recorded in the public transcript was phrased as accepting “the proposed ordinance regarding the shooting in distant populated neighborhoods.” Commissioner Manning moved the measure; a second was recorded, and the board’s tally was 5 yes, 4 no. The transcript does not name which commissioners cast each vote.
The item was noted as a first reading in the meeting transcript. No additional substantive amendments or a final-adoption vote were recorded in the excerpt of the meeting provided.
Votes at a glance
- Proposed ordinance regarding shooting in distant populated neighborhoods — first reading accepted; vote 5-4.
Commission and staff remarks after the vote emphasized that the matter will continue through the county’s ordinance process and may return for further readings or edits before final adoption.
