Unanswered questions about McCandless gun range

The article on McCandless Crossing’s new gun range raised unanswered questions (”Indoor Gun Range Slated to Open Early Next Year,” Nov. 10). Were those who opened restaurants, a bookstore with children’s nook, Trader Joe’s, etc., told that a gun range would be their neighbor when they signed leases? Pennsylvania is an open-carry state, but I’ve never seen people walking around the North Hills with guns. I imagine that will be a common sight now at McCandless Crossing. People coming to “shoot” will also want to “Shop. Play. Dine. Stay” (four activities McCandless Crossing advertises). Are the merchants OK with that? None were interviewed in the article.

Curiously, the range will be near a grade school, college, hospital, churches and chapels. Was this considered? The town manager says an indoor gun range is a “permitted use” there and that “municipalities are prohibited from regulating gun ranges.” I was surprised at this lack of power. As for a system to “remove lead contaminants from the range,” he states that, too, is “not for us to regulate.” Does the town council have no say as to control of toxic pollutants in McCandless? Another question: Do residents of the new townhomes next to the Crossing believe their property values will rise with a gun range a short walk away? None were interviewed in the article.

Some say having guns around offers more security, but I won’t feel safer there. I don’t believe I’ll use McCandless Crossing in the future — especially the new movie theater adjacent to the range. DONNA BRETT

Ross