New Committee Will Analyze Gun Range Proposal In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, N.J. – A shooting range for police officers in Washington Township may rest in the hands of the residents – at least those chosen to be part of an ad hoc committee assembled by the Washington Township Committee.

At its regular monthly meeting Monday night, the governing body voted to assemble an ad hoc committee that will be made up of residents chosen via application process to determine the concept of an outdoor range, potential sites, viability and alternatives.

In doing so, the committee also decided not to submit an application for diversion to the Morris County Open Space Committee and will keep the process local.

The shooting range, as proposed by the police department, would be established on the northern end of Reservoir Road and, as of now, only be used six to eight times annually for specific rifle training purposes but also be available daily if an officer wanted to take on target practice.

See related:

• ‘Agree To Disagree’: Residents, Police At Odds Over Long Valley Shooting Range

• Police Look To Build Shooting Range In Long Valley
• Cops Detail Shooting Range Idea, Residents Launch Opposition Petition

Chief Jeff Almer and Officer Scott Myers have put together the presentation and proposal – which would be funded by officers and the PBA – as an alternative to training in Parsippany and Independence Township.

A group of residents has banded together to establish the Concerned Citizens Group, launching an opposition petition and questions what a potential range could do to the environment, safety, quality of life for those living nearby, and property values.

According to the township, “The new Ad Hoc Police Range Advisory Committee will make recommendations on charges given to it by the Township Committee, which will be in general, to consider the concept of an outdoor police range, potential sites, viability and alternatives. The exact charges of the ad hoc committee will be set by resolution formally creating it. Applications for the ad hoc committee will be accepted until April 20 and it is expected to be established and members appointed at the May 16 Regular Meeting of the Township Committee.”

To fill out an application for the ad hoc committee, go here.