Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Noise Nuisance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents ask Ghent to enforce 2015 sportsman-club resolution as shooting activity increases
Summary
A group of Father Lake Road residents told the Ghent board of a marked rise in shooting activity at the Kinder Sportsman's Club and filed a signed statement asking the town to review compliance with a 2015 planning-board resolution; the building inspector is investigating.
Residents representing Father Lake Road submitted a written statement at the May 21 Ghent Town Board meeting alleging a significant increase in shooting frequency and duration at the Kinder Sportsman's Club and requesting that the town review whether current activity complies with a 2015 planning-board resolution that established operational limits.
"We respectfully ask the town to continue reviewing whether the current level and frequency of activity remains consistent with the spirit and understanding of the 2015 resolution and the town's oversight authority to help restore balance between the club and their surrounding community," said Sean Brennan, who presented the signed statement on behalf of roughly 15 households.
Multiple residents described a loss of predictable quiet periods and sporadic weekday and weekend shooting that, they said, has degraded quality of life. "We were explicitly told that shooting only happened on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings," Carolyn Mix said, describing the expectation given to buyers when they moved to the area; she added that recent activity has included early-morning and evening sessions that make outdoor activities difficult.
Neighbors also raised safety concerns and unusual activity at times not listed on the club's calendar; David Jackson said some uses have included black-powder devices, and residents reported unannounced weekday shooting. Board members confirmed that the complaint had been referred to the building department and that the code-enforcement officer (Chris) is conducting an active investigation and has visited the site several times. Officials said prior citations on the matter had been brought before the town court and that any enforcement steps will follow the building inspector's findings.
Town leaders urged residents to await the inspector's report before further action. A town attorney and other board members said the 2015 planning-board resolution remains the principal guidance for oversight and that the board would receive the building inspector's findings when available.
