Plans for an indoor simulation gun range that was to open in two storefronts in a commercial strip center on the east side of Oswego have been pulled by the business partners.
The Oswego Village Board Tuesday is expected to vote on an ordinance to repeal a special use permit that was authorized last year for BJ’s Shooting at 1565-1567 Route 34.
“We have not heard from the business owners since they received approval. We are uncertain of their reason for not pursuing opening the business,” Village Administrator Dan Di Santo said in an email to The Beacon-News.
Bhairvi Brown and Joseph Bonifas proposed to occupy two spaces comprised of 2,400 square feet at the north end of the commercial building that is anchored by Tuffy Tire & Auto Center.
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The amusement facility was to have indoor marksmanship simulation shooting aimed at both training and entertainment, they said at the time.
The developers explained the virtual simulation would be similar to a life-sized video game. They said no live ammunition or live weapons would be used.
However, prior to approval of the special use permit, village trustees had concerns of having a situation with a real weapon on the premises. The village requested that the owners enforce a concealed carry restriction to help prevent actual firearms from getting into a simulation room and being confused with the simulated weapons.
The village invested time to thoroughly review the business plan for the place, officials said.
Police Chief Jeff Burgner, who also expressed concerns of intermingling a real weapon with a simulated one, met with the prospective business owners prior to them receiving the special use permit. The owners were required to have signage on the door informing patrons that no real firearms are allowed inside.
“Any time a business fails to open we are disappointed, particularly in a shopping center that has had a history of vacancy,” Di Santo said.
The village administrator said new business prospects are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This proposal in particular had issues in light of gun violence across the country.
However, the village did work out a compromise, Di Santo said.
The special use permit was granted on the condition that there would be no concealed-carry weapons allowed in the business. The village would not allow live weapons to be stored in lockers inside the premises.
“Staff supported the use because it fits Oswego’s position as a regional entertainment destination. This was a fun and unique business venture unlike any in the area. It also filled a long vacant retail space and the owners were responsible and focused on safety,” Di Santo said.
According to the village’s zoning ordinance, a special use permit is determined to have expired if a building permit or certificate of occupancy is not obtained or the use has not begun within one year of the date of approval.
Village trustees approved the special use permit May 2, 2017.
Di Santo said that after the special use permit was approved, the business partners did not submit building permits or perform any work on the retail space.