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Residents urge supervisors to oppose Bentonville shooting range, citing noise and safety
Summary
Multiple residents spoke during public comment against a proposed Bentonville shooting range, citing high decibel test readings, ballistic safety distances, property devaluation, and potential civil-rights concerns about site selection.
Several Warren County residents told the Board of Supervisors on Aug. 20 that a proposed firing range in Bentonville would harm nearby neighborhoods and raise public-safety and quality-of-life concerns.
John Jenkins (South River District) told the board he opposed the location because of expected noise and potential code violations, and questioned why alternative sites such as ESA Lane or police department facilities were not used. "We do not want it in our neighborhood," Jenkins said, adding he expected repeated DEQ complaints if the range operated near homes.
Drew Baggerly gave measured examples and reported a personal decibel reading of 119 dB from a rifle at a test location; he cited bullet travel distances for various calibers and warned that live-fire tests near residences create safety and training limitations. "9 millimeters, 1 and a half miles...I did a decibel reading myself. It was 119 decibels with 1 rifle," Baggerly said.
Neighbor Jeff Baggerly said his property is roughly 67 feet from the proposed berm and described historic structures nearby; he said a shooting range so close could restrict normal property use and harm property values.
What happened: The board received these public-comments items during the designated public comment period. No formal action on the shooting-range permit or site selection was recorded at the meeting.
Why it matters: Residents raised both technical (noise readings, bullet travel distances) and social (property values, neighborhood safety) concerns; supervisors and staff will need to consider operational plans, environmental monitoring (DEQ), and the sheriff's department training needs if the county continues to pursue range development or site approval.
Quotes: "If it should go there, that site will be monitored by DEQ constantly," John Jenkins said. "My family is going to have to pay hundreds of thousands due to property devalue," Jeff Baggerly said.
Next steps: The transcript shows robust public opposition; the board did not take formal action on the range during this meeting. Supervisors may refer the matter to planning staff or the sheriff's office for further review.
