Craven County Board of Commissioners hold public input on proposed gun range ordinance

NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT) — On Monday in Craven County, the board of commissioners held a public hearing on multiple issues. The first being a water system ordinance to remove sewers from the county water services since they no longer operate them as well an ordinance for the establishment of commercial gun ranges.

Citizens filled the meeting to express their opinions on the two proposed ordinances tonight. There was a long discussion on the community’s opinions regarding new gun range restrictions.

Citizens expressed that they appreciated the intent of the ordinance for public safety, but that the list of restrictions was too much and too expensive.

The ordinance has restrictions on hours of operation, buildings allowed on range property and establishes perimeters. Warning signs, fences, and large physical barriers are also required on the property.

A list of regulations, some citizens pointed out, are not even found at large military ranges like Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point.

“In its current form, it appears unlikely that any private entity with less than a few million dollars will be able to meet the requirement in the county,” said Bob Griffin, a Craven County citizen with the Craven County Law Enforcement Officers Association.

The commissioners voted to take no action on the gun range ordinance tonight. They also assured there would be another public input session before any further action would be taken.

“If it is good for the citizens of this county, it might make sense for the county and local governments to meet the same requirements,” Griffin said.

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