To the Editor:
To be clear, this isn’t about banning guns or shutting down gun stores we already have here. With our downtown district’s first Main Street gun store ready to open, this is about the need to reconsider zoning limits for suitable locations.
This is about defining what is appropriate for and in different pockets of Riverhead.
It’s about the tone that we set, the image that is created and put out there. While aficionados may be okay with a Main Street gun store, there are others who are absolutely opposed. And that goes beyond those who live here, to people who work here, and any number of visitors who might pass through, deciding whether to stop or not.
This town is focused and working hard on building our image to attract more visitors and tourist dollars, to help support our local businesses. And just like in Town Board meetings and around town, those visitors will also have differing opinions. Some won’t bat an eye, but some will just keep driving.
Even if you personally don’t see a need to create zoning for gun stores, many feel strongly that we do need it. Local merchants and associates are in a tough spot, reluctant to speak out against it, but privately unhappy and concerned about how this could hurt their business. And many residents are still disappointed that two years ago this gun zoning was left to die, leaving a clear path for the new Main Street Gun store.
As town councilman, Tim Hubbard couldn’t gather the support of the former board to approve gun store zoning. But as supervisor, and understanding the negative impact this could have on our town, I would hope he and this new board will see the importance and get this done. I would ask the Town Board to consider putting aside personal opinions to weigh whether the value or the risk is in Riverhead’s best interest.
Adele Wallach
Riverhead
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