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Earlham Public Safety Committee recommends denying gun repair business near school
Summary
The committee recommended that the City Council deny approval for a proposed gun repair and gunsmithing business at 355 NE Sycamore because the site is inside the federally described 1,000-foot school zone and is zoned residential; the Council will consider the recommendation May 12, 2025.
The Earlham Public Safety Committee on Monday agreed to recommend that the City Council deny approval for a proposed gun repair and gunsmithing business at 355 NE Sycamore, citing the property’s proximity to Earlham Community Schools and its residential zoning.
Chairman Tim Nelsen said the committee discussed safety and zoning concerns after Chief Stringham reported that all three individuals tied to the proposal had passed background checks but that the property lies roughly 300 feet from Earlham Community Schools and about 295 feet from the City Park. The committee noted that, as stated in the meeting, federal law defines a school zone as any area within 1,000 feet of a school and treats such areas as gun-free zones.
Chief Stringham told the committee the proposed business would assemble and manufacture firearms, perform gunsmithing, and sell firearms at the Sycamore address. Committee members said they were confident the owners could handle firearms responsibly but stressed the Council’s historical preference for locating businesses in commercial zones rather than in residential neighborhoods.
During public comment a nearby resident said allowing the business so close to the school would concern community members and harm the city’s public image. A representative of Earlham Community Schools echoed those worries, adding that permitting an exception could set a precedent for future, similar requests. Clerk Shelley D. Kaster said she had received a resident call earlier in the day raising the same proximity concerns.
After discussion the committee reached consensus to recommend that the City Council deny approval for the business at the Sycamore address. Committee members said they would be willing to reconsider if the business owners located to a commercial property more than 1,000 feet from the school. The City Council is scheduled to take official action on the committee’s recommendation at its May 12, 2025 meeting.
The meeting opened at 7:05 p.m. and adjourned at 7:42 p.m.
