Residents' Group Seeks Change in Firearms Ordinance

Members of a group called "Parents for a Safer Newtown" say they are trying to find support for a proposal that would replace Newtown's current gun ordinance with a permit-based system that would incorporate police approval into private target shooting ranges.

During the public comment section of a residents Eric Poupon and Robert Hutchinson presented a detailed layout of the draft proposal, which Hutchinson said he also provided to members of the Newtown Legislative Council's Ordinance Committee after a March 12 meeting.

The current ordinance is a "fixed-distance rule" that limits shooting "within 500 feet of a building which is occupied by persons or domesticated animals, unless he has within his possession the prior written permission of the owner or occupier thereof or unless he is on property which he owns or leases."

Hutchinson said he agreed with a proposal by Police Commissioners last year, which called for changing the rule. The proposal drafted by Parents for a Safer Newtown would "invest the Police Chief with full authority and discretion to make determinations of permit applications for residential target shooting ranges," allowing residents to appeal the decision if rejected.

"It's largely cobbled together from existing and proposed firearms ordinances, both those of Newtown and adjoining towns," said Hutchinson. He said he drew on resources from the military and the National Rifle Association, as well as Wilton's existing firearms ordinance.

Authority on the fate of the ordinance rests on the Legislative Council's side. Some police commission members offered their approval of Hutchinson's efforts during the meeting.

"I thought when we sent [recommendations] to the Legislative Council, given that it's a safety, and not a Second Amendment issue, it would not be difficult to pass such an ordinance," said commissioner Joel Faxon. "I'm happy they're bringing the issue up again."

At the March 12 ordinance committee meeting, officials heard from a range of residents -- including Poupon, who recounted the story of a resident who was allegedly hit by a stray bullet while on a roof in the neighborhood.

Others at the March 12 meeting supported keeping the measure as it stands. Resident Anthony Mason told Patch he supported maintaining the existing ordinance.

"Obviously, shooting at two in the morning, which many people are upset about -- that shouldn't be happening," he said. "But I feel as a right, as a taxpayer ... If you have the land, and you have 500 feet, as the state law says, you should be able to shoot on your own property."

Resident Rich Caruso, a member of the Newtown Fish and Game Club, said he felt there was "nothing to comment on" until something official emerged from the discussion on the ordinance. He said the discussion should not be influenced by recent tragedy.

"It was just based on private shooting ranges, and had nothing to do with the tragedy at Sandy Hook," he said.

The Legislative Council's ordinance committee will continue addressing the issue at an upcoming meeting.