Neighbors press Randolph County over Fuller Mill gun range noise and property impacts

Residents who live near the Triad Action Shooting Club on Fuller Mill Road told Randolph County commissioners on Tuesday that the range’s noise and operations have reduced nearby property values and created a public-nuisance problem.

Resident Isaac Hoffman told the board, “the presence of the gun range reduces surrounding property value by 25%,” and estimated that translates to about $12,000 in lost county revenue annually. Hoffman also said the range paid no permit fees and is located on deferred farmland, meaning the property owner pays minimal taxes.

Ed Lietz, another neighbor, said the range operates seven days a week and is sited in a residential-agricultural district with “at least 75 homes within a mile,” arguing its hours and lack of on-site marshals distinguish it from other ranges in the region. Steve Thayer, speaking for a neighborhood outreach effort, said residents have placed signs and tried to engage club leadership; he urged the club to build sound barriers and offered volunteer-provided materials as one potential mitigation.

Speakers emphasized economic as well as quality-of-life impacts, noting club members often travel from outside Randolph County and may not patronize local businesses. None of the public commenters presented a formal petition or legal claim; the speakers asked the board to consider permitting, enforcement, or other tools to mitigate noise and property impacts.

The board did not vote on a specific regulatory change at the meeting. Commissioners acknowledged the comments and moved on to the evening’s agenda items.