outside (and) change, probably for all time, the nature

outside (and) change, probably for all time, the nature of the area,” said David Arnold. “The operation is fine but it’s in the wrong place ... If this is allowed, I don’t know what kind of signal it would send to others who might want to introduce commercial ventures into other agricultural/residential areas.”

Donna Fisher suggested that if Mr. Young derives benefit from the increased traffic on the private right-of-way, then he should assume complete responsibility for its upkeep and maintenance.

By letter, neighboring landowners Ed and Betty Streapy, Faye Wood, Arland Welch and Sally Burton gave their support to the proposal for the indoor firing range. In addition, a petition bearing 19 signatures in favor of granting the special use permit was submitted to the supervisors.

Harold Young acknowledged that the planning commission based its recommendation against approval on the access road. But he pointed out that Route 522's hard surface only measures 20 feet while houses on that major thoroughfare through Flint Hill sit closer to the road than does Garfield Burke’s residence on the private right-of-way.

Only the first 500 or so feet of the private road is 20 feet wide, he said, adding that the property owners along that section have no objections to the firing range. “Past that, it’s a 50-foot right-of-way put in in accordance with the county’s regulations (for private streets). It looks narrower because of the way it’s laid out.”

In addition, Route 622, a 20-foot road nearby, serves a Catholic retreat, permitted by the county, which generates “a tremendous amount of traffic,” Mr. Young said.

Also on the private road is a new pick-your-own orchard, he continued, telling the supervisors that another established orchardist advised him such operations can bring 150 to 200 cars in addition to busses during the picking season.

Mrs. Young assured the supervisors that she and her husband would warn regular patrons of the need for driving with particular care past the Burkes’ residence. As with many narrow country roads, motorists can pass each other if driving “cautiously, carefully,” she added. And her husband pointed out that his deed gives him the right to use the road “for any purpose.”

Garfield Burke countered that the recently opened orchard is “a seasonal thing” while the firing range “would be year-round and that’s a big difference.”

The firing range “is a good idea but a pobr location,” concluded Supervisor Nelson Lane, a self-described hunter who said he would like to see a range somewhere else in