There is a proposal to put a shooting range and gun store at 680 Parkway Blvd Broomall Pa 19008.  This building was formerly Kehlers Gym.  This building is immediately adjacent to our residential neighborhood including families at greater risk with elderly and small children; The Baseball Academy, where young athletes regularly go to train; across the street from The Marple Sports Arena that holds many events and outdoor camps during the summer; and just down the street from Drexel Swim Club.

   There are numerous risks and concerns when considering putting in a shooting range like the one proposed to a Township like Marple. Marple is a peaceful, non-violent, low crime community with very little nuisance areas. By opening a gun range and promoting individuals to come to our community armed, it poses a significant risk to public safety.  At a time when suicide is increasing in our nation, we should not be remotely considering this indoor shooting range and giving individuals an opportunity to posses a firearm.  

   There is also the major concern for public health risks and environmental pollution problems.  Lead poisoning is the number one environmental threat to the health of children in the United States. Despite the potential risk’s ranges pose to their surroundings and environment, they receive little oversight from the federal government. The Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate range design or maintenance. Indoor shooting ranges must vent a high concentration of lead-contaminated air into the community. Even if properly ventilated, this shooting range will pose a significant risk of lead poisoning to the community and surrounding environment creating tremendous amounts of hazardous waste.

   Another area of concern for the neighboring properties is the instant decrease in property values. Numerous reports indicate that areas with an indoor shooting range see a decline in property values. Our community and state as a whole have seen a commendable surge in property values over the past several years and we must capitalize on this trend, not neutralize the progress. In this real estate sellers’ market we have at the moment, it would be unwise to impose a business that all studies conducted indicate will lower property values for residents and business owners. This would have a grave consequence for many members of our community.

  For all these reasons plus more, I ask that the residents of Marple Township, the Township’s Zoning Hearing Board, the Township Board of Commissioners, all business owners and residents to please oppose this proposed indoor shooting range and weapons/ammunitions store.

  The Township will be holding a public hearing via Zoom before the Zoning Hearing Board of Marple Township. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, February 17 th , 2021 at 7:00 pm. Residents will have the opportunity to be heard before a decision is made to approve or deny the variance that would be required to allow this plan to move forward. - This will be our only chance to stop this from going forward. Please register by Monday, February 15 th , 2021 to participate in the Zoom meeting.

So, friends and residents help and sign this petition and send to as many who can help!