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Residents tell commissioners shooting noise near homes and preschool disrupts daily life and children with autism
Summary
Multiple residents told the Onslow County Board of Commissioners that gunfire from a private range about 518 feet from homes and a preschool is causing daily disruptions, anxiety, and safety concerns; speakers asked the board to change county rules on range buffers.
Several Onslow County residents raised complaints during the April 21 public comment period about gunfire from a shooting range they say operates near homes and a neighborhood preschool.
Taylor Greene told commissioners that shots are fired daily and said the current proximity—about 518 feet, she said—is too close to residences. “This 500 feet is way too close. It needs a thousand feet,” Greene said, urging the board to change ordinances governing private ranges or buffer distances.
Victoria Fretwell, who said she owns a preschool, told the board that daily shooting at early morning and into the evening has affected her family and children in her care. She said her 4‑year‑old granddaughter is autistic and that loud, repeated gunfire caused the child to “go into a different state of confusion” and prompted a 911 call. “These children need us to protect them,” Fretwell said. She said preschoolers have limited options when outside and that shooting noise forces staff to pull children indoors during programming.
Speakers asked the county to consider increasing mandatory buffer distances and adding safety or noise protections for nearby homes and childcare facilities. Commissioners acknowledged the complaints and said they are working with law enforcement and other partners; they also encouraged continued communication with county staff and the sheriff’s office.
The transcript records public concerns but does not show the board taking immediate regulatory action at the April 21 meeting. Commissioners and staff suggested the Sheriff's Office and county teams will continue to investigate and pursue options that fall within the county’s legal authority.
