Henderson County committee conditionally approves controversial gun range despite outcry

Yahoo! News - May 7th, 2025
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A proposed shooting range in eastern Henderson County received conditional approval from a county committee, allowing construction to proceed if certain requirements are met. The decision came after a May 6 hearing where around 60 residents, mostly opposing the project, voiced concerns over noise, potential lead pollution, and safety risks from stray bullets. Andrew Riddle, the developer and chair of the county's Zoning Board of Adjustment, submitted the proposal. Though Riddle's involvement raised conflict of interest concerns, the project doesn't require a variance, thus bypassing the need for a board decision.

Opponents like Dan Kinkel, a Special Forces veteran, argued that the range's proximity to homes makes it unsafe, while supporters cited the need for a local training ground for law enforcement. Despite public outcry, the range is permitted due to a 2021 state legislation change, provided it meets zoning ordinance conditions. The committee's approval mandates a 1,000-foot buffer zone verification and a surveyor's map to confirm compliance. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between community safety concerns and the demand for shooting facilities in the area.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the proposed shooting range in Henderson County, effectively capturing the community's mixed reactions and the committee's decision. It balances different perspectives, presenting both opposition and support, while maintaining clarity and readability. The story is timely and addresses issues of public interest, such as safety and environmental concerns. However, it could benefit from additional authoritative sources and more detailed explanations of technical terms. Overall, the article succeeds in informing readers about a contentious local issue, while encouraging further discussion and engagement.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article provides a generally accurate account of the events surrounding the proposed shooting range in Henderson County. The core facts, such as the committee's conditional approval and the public opposition, are well-supported by the details provided. The article correctly reports that the approval is contingent on meeting specific conditions, such as creating a new map to verify distances from dwellings. However, the story could benefit from more precise data on the environmental impact of lead, as mentioned by the opponents. The claim about the range's distance from the nearest dwelling requires verification to ensure compliance with safety standards.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view by including perspectives from both opponents and supporters of the shooting range. It highlights the concerns of local residents about noise and safety, while also providing space for supporters who argue for the necessity of the range for training purposes. However, the article could improve its balance by including more detailed responses from the developers or authorities to the concerns raised by opponents, ensuring that all sides of the argument are equally explored.

8
Clarity

The article is written in clear and straightforward language, making it accessible to a general audience. It effectively organizes information by first outlining the decision, then detailing the public's reaction, and finally presenting the conditions for approval. The use of direct quotes adds to the narrative's clarity, though the article could improve by providing more context around technical terms, such as 'variance' and 'buffer zone,' for readers unfamiliar with zoning jargon.

6
Source quality

The article relies on statements from a variety of stakeholders, including local residents, committee members, and the project applicant, Andrew Riddle. While these sources are relevant, the article would benefit from additional authoritative sources, such as independent environmental or safety experts, to corroborate claims about environmental pollution and safety concerns. The reliance on a Change.org petition as evidence of opposition could also be supplemented with more formal data or studies.

7
Transparency

The article is fairly transparent, providing the names and roles of key figures involved in the decision-making process, such as Autumn Radcliff and Andrew Riddle. It also mentions the legislative context that allows the range to proceed. However, the article could enhance transparency by explaining the methodology behind the committee's decision and the criteria used to assess the project's compliance with zoning ordinances.

Sources

  1. https://wlos.com/news/local/mixed-reactions-henderson-county-technical-review-committee-approves-new-firing-range-plan-gun-edneyville-safety-concerns-zoning-board-adjustment
  2. https://www.hendersonvillelightning.com/news/15060-sh.html
  3. https://wlos.com/news/local/gallery/mixed-reactions-henderson-county-technical-review-committee-approves-new-firing-range-plan-gun-edneyville-safety-concerns-zoning-board-adjustment
  4. https://www.hendersonvillelightning.com/news/4311-shooting-range-triggers-opposition-in-green-river.html
  5. https://agrilife.org/texasaglaw/2014/01/27/a-shooting-range-controversy-in-north-carolina/