HomeMy WebLinkAbout071 SanokWith regard to shooting ranges
My name is Mabs Sanok and I live on S. Discovery Rd. in Port Townsend and own property at 3654 Eaglemount Rd.
I am writing because I have grave concern about the lack of protections for existing property owners with regard to the new
Commercial Shooting Range ordinance, particularly as it applies to Mr. D’amico’s proposed Cedar Hills Recreational Facility.
The land Mr. D’amico purchased is subject to a CUP. When I look at the approval criteria for a CUP listed on the Jefferson County
website, I have a very difficult time seeing how his application for a recreation and training center that incorporates seven outdoor
gun ranges and two helicopter landing pads can be considered as meeting the very first criterion:
“The conditional use is harmonious and appropriate in design, character, and appearance with the existing or intended character
and quality of development in the vicinity of the subject property and with the physical characteristics of the subject property.”
Furthermore, from what I understand about the nature of gun ranges and the scope of the intended facility, I can’t see it
conforming to many additional criteria listed. But it appears that D’amico’s threat of lawsuit is a powerful tool for pushing through
his agenda regardless. That fact concerns me greatly.
Please, please consider the devastating impacts this facility will have on neighboring property owners. My husband and I chose to
invest in our land. Our land is our legacy to our children. It represents the bulk of our family wealth and security. We purchased
our land twelve years ago, well aware of the nature of rural life and the fact that we are surrounded by commercial forest land. We
accept the noise of forestry harvest, hunting, agricultural machinery, and neighborhood target shooting. They are part of the rural
character of our community. But sustained, high-intensity gunfire possible from 7am to 10 pm seven days a week has the very real
potential of making our property both uninhabitable and unsellable. Such an impact would violate our rights as property owners
to be able to enjoy our property. Our constitutional right to the pursuit of happiness as landowners is at stake.
I have been told repeatedly on social media by Mr. D’amico and others that the commercial forest land surrounding his property
will provide an adequate sound buffer for neighboring properties. However, when I asked Mr. D’amico what his noise mitigation
plan was for when that commercial forest land is harvested, he told me I should be pressuring Pope not to cut it. He then told me
it was a ridiculous question because why would he “fix his roof before it was leaking.” Such a dismissive attitude towards the
realistic concerns of neighbors brings into question Mr. D’amico’s commitment to being a good neighbor, himself. In fact, he has a
history of conflict with neighbors that stretches quite far back in time.
In summary, I ask that the committee take seriously the impacts this development will have on both property values and the
existing owners’ rights to enjoy their properties. With no code enforcement officer in Jefferson County, with a developer who has a
history of conflict with neighbors, and with an ordinance that does nothing to restrict size, intensity, and type of training being
offered, residents of the Tarboo/Eaglemount/Dabob areas have reason to feel threatened by this facility.
Thank you for both your service and your consideration, Mabs Sanok
Mabs Sanok <mabscsanok89@gmail.com>
Fri 11/16/2018 2:09 PM
To:Planning Commission Desk <PCommissionDesk@co.jefferson.wa.us>;
Page 1 of 1With regard to shooting ranges -Planning Commission Desk
11/16/2018https://owa.co.jefferson.wa.us/owa/
Zon18-00036
My name is Mabs Sanok and I live on S. Discovery Rd. in Port Townsend and own property at 3654 Eaglemount Rd.
I am writing because I have grave concern about the lack of protections for existing property owners with regard to the new
Commercial Shooting Range ordinance, particularly as it applies to Mr. D’amico’s proposed Cedar Hills Recreational Facility.
The land Mr. D’amico purchased is subject to a CUP. When I look at the approval criteria for a CUP listed on the Jefferson County
website, I have a very difficult time seeing how his application for a recreation and training center that incorporates seven outdoor
gun ranges and two helicopter landing pads can be considered as meeting the very first criterion:
“The conditional use is harmonious and appropriate in design, character, and appearance with the existing or intended character
and quality of development in the vicinity of the subject property and with the physical characteristics of the subject property.”
Furthermore, from what I understand about the nature of gun ranges and the scope of the intended facility, I can’t see it
conforming to many additional criteria listed. But it appears that D’amico’s threat of lawsuit is a powerful tool for pushing through
his agenda regardless. That fact concerns me greatly.
Please, please consider the devastating impacts this facility will have on neighboring property owners. My husband and I chose to
invest in our land. Our land is our legacy to our children. It represents the bulk of our family wealth and security. We purchased
our land twelve years ago, well aware of the nature of rural life and the fact that we are surrounded by commercial forest land. We
accept the noise of forestry harvest, hunting, agricultural machinery, and neighborhood target shooting. They are part of the rural
character of our community. But sustained, high-intensity gunfire possible from 7am to 10 pm seven days a week has the very real
potential of making our property both uninhabitable and unsellable. Such an impact would violate our rights as property owners
to be able to enjoy our property. Our constitutional right to the pursuit of happiness as landowners is at stake.
I have been told repeatedly on social media by Mr. D’amico and others that the commercial forest land surrounding his property
will provide an adequate sound buffer for neighboring properties. However, when I asked Mr. D’amico what his noise mitigation
plan was for when that commercial forest land is harvested, he told me I should be pressuring Pope not to cut it. He then told me
it was a ridiculous question because why would he “fix his roof before it was leaking.” Such a dismissive attitude towards the
realistic concerns of neighbors brings into question Mr. D’amico’s commitment to being a good neighbor, himself. In fact, he has a
history of conflict with neighbors that stretches quite far back in time.
In summary, I ask that the committee take seriously the impacts this development will have on both property values and the
existing owners’ rights to enjoy their properties. With no code enforcement officer in Jefferson County, with a developer who has a
history of conflict with neighbors, and with an ordinance that does nothing to restrict size, intensity, and type of training being
offered, residents of the Tarboo/Eaglemount/Dabob areas have reason to feel threatened by this facility.
Thank you for both your service and your consideration, Mabs Sanok
Mabs Sanok <mabscsanok89@gmail.com>
Fri 11/16/2018 2:10 PM
To:Planning Commission Desk <PCommissionDesk@co.jefferson.wa.us>;
Page 1 of 1Zon18-00036 -Planning Commission Desk
11/16/2018https://owa.co.jefferson.wa.us/owa/