We, the undersigned, call on the Warren County Board of Supervisors to approve the relocation of the New Pioneer Gun Club (NPGC) to 2742 G76 Hwy, New Virginia, IA.

 
Why This Petition Matters
Opponents of this project are circulating a petition filled with inaccurate claims. Many of these efforts are being driven by individuals who do not live in our community. They own land here for private hobby purposes but reside in the city, and they are now attempting to influence local residents with misleading datato block a project that would directly benefit our families, our children, and our community.

The truth is clear: the New Pioneer Gun Club is a non-profit, community-focused organizationwith a 60+ year history of safe, responsible operation. Its relocation will provide youth programs, a community event space, and tax revenue—all without costing taxpayers a dime.

 
Opposition Claims vs. The Facts
1. Claim: Rezoning is “illegal spot zoning” and inconsistent with the county plan
Fact: Highway G76 is already designated for future C‑2 commercial use in Warren County’s comprehensive plan. Placing the club here is consistent with long-term planning.
Fact: Putting the club anywhere else outside this corridor would be considered spot zoning. The current plan is the most appropriate and legally sound location.

2. Claim: The club provides only private benefit, not public good
Fact: NPGC is a 501(c)(7) non-profit that supports thousands of Iowa youth through the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP).
Fact: The new clubhouse will be available for community events such as weddings, reunions, and fundraisers.
Fact: As a C‑2 zoned property, the club will generate tax revenue while providing public amenities—something that benefits the entire county.

3. Claim: Noise will disrupt families, farms, and wildlife
Fact: The facility is shotgun-only—no rifles or pistols. Shotguns are significantly quieter than other firearms.
Fact: The design includes natural berms, tree lines, and distance buffers to reduce sound.
Fact: In Waukee, where the club has operated since the 1960s, subdivisions and even a school have been built right next to the facility. Families and wildlife have coexisted safely for decades.

4. Claim: Environmental hazards from lead shot
Fact: NPGC has a proven record of environmental stewardship. Lead shot is regularly reclaimed and recycled by licensed contractors.
Fact: The club follows EPA Best Management Practices to ensure responsible handling and prevent contamination.
Fact: Unlike the examples cited by opponents, NPGC has never had an environmental violation in its 60+ years of operation.

5. Claim: Property values will decline
Fact: Waukee is one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, and it has grown with NPGC at its center.
Fact: Developers are already planning low-density housing on the current NPGC site once the club relocates. If the club truly harmed property values, developers would not be eager to build homes and schools directly on or adjacent to the site.

6. Claim: Traffic, lights, and “urbanization” will harm rural life
Fact: The facility will be designed to blend with the landscape and minimize impact.
Fact: Events will bring economic benefitsto local businesses—restaurants, hotels, and shops—without burdening taxpayers.

This rezoning is not about “commercial intrusion” or the loss of rural character—it is about responsible planning, community benefit, and truth over misinformation. Highway G76 has already been designated for future C‑2 commercial use, making this the most appropriate and legally consistent location for the New Pioneer Gun Club. Far from harming Warren County, this project will:

Preserve farmland elsewhere by placing the facility in a corridor already planned for commercial development.

Strengthen rural living by providing a safe, family‑friendly recreational amenity that has coexisted with neighborhoods and schools in Waukee for over 60 years.

Support long‑standing families by generating new tax revenue without burdening taxpayers, while offering youth programs and a community event space.

Uphold zoning law by avoiding the pitfalls of spot zoning and aligning with the county’s comprehensive plan.

This is not a sacrifice of equity or peace—it is an investment in our community’s future. The New Pioneer Gun Club is led by local residents and neighbors, not outsiders, and it will bring educational, economic, and recreational benefits to Warren County for generations to come.

We urge the Commission and Board to approve the rezoning on legal, environmental, economic, and community grounds.