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Residents urge county action after repeated backyard shooting in Glenbrook neighborhood
Summary
Multiple Glenbrook residents told the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors they are alarmed by frequent recreational shooting near homes and asked the board to consider an ordinance to restrict such activity in residential areas, citing children afraid to play outside and property damage from ricochets.
At the April 27 Powhatan County Board meeting several residents described recurring recreational shooting in residential neighborhoods and asked county leaders to act.
"Shooting occurs several times a week and continues for hours at a time," said Katie Griffin Toney, a longtime Powhatan resident and educator. She told the board her 10‑year‑old daughter now fears playing outside and asked supervisors to adopt an ordinance that would regulate or restrict shooting activity in residential areas. "We are not opposed to responsible gun ownership. Rather, we are asking for reasonable measures that ensure the safety and well‑being of families living in close proximity to one another," she said.
Other speakers described safety incidents and property damage. Mike Dawson said officers who responded told him it is "not a matter of if, but a matter of when someone will be injured," and reported finding a 9mm bullet on his property and trees showing damage from ricochets. Robert Bishop said shooting near his home along Trinham Road has made life intolerable for him and his wife in their 80s.
Speakers asked the board to consider options including a local ordinance, enforcement steps, and clearer communication about permitted use of firearms on private property. The board did not take immediate action during the public‑comment period; staff and supervisors acknowledged the complaint and the need to review legal and enforcement options, including whether county noise or safety ordinances apply and what limitations the county has under state law.
The chair reminded speakers that a separate public hearing on the fiscal year 2027 budget and capital improvements plan would occur later in the meeting and invited residents to remain for that item if they were signed up to speak on the budget.
