City Council to Consider Controversial Gun Range

The Simpsonville City Council on Tuesday will consider an ordinance that would amend city law and allow a local business to open an indoor gun-firing range in the city limits next to the library.

The Gun Shop and Indoor Range wants to open the 13-lane range in a building on Main Street next to the Hendrix branch of the county library. At least one city resident, Jerry Stroud, has questioned the range in a letter to the city citing the possible dangers it poses to children walking to the library and nearby Hillcrest Middle School.

Those and other questions aside, the city needs to amend its laws to allow for a shooting gallery in city limits in the first place. If the Council approves the change, it will require a second reading to become final. If approved, the business has said it hopes to open the range for business in August.

At the Council's last meeting, several residents spoke in favor of the new range. Citizens who sign up beforehand will have another chance to speak on the matter at the Council meeting.

The Council meeting will be held Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 118 NE Main Street.

What do you think of allowing a shooting range in the heart of the city? Speak out in the comments.