A proposal to transform a vacant commercial building into a nine-lane shooting range in Walnut Creek has drawn mixed reaction for people living nearby. The proposal from Elite Armory would transform a former carpet store on North Main Street into a nine-lane indoor shooting range with firearms tr aining, instructional classes and retail sales. The company also wants to expand the existing building, add parking and make other exterior improvements. The building is located in a commercial area surrounded by businesses like car dealerships and auto service shops. Serge has lived in Walnut Creek for years and as someone who goes to shooting ranges, he says he’d welcome one closer to home. “Honestly speaking, I’m fine with it. We don’t have many shooting ranges here,” he said. But opposition also emerged during Wednesday’s Design Review Commission meeting, with some questioning whether a shooting range belongs in this part of the city. Those who spoke at the meeting say the area is also close to homes and families, and question whether a gun range fits the character of the neighborhood. Elite Armory’s Co-Owner Gabriel Casillas says safety is at the center of the design. “Thank you for the option to speak today and give some more background on our business,” Casillas said. The proposed range would have a ballistic ceiling,impact-resistant walls and sound-absorbing materials. The company also presented a noise study saying the range would not have a significant impact on the surrounding area. The debate isn’t one-sided; the city says it received 101 emails about the proposal with 54% opposed and 44% in support. The city says it wants residents to stay involved as the project moves through the review process. “We encourage residents and other interested parties to continue participating in the public review process as the application moves through the public review process,” the city said in a statement. For some residents, support or opposition may ultimately come down to how the range would operate. “If it’s done right, it’s fine. Just like anything else, there has to be risk management, and you have to be aware of the surroundings you know,” Walnut Creek resident Orbie Diaz Said. The Design Review Commission will make a recommendation on the project, but it will not make the final decision. The next major step will be a hearing before the Walnut Creek Planning Commission where the conditional use permit will be considered. That meeting has not yet been scheduled. Any decision there could later be appealed to the City Council. ...read more read less