Poquoson Planning Commission continues public hearing on Islander Outdoors indoor shooting range to Jan. 23

The Poquoson Coastal Planning Commission on Dec. 2, 2024 continued a public hearing on a conditional use permit application by IOVA LLC (d/b/a Islander Outdoors) for an indoor shooting range to the commission's Jan. 23, 2025 meeting at 7 p.m.

The chair said the applicant, Mr. Raffles, had asked that his application be considered on Jan. 23 and reminded those present that, under the commission's rules of procedure, the applicant would be allowed closing remarks at the continued hearing. Planning staff said the application had changed since it was first filed and that the city would re-advertise the hearing and make updated materials available to the public prior to the January meeting.

Dozens of attendees spoke during the public-hearing portion or raised hands to be called. Multiple residents urged approval in remarks that emphasized safety training, local law-enforcement access for qualifications and recertification, and keeping spending for shooting-sports activities in Poquoson rather than at ranges in neighboring cities.

Resident Moody J. Harp, who identified himself as living in Yorktown, said he supported the range as a learning environment for young people and as a source of local revenue. Larry Klobot, a Poquoson resident, said he would like to keep shell and range spending in the city rather than sending those dollars to Hampton or Newport News. Kenneth News and several other residents echoed points about firearm safety instruction, family access, and law-enforcement training. A resident who identified himself as a range safety officer said well-run indoor ranges are "very safe and very disciplined." Another speaker described the proposal as a broader recreational center that could include archery and other activities in addition to firearms training.

Commission staff said the application has been revised since the last meeting; staff will re-advertise the hearing and provide copies of the current application upon request. The public hearing was formally continued to Jan. 23, 2025 at 7 p.m.

The continuation means the commission will consider full public comment, staff analysis, and any closing remarks by the applicant at the January meeting; no final action on the CUP was taken on Dec. 2.

Poquoson staff also reminded attendees about the procedural rule that applicants may present closing remarks at the continued hearing if they requested the continuance. The chair repeated the Jan. 23 date and time for those planning to attend.