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Brookline Selectboard holds public hearing on proposed ban on target shooting on town land
Summary
At a June 8 public hearing the Brookline Selectboard heard supporters and opponents of a proposed bylaw that would prohibit target shooting on town-owned property; the board agreed to seek more input from the police chief and consider limiting any ban to Conservation Commission land or placing a sunset and taking it to Town Meeting in 2027.
The Brookline Selectboard opened a public hearing June 8 on a proposed bylaw that would prohibit target shooting on town-owned land. Chair Brian Rater read the proposed language and summarized background, noting the Conservation Commission has restricted target shooting on some properties for about a decade and that a similar bylaw has been adopted in Hollis.
Supporters at the hearing said a bylaw would give town authorities clearer enforcement authority and help address safety and liability concerns on town land. Drew Kellner, who identified himself as a Conservation Commission member, told the board the change would provide a formal enforcement mechanism beyond current Conservation Commission rules. Buddy Dougherty also voiced support.
Several residents opposed the proposal, saying it could restrict lawful recreational and training use. Evan Cone, citing many years as a shooting coach and instructor, said the proposal could reduce access to local practice ranges and expressed concern about pending state-level changes he referenced as House Bill 609. Dan Koenig and others urged the board to enforce existing laws rather than adopt a new townwide prohibition; written testimony from James Hallahan and Richard Gribble was read into the record opposing the ban.
Selectboard members discussed narrower options rather than an outright townwide ban. Steve Dolfini said he would prefer any prohibition be limited to property under the Conservation Commission’s control. Brian Rater proposed a time-limited adoption that could be re-evaluated at the 2027 Town Meeting to allow for more public input; several members said they wanted Police Chief Hebert and Planning/Conservation representatives present at a follow-up meeting to clarify enforcement and liability questions.
No formal vote on the bylaw was taken at the June 8 meeting. The board closed the hearing and agreed to continue the matter at a future meeting after soliciting input from the police chief and other stakeholders. Bylaw options discussed included limiting coverage to Conservation Commission land and placing an expiration date to allow a Town Meeting vote in 2027.
Next procedural steps: the board will invite Police Chief Hebert to the next meeting for an enforcement briefing and will revisit the bylaw language and potential geographic limits before any formal adoption.
