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Concerns raised over noise at gun range on outskirts of Saybrook
By Scott Richardson
srichardson@pantagraph.com
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SAYBROOK -- A gun range on the outskirts of Saybrook may wind up at the center of a showdown on the Village Board. Board member Ross Reardon wants the Saybrook Gun Club silenced. Shooting often begins early in the day seven days a week and continues until 9 at night, he said.

He knows because he and his wife live within about 600 feet of the site.

“It’s too annoying, it is too close to the village,” he said. “The noise affects the whole town.”

But Reardon said he may not have the political ammunition to force a ceasefire. Fellow village board member James Quinn is range officer of the Saybrook Sportsman’s Club, which operates the range.

“I have a picture of me shooting there when I was in junior high school,” said Quinn, who is now retired. “If he (Reardon) didn’t like living next to the gun club, he shouldn’t have moved to Saybrook — like people who don’t like airplane noise shouldn’t move next to airports.”

Quinn said the club is primarily a trap range, but hunting guns and handguns also are fired there. Shooting generally doesn’t start until 9 a.m.

“It takes us a while to get enough coffee to get down there,” he said, agreeing that some events may not end until 9 p.m.

Currently, the range, which encompasses about four acres, is not under the village board’s jurisdiction. Rather, the local problem revolves around a larger McLean County zoning issue, said Phil Dick, director of the county’s department of building and zoning.

The gun range was operating when the County Board passed a zoning ordinance in the 1960s. The ordinance classified land surrounding towns as residential to give villages room to grow. Non-compliant uses, such as the gun club, were grandfathered so they could continue operating.

Five years ago, the County Board set Dec. 31, 2007 as a deadline for non-compliant users to apply for the proper zoning and special use permits, Dick said. The sportsman’s club never did, and it was not alone. Dick said “several” non-compliant uses continue, ranging from improper signage to light manufacturing operations and businesses.

Quinn said the club was unaware of the zoning problem until mid-summer. That was after Reardon called sheriff’s deputies when someone began shooting about 10:30 p.m. one night. A deputy talked to the shooter, and he left, but he returned and began shooting again about 2 a.m. Reardon said the gunfire stopped after he called sheriff’s police a second time.

“That’s what triggered the whole thing,” Reardon said.

The club quickly ousted the offender, who was a new member, Quinn said.

“There were years we had only two rules: don’t do anything stupid and clean up your mess,” Quinn said. “It never occurred to me to tell him, ‘And, don’t shoot at 1:30 in the morning.’ ”

After the late-night episode, Reardon began looking for ways to quell the gunfire. He eventually went to Dick, who sent Quinn a letter stating the club must ask the County Board of Zoning Appeals to rezone the property as a general manufacturing district and seek a special use permit.

The process will require a site plan, explanations on how it functions and what events are held there. Dick said safety issues might require new or improved backstops. Quinn agreed.

As an alternative to seeking re-zoning, Dick suggested the club ask to be annexed to Saybrook because the site is contiguous to the village. More controls could be put on the range at that time, he said. Both Quinn and Reardon expect annexation to be on the agenda for the Village Board’s monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Monday.

Reardon said he’ll oppose the measure because of the noise, no matter what. Restrictions on days or hours of operation would not help, he said.

Quinn, who said he will not vote to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, hopes a compromise can be worked out. But he isn’t hopeful.

“We are willing to work with just about anybody…but he and I are 180 degrees apart,” said Quinn. “He’s set in ways and so am I.”

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Reader comments on this story - 30 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

goodneighbor wrote on Oct 13, 2008 9:24 PM:

" We had better shut down the church bells , Fourth of July fireworks , 21 gun salutes and the loud kids . EVERY THING THAT MAKES US FREE AMERICANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Mavis wrote on Oct 12, 2008 5:04 PM:

" What is the real motive here, control? You move back to your childhood home knowing the club existed, and start complaining. These folks seem to have a lot of negative energy that insults many of the life long citizens. It is very sad that one person who just doesn't like something that many others enjoy and have for years has the nerve to try and shut the club down. Instead of one against all, try and join the town together and put that engery into something good for the town--now that's a thought . And just another thought, I would be thankful that noise is all I had to worry about, there are alot worse things in life. "

brookian wrote on Oct 12, 2008 3:45 PM:

