Proposed shooting range presents dangers

Posted: Wednesday, December 14, 2016 12:00 

OSOK, “One Shot One Kill,” may be coming to a neighborhood near you. OSOK Industries was recently rebranded Ridgeline LLC. Their intended shooting range differs greatly from what is proposed. The business, owned by a resident of Massachusetts, an ex-Marine sniper should additionally be billed as a mercenary and sniper training ground. These words do not appear in the application submitted to the Winchester Zoning Board of Adjustment. The primary hashtag used to garner Twitter hits from Ridgeline’s Facebook page is “Sniper”. #professionalsintheapplicationofviolence, #deathfromafar and, #menofmayhem are other key words used to attract business. A compilation of sadistic, brutal and misogynistic posts Ridgeline uses to captivate clientele can be seen here: www.ashuelotnh.com. (NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN). It is hard to believe these clips are used to promote a business. Consequences of this proposed business extend beyond Winchester, New Hampshire and include Pisgah State Park and the Keene and Brattleboro areas. Local consequences are not limited to noise pollution, ground pollution, psychological stress, stray bullets and distressed property values.

Among its proposed 34-plus lanes, a 1,000-yard range runs parallel to Route 10 within slingshot range of the Ashuelot Rail Trail, where daily visitations of a resident bald eagle bring much joy. The popular trail is used by bikers, skiers, hikers, snowmobilers and horseback riders, while kayakers put in at the nearby Ashuelot Covered Bridge. Homes are in the direct line of fire and school bus stops are within earshot. It is difficult to imagine a less suitable location.

The ZBA meeting is Thursday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. at the Winchester Town Hall.

PAUL TAYLOR

Ashuelot