Lee Hicks, a Burlington resident, shared concerns about noise from the RAD Gun Range. He said he had lived in that community for nearly 25 years. He continued that his community, made up of residential homes, farms, and churches, was no longer a peaceful community due to the gun range. Mr. Hicks shared his concerns that had directly impacted his family and neighbors: shooting 7 days a week past sunset and loud explosions that rattled his home.
Tommy Fargis, Pastor of Deep Creek Baptist Church, spoke that he lived on Deep Creek Church Road. He mentioned that his church, which began in 1935, was right across the pasture from the gun range. He commented that he had spoken with the owner, who had been dishonest multiple times. Mr. Fargis indicated that the gun range owner had told him they would stop shooting on Sunday mornings until after the morning service, or if there was a funeral, they would stop for that. He said that it only lasted one week.
Butch McKenzie, a Burlington resident, spoke that his property was 30 yards from where they shoot high-powered rifles. He presented handouts that included a picture of a 50-caliber bullet that was fired into someone's bathroom wall. He said they were shooting down trees and that a car driving down Faucette Lane could be shot if the gun was mishandled. Mr. McKenzie said he had the rules for gun ranges in North Carolina and that laws needed to be enforced.
Steve Barker, a Burlington resident, shared that he had already sent emails and detailed letters to the County Commissioners. He said there were very disturbing gunshots along Pagetown Road. Mr. Barker stated that he and his neighbors were concerned about the noise and safety of high-powered firearms that had been modified. He described the property owner and as many as four other individuals who had arrived to shoot weapons on the owner's property. He said the property was Mr. Garcia's, who purchased the 1.3-acre property next to his. Mr. Barker said he had called the Sheriff's Office. He indicated these shooting occurrences had happened at least 3 times in September. He said that on November 9th, there had been the highest volume shooting event with over 1,000 rounds. He said he had proof of tree shots going over his property line and shooting his trees. Mr. Barker said her resented the gunfire crossing onto his property.
James Walker, a Burlington resident, said he has livestock on his property, and the loud explosions and consistent gunfire have annoyed his horses. He indicated that the loud explosions and gunshots had caused his horses to bust out of the fencing. He said that he worked in Greensboro and received calls from his neighbors to come and round up his livestock.
Hudson Faulkner, a Burlington resident, spoke about t a recent experience of a Tannerite explosion that had caused his shop to shake and created cracked concrete. He commented that his local community had gone from a peaceful neighborhood to fighting this gun range 24 hours a day. Mr. Faulkner said he heard repetitive machine gun fire on his way to the meeting.
Scott Sharp, a Burlington resident, spoke about the gunshots in the neighborhood. He said he was a veteran who believed in Second Amendment Rights. Mr. Sharp said he believed the people at the gun range were good people trying to protect themselves. He said the laws of nuisance did not worry about grandfather clauses. He said this was a nuisance and that his community had tried to be good partners, but they felt they had no help.
Mark Terry, a Burlington resident, said he had lived in this county for 8 years. He continued that they bought property in that community a year ago, knowing what was happening across the street. He said they had been hopeful that someone with knowledge of the laws and the ability to uphold the laws could make changes. Mr. Terry said he was afraid for his wife mowing grass when he could see muzzle blasts coming off the gun range. He said he and his wife were concealed weapon carriers supporting the Second Amendment.
Henry Vines, a Snow Camp resident, congratulated all re-elected officials. He thanked Commissioner Lashley and Commissioner Turner for their service on the Board. He said he had been vocal about some plan or zoning that could have addressed the issue in that community. Mr. Vines said they need to look at doing something to prevent things like this from happening.