" heh.. I live in saybrook. My house is CLOSE to the range. I am personally annoyed by all the racket that these guys make all the time. I don't care for many of the members, with a few exceptions (one being Quinn). But this range is as big a part of town and the gawdy windmills and 50mph freight trains (with square wheels) blaring their horn at 3AM and the 20' wide combines during harvest.
It's called, "The American Way"!
I hope Reardon doesn't want to BAN windmills, railroads, and farming along with the gun range.
Please quit whining Reardon.
Put your BigBoy pants on and DEAL with it. "

middle of the road wrote on Oct 12, 2008 2:48 PM:

" wkndwrrior79 yes exactly that kind of people. "

wkndwrrior79 wrote on Oct 12, 2008 1:15 PM:

" This is kind of like the people that live in upscale neighborhoods around the Central Il Regional Airport, that cry and whine about the airport noise, even though the airport was there long before they're precious palace was even thought of. "

Young Mr Tipsord wrote on Oct 12, 2008 9:50 AM:

" It's actualy not a bad spot for a club like this: ground that's not much good for anything else, a small pond to fish in, and you almost can't get there from here if you don't know where you're going. When you add Jim Quinn to the mix, I think it's a wonderful asset. "

Grandma of Two wrote on Oct 12, 2008 9:31 AM:

" To: Not So Political - this range was placed in the 1960's. I doubt that it was within 600 yards of someone's house at that time. Second, look at a gun club plan. You shoot in one direction and usually there's a mound of dirt behind the targets. Third, back in the 60's, we didn't have the "history" to wonder if a bullet was going to go through a house, that's a recent worry. "

110100100 wrote on Oct 12, 2008 9:17 AM:

" The Original JD - You can still smoke in 'smoking establishments.' You can't smoke in public eating establishments and drinking establishments. "

Not so Political wrote on Oct 12, 2008 8:17 AM:

" i can not believe that they put a gun range that close to town in the first place. if someone's gun goes off in the wrong direction whom or what will the bullet hit. pets, adult, kids, babies lying in a crib? just a thought. "

The Original JD wrote on Oct 12, 2008 5:15 AM:

" For the same reason smoking establishments had to stop smoking because non-smoking people chose to go there instead of somewhere else. The number does not matter, as I am sure that many smoking establishments had no complaints about smoking, or had been smoking for years (and some decades). In both cases, people are being subjected to pollution, in this case it is noise pollution. It should not matter if it is only 2 people being affected or millions, should it? "

mel wrote on Oct 11, 2008 11:47 PM:

" To the Saybrookites: How did Reardon get on the village board, and when is the next election? "

Woody wrote on Oct 11, 2008 10:55 PM:

" If you don't like the noise, then you shouldn't buy a house that close to a gun range. That range has been there for ages. It is obviously popular. Leave it alone. "

Annienap wrote on Oct 11, 2008 10:46 PM:

" As a former resident of Saybrook, one of the BEST little villages left, my opinion is that Reardon needs to MOVE if he doesn't like his 'neighbor' who just happened to be there LONG before Reardon moved in. People don't like it much when someone just moves in and tries to take over. Strangers are the people who totally ruin small town America. Oust Reardon and leave the rest as it is - THE WAY IT HAS BEEN FOR YEARS! "

BigBrother wrote on Oct 11, 2008 10:39 PM:

" I really get a bang out of Ross! "

middle of the road wrote on Oct 11, 2008 10:03 PM:

" Saybrookite maybe he mistakes Snyder and friends shooting at 6:30 or 7:00 am. on sundays out in the country, for people shooting that early at the club.
JD because it is just one couple that are complaining.why should a sportsmans club that has been there for decades close due to 2 people not liking it? "

floyd wrote on Oct 11, 2008 9:42 PM:

" to:The Voice. He could move to Chicago where you can't own a gun and never have a problem with anyone right! No crime there! "

Saybrookite wrote on Oct 11, 2008 8:49 PM:

