Zoning of gun range and club in Robinson questioned
Gun range and club owner Jason Doetzer, front, represented himself as his own legal counsel as he became animated while questioning one of the neighboring property owners.
McDonald police had to periodically stop the meeting to make sure room capacity was at 32 people, shuffling people in and out of the room.
Emotions were as hot as the over-capacity meeting room that McDonald police had to shuttle residents in and out of Wednesday to give them a chance to attend an appeal hearing on a gun range and club in Bulger.
Police Chief Mark Dorsey, who is also the township’s zoning officer, was one of two witnesses who testified in the appeal hearing questioning whether Dorsey and the zoning hearing board gave legitimate approval on a zoning permit for a 270-acre site at 920 King Road for Iron City Armory Gun Club.
The underlying issue, according to several people who testified, is ambiguous zoning ordinance language that does not clearly define a sportsmans club or gun range, and whether the two can operate within the same space under shared zoning rules. As a gun club, Iron City Armory ranges are primarily membership-based, owner Jason Doezter said, but would also be open to the public because of the gun range designation.
Eight individuals are challenging the validity of a zoning permit issued to Doetzer in the interchange business development district.
A neighbor, Mike Joyce, of 826 King Road, was the other witness in the hearing that was continued to the board’s July 20 meeting. Joyce had a tense exchange with Doetzer, who served as his own legal counsel at the hearing. Joyce’s testimony involved recorded video of gunshots documenting alleged noise ordinance violations and safety concerns.
“The pistol range is less than 200 yards from my property, which I am directly in the line of fire … I’ve found bullets in my driveway,” Joyce said. He explained he’s not “anti-gun,” is a hunter, has a gun range on his property and is a certified gun instructor and former law enforcement officer.
“The noise is unbelievable. It’s at all hours. It was 11 o’ clock at night when they first opened (in May), automatic weapons went for 40 minutes straight,” Joyce said. “My daughters are afraid to visit me, and they’re avid shooters. They’re scared to death … It sounds like you’re living in Syria.”
Joyce presented videos dated May 21 of the alleged noise infractions.
Dorsey said during testimony and clarified after the hearing Doezter was served with a cease-and-desist order June 2 regarding three separate violations at the club.
Dorsey said the club was advertising gun rentals on its website, sold ammunition on the grounds and was cited for “unsafe activity after 10 p.m.” The range since ceased operations, Doezter said. Dorsey said no criminal charges were filed.