Friday, Feb. 22, 2008 | 2:02 a.m.
Considering recent events involving gun violence, how can any government agency (city, county or state) support the placement of what is to be one of the world’s largest shooting ranges next to Shadow Ridge High School and adjacent to residential homes?
As someone who teaches American government, I understand that sometimes the interests of a few are subordinated to what is best for society as a whole. As a resident who will be living next to the O.K. Corral, I am unable to recognize how anyone can justify the benefits of the location of this park versus the inherent risks and effect on the welfare of nearby residents.
During a meeting last week, homeowners near the project were told by local officials that they needed to be good neighbors and understand that this park would stop illegal shooting in the desert. In my community, neighbors need approval to make changes that will affect others. My good neighbor (the shooting range) is not taking any extra steps to reduce the noise that will continue many days until 10 p.m.
Apparently the powers that be thought that residents who chose to buy homes on the outskirts of town would welcome the sounds of gunfire. You will hear from city and county officials that they had multiple public meetings on this project.
We were told that we should have known what was going on by recording Channel 4 or seeing the zoning change signs in the middle of the desert. They could have contacted the homeowner associations nearby if they really cared what residents thought.
It is unbelievable to me how 250 residents, including me, who attended the meeting last week could be so oblivious to notices of such a project and the effect that it will have on our emotional and financial well-being. They did not want us to know and we do not want them to get reelected.
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