" According to Village Board member Ross Reardon, he “wants the Saybrook Gun Club silenced. Shooting often begins early in the day seven days a week and continues until 9 at night. To correct Mr. Reardon, the Saybrook Sportsmans Club, the clubs hours are from 9 a.m. to Dusk 6 days a week and on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. when there is a Regularly scheduled Trap shoot from 6 to 9 p.m. The only other scheduled event is the 2nd Sunday of each month, except in May when it is move to the 3rd Sunday, to accommodate for Mother’s Day, running from 9 a.m. to 12 or 1 p.m. All of the Clubs hours fall within the range of the Noise Ordinance of the Village of Saybrook, of no loud noises from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Depending upon your definition of “early in the morning” or “late at night” the hours of the Saybrook Sportsmans Club appear to be reasonable. Most businesses are open prior to 9 a.m. and most people are not in bed by Dusk. "

What The Hey wrote on Oct 11, 2008 8:01 PM:

" I know, turn it into a skate board park and then we can go through all the postings about Saybrook skateboarders again just like a year or so ago. Next thing you know someone will be complaining about a wind farm, too. Deja Vu all over again!! "

Saybrookite wrote on Oct 11, 2008 6:34 PM:

" I don't understand why we have someone who has lived in this area less than 10 years that is raising a fuss over one incident that has happened in 50 years. Not to mention, Mr, Quinn does an awesome job if there is any issues going on and is called about it. This is a club that brings business into the village on the evenings of shoots, or when guys come down to practice with their kids. This is also a club that if I recollect has also donated to almost everyone's cause here in the community. This is the site of the Fishing Derby (Freedom Fest), they donate to Christmas Wish (Linda Hart's cause for the needy kids), they also donate to the Lion's club, and the Legion. If this is such a bad thing how come Mr. & Mrs. Reardon are the only bad comments I have heard, and I live here well within the hearing range. hmmm, must have something to do with their past history of whining. Amen. "

Dr.Orangutan Chief Cardiologist Miller Park Zoo wrote on Oct 11, 2008 6:26 PM:

" Say What? Saybrook? I can not hear you nor can I see you. I prefer Le Roy's Sportsman’s Club. I conclusion,on route 9 their is a former rabbit breeders club were brown shirts,Bloomington /Abnormal Black and Whites drink alcohol and behave in a foolish or silly manner "

middle of the road wrote on Oct 11, 2008 6:25 PM:

" Reardon must be misreading his tape measure. it is way over 600 feet "

middle of the road wrote on Oct 11, 2008 6:19 PM:

" the range has been there since long before Ross moved to town. "

irishman wrote on Oct 11, 2008 6:17 PM:

" To " the voice" Play nice. You don't live over by the gun range. Do you?
NRA life member. "

HUH wrote on Oct 11, 2008 4:49 PM:

" Move next to a gun range and complain about the noise! Move next to a golf course and complain about the balls in your yard. Go into a bar and complain about the smoke! Seems like there is one common thing here! You have choice. When you make a bad one its your problem not others. Don't expect someone to conform to you. "

real american wrote on Oct 11, 2008 4:13 PM:

" To: "the voice", remember it was men with guns who fought to give you the right to say stupid stuff like that, not some left wing radical socialist like Obama. "

Mia wrote on Oct 11, 2008 3:45 PM:

" Wow! I didn't know there was a range there. I need to go and check it out! "

8271 wrote on Oct 11, 2008 3:31 PM:

" To "The Voice", I say vote republican and get rid of the kooky whining democrats. This place is out in the country. I'm sure they put it there to accommodate the same people who are whining about it now, typical democrats, never happy! "

The Original JD wrote on Oct 11, 2008 3:28 PM:

" Actually, presedence has been set. Just like a non-smoker decides to go into a smoking establishment knowing their is smoke, this guy bought a house near a range knowing there would be noise. So why shouldn't everyone cater to his desire for silence when everyone expected people to cater to their desire to not be around smoke. Honestly, there is no difference. In both cases people make decisions which put them into conflict with others, so why shouldn't the range be forced to close just like the bars were forced to go non-smoking? "

The Voice wrote on Oct 11, 2008 3:14 PM:

" Lost cause dude, the kooks in the NRA have way more money and power than you do, just move and vote Democrat and get rid of these crazy gun nuts. "

wkndwrrior79 wrote on Oct 11, 2008 2:35 PM:

" or you could just move away "
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