Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge Powhatan supervisors to limit close-range shooting after repeated incidents in Glenbrook neighborhood
Summary
Multiple Glenbrook residents told the Powhatan Board on March 23 that frequent, close-range discharges of firearms and pneumatic devices are creating a safety hazard for families and children; residents asked the board to consider an ordinance restricting discharge in R2 residential zones and provided maps and service-call records.
Residents from the Glenbrook subdivision told the Powhatan County Board on March 23 that repeated shooting activity near homes has left neighbors fearing for children's safety and limiting outdoor activity.
"This is not about being anti-firearm. We are gun owners ourselves," Virginia Morgan told the board during public comment, asking the supervisors to "consider implementing an ordinance that restricts the discharge of firearms and pneumatic guns within R2 residential zones." Morgan said sheriff's deputies have responded to multiple calls but that current county ordinance limits enforcement.
Why it matters: Speakers described gunfire occurring as close as 50 to 100 feet from homes, including episodes where multiple days of shootings occurred in a short span. A 10-year-old resident, Annelise Tony, described being frightened when rounds were fired near children leaving the school bus and asked supervisors to protect neighborhood children.
Board members said they had visited the site and expressed concern, noting they support the Second Amendment but that the right to possess firearms does not carry an unlimited right to discharge them in densely developed residential areas. The board agreed the complaints warrant further study and said staff will evaluate options, including possible zoning or ordinance changes to address discharge in small-lot residential subdivisions.
What residents asked for: Several speakers requested specific actions: (1) an ordinance to prohibit discharge in R2 residential zones or situations where homes are close together, (2) clearer enforcement authority for law enforcement, and (3) direct board site visits and follow-up. The speakers left evidence packets with photos, GIS maps and service-call logs for staff review.
Board response and next steps: Board members acknowledged the safety concerns and said the matter will be discussed further. No ordinance was introduced or voted on at the March 23 meeting; staff were asked to return with legal and policy options that respect state law but provide tools for local safety enforcement.
Sources: Public-comment statements by Virginia Morgan, Melissa Adams, and Annelise Tony at the March 23, 2026 Powhatan County Board meeting.
