Political Candidates Speak Out Against Wayne Gun Range

WAYNE, NJ — Three Democratic state legislative candidates have denounced a gun range that will be built on Route 23 South, saying a loophole in state law gives people easy access to firearms.

The Planning Board Aug. 28 approved a state-of-the-art gun range with 15 shooting stalls on the former Fuddruckers property. No variance was required so residents within 200 yards of the facility did not have to be notified of the application.

State Legislative District 40 candidates Paul Vagianos, Christine Ordway and Thomas Duch have come out against the shooting range.

RELATED: Planning Board Approves Shooting Range On Former Fuddruckers Site

People with a valid driver's license can rent firearms to use at the facility after watching a safety video and if they have someone with them.

"Municipalities should not approve any gun ranges until Trenton closes this loophole," Ordway said in a statement. "We must take steps to protect our residents with more than a short safety video."

Two people committed suicide at a nearby Woodland Park gun range last year. According to the candidates, nearly 66 percent of gun deaths in the United States are suicides and six fatal shootings have occurred at New Jersey gun ranges from September 2014 to July 2016.

The Ramsey Planning Board is considering an application for a 60,000-square-foot facility with 67 firing stalls, a restaurant, locker rooms and a game room. Petitions for and against its approval have been created.

“Filling out a few forms and watching a five-minute safety video is not sufficient precaution,” said Vagianos. "Gun ranges do not properly screen people."

Gun proponents disagree.

"New Jersey firearms owners are subjected to extensive investigation by the state, and are among the most highly regulated in the nation," said Scott Bach, executive director of the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs. "The notion that a range where they can practice is a danger to the community is absurd."

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