Proposed Paintball Battlefield Causing Controversy In East Haven

By Lisa Gentes-Hunt (Patch Staff)

Photos courtesy of the Ares Milsim Battlefield Facebook Page.
Patch Staffer Brian McCready contributed to this report.

East Haven - A proposed paintball battlefield is still sparking debate in East Haven.
On Wednesday, the East Haven Planning and Zoning Commission accepted the Ares Milsim Battlefield proposal for review, according to The New Haven Register.

A public hearing on the proposed recreation facility is set for August 3, according to The Register.
Business owner Steven Serio Sr. said the airsoft and paintball field, geared for ages 10 and up, would have security on site.

The Sperry Lane property is located near two schools, which has sparked concerns from neighbors and residents about the location and about safety.

On Wednesday, neighbors told the Planning and Zoning Commission that Serio had already begun construction on the facility, The Register reports.

The commission said if work was in fact done, prior to approval, they'd order a cease and desist, The Register reported.

The Ares Milsim Facebook page has photos of the site from June 1, which can be viewed here.
According to Serio's website, "Ares Milsim Battlefield is an outdoor paintball and airsoft facility located in East Haven, Connecticut.

"We will offer both weekly and weekend public and private gaming sessions. We offer our field to those who wish to hold private functions such as birthday parties, team building sessions, bachelor and bachelorette parties and more. We encourage players both novice and professional to try one of the many sessions we have available. We anticipate our facility to evolve into one of the largest indoor airsoft and paintball gaming facilities in Connecticut with the latest in airsoft and paintball environment technologies. In addition to our indoor field, we will have a top-of-the line airsoft and paintball pro-shop offering all types of equipment, accessories, tactical gear and repairs.As experienced players, we pride ourselves in safety and honesty in the sport. We hold all of our employees up to high standards in order for us to provide a fun and safe environment for all who patron our establishment."

Read the full article in The New Haven Register here.
View the Ares Milsim website here.