Although the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals wasn’t opposed to a tactical training and shooting range at Steven Morrell’s 0 County Road property, there would be no special permit for the operation until at least getting a written OK from the Rochester police chief.
Morrell has an extensive background in the field, having served as a U.S. Marine sniper in the ‘90s, served 29 years in military law enforcement and counter terrorism, and has 15 years of experience as an instructor in firearms and tactical shooting among other certifications.
Morrell said opening a shooting instruction and tactical instruction range to train local, state, and federal law enforcement, as well as the general public, especially on this property, has been his long-time dream. He grew up on County Road and was familiar with the former property owner. Morrell said he has been shooting at the site since he was 15 years old.
The land is vacant with an existing relatively small-scale shooting range. Morrell wished to add a storage structure and construct an 8-foot backstop at the end of the range, where the overall grade at the spot is about 20 feet high.
There are no abutting residences, with SEMASS and some area cranberry bogs along the property. Morrell said the nearest resident is over 3,000 feet away from the proposed range that is situated in a relatively remote area. Access will be documented via an easement granted by abutting cranberry bog owner, Brad Morse, who is also a Rochester selectman.
Morrell’s operation will be no “soda can target” practice. What Morrell plans for is a more realistic approach with real targets and instruction in the dynamics of shooting, and plans to offer some diminished light tactical instructions during the winter month evenings. He proposed hours of operation from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Morrell said he had at one time spoken to the retired former Rochester police chief, and said the current police chief is aware of the proposed operation but Morrell hadn’t heard any response with comments from him.
“I think I’d like to hear from the chief,” said ZBA member Richard Cutler. It’s one thing to go out there and do a little (target practice) … but this is going to be a business.” Cutler said he wanted endorsement from the police chief.
Morrell stated that his hours would be part-time at the range as his regular work schedule is often “erratic.” Also, activities at the site during classes would be mostly instruction rather than a constant firing of weapons.
“There’s quite a bit of down time built in to what we’re doing,” said Morrell.
Morse commented on the lack of noise emitted from the site, saying, “You actually don’t hear it outside of it due to the shape of the property.”
Letters of support for Morrell and his shooting range expressed an enthusiasm for the new business, including one from Sargent Daniel Henderson of the Wareham Police Department who has trained under Morrell before. Henderson called him “a dedicated professional and an asset to the community and a valuable resource.”
Conceptually, Cutler found no problem with the proposal, “but it would be nice to get something from Rochester Police.”
ZBA Chairman David Arancio agreed with Cutler, but insisted that Morrell also seek a range permit from the Board of Selectmen. ZBA member Davis Sullivan concurred.
Although the site is secluded, Arancio said, it has a history of people using the property to ride ATVs. “It’s private, but – unfortunately, you know how that goes.” He suggested some “Live Fire” signs to accompany Morrell’s suggested “No Trespassing” signs.
Arancio said he found no problem with the proposal, but he wanted to dot all his ‘i’s and ‘t’s. He and the board made some suggestions on conditions of approval, including that the police department make an annual visit to the range for an inspection.
“Especially in this day and age where [there are] a lot of nuts out there with guns,” Cutler said.
The hearing was continued until August 8 to allow time for the police chief to weigh in on the application.
The next meeting of the Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for August 8 at 7:15 pm at the Rochester Town Hall.
Rochester Zoning Board of Appeals
By Jean Perry