DENNISVILLE – Dennis Township’s Committee met March 28 having invited Dennis Middle School Student Council to give members an update on activities.
Two sixth graders paired in briefing committee on some of the council’s milestones in helping the community and school.
“We did a fundraiser last month for leukemia. We raised a little less than last year, but they are always so happy to receive our donation. We’ve also held a talent show and are watching nesting boxes for bluebirds for babies,” explained one of the representatives.
No Firearms Ordinance Needed
This meeting attracted a large group of citizens. Many made comments on an issue that has been raised periodically over the last 18 months: the presence of gun ranges in residential areas of the township.
“I’ve been here before complaining about the noise and danger of these shooting ranges. Now I want to share some research with you on another reason committee needs to ban these shooting ranges in residential areas,” said Stanley Bodnar.
“I’m not a lawyer but I’ve read EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulations, and they make a strong case for banning any kind of lead shot near wetlands or swamps. There must be lead abatement before it goes into the ground. I hope you’ll be as concerned about lead in the water as I am and prohibit this unsafe activity,” he concluded.
In rebuttal to Bodnar‘s remarks, some residents spoke.
“I live on Cedar Drive and the shooting range this gentleman is talking about doesn’t even abut his property. He’s complaining about noise; well I could complain about noise from the Parkway, that doesn’t mean Dennis needs an ordinance. I want to say to him, ‘mind your own business,’ and I think the committee should tell him ‘to go float,’” said one.
Another resident commented that EPA regulations don’t prohibit hunting within the township and there had never been a problem before with another resident noting that he concurred that the particular shooting range in question did not pose any threat to private property.
Another speaker who lives on North Route 9 said firearms is her hobby. “Dennis provides me with my right to shoot firearms as long as it’s appropriate use. There are no ordinances in Dennis that prohibit shooting ranges, and I always follow state law. I am completely against any Dennis ordinance that would take away my rights.”
The last speaker said, “I live in South Seaville because we don’t have the problems other townships do. All the neighbors get along, and we try to help each other. I live here because there is no firearms ordinance and let’s keep it that way.”
Rte. 55 Extension
A resident asked Committee what is happening with any proposed Route 55 extension because “existing roads are really antiquated.” “There are meetings at the county level which are open to the public about how to solve transportation problems in South Jersey,” explained Township Engineer John Gibson. “Everything is in the infant stages with a consultant having been hired to study improvement options.”
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
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