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HERRIMAN — After a several months-long battle, the Herriman City Council has voted not to go ahead with building a proposed gun range at a controversial location.
The city has a 40-acre donated parcel of land located along the Bonneville Shoreline Trail where it could build a 15-acre range. Thursday night, city council members sided with residents who live near the area and voted not to build the gun range at all.
"None of us built in this area to have our homes next to a gun range," said Ira Burton, who has lived within 1 1/2 miles of the proposed gun range site for the past four years.
While he and his neighbors don't oppose a range or guns, they do not like the location. They said the range would be too close to existing homes and schools.
"We think Herriman can do better," Burton said. "We think that instead of building a small temporary shooting range, we should be able to build a world-class facility that will meet the needs of not just gun enthusiasts, but others as well."
In addition to public safety, he and his neighbors worry about the noise and their property values. In recent months, the council heard those objections and ultimately decided against that location Thursday night.
"I know the folks that are close to the proposal are, in general, not for it; and I've heard them," Herriman City Councilman Mike Day said. "But if we found the right location, something could work out."
Council members all agreed they do want a permanent and public gun range in the city; and after their vote, those who were opponents are now supporters.
"My vision in this is to do it right the first time," said Craig Tishner, also a Herriman City councilman. "Let's look at more permanent options that we may be able to get."
"This is a great conclusion," Burton said. "(I) actually look forward to going and shooting once they get under way."
So, the city will keep looking for the right location, and council members hope to move ahead soon. Because location the location they abandoned was donated property, its important to note that funding will be a concern with a new location.
