Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2014 10:28:33 -0400
From: Linda Bienvenue
Subject: Goathouse Refuge petition
I read in the Chatham Record and now in the Chatlist that Ms. Scarpa is unhappy about what the shooting range that is under construction near the Goathouse Refuge. I would just like to point out a few items in her post. First, the individual purchased the property “adjacent” to the Goathouse property – not attached to it. If it were attached, it would be owned by Ms. Scarpa, and she could do with it what she wants. If the property was for sale, any individual had the right to purchase it, and do whatever he/she wished with it. Perhaps, Ms. Scarpa should have purchased it “for the safety of the animals, cats, dogs, goats.”
Second, most gun owners who use ranges are extremely aware of where to shoot, when to shoot, etc. and safety is a huge priority.
Third, and most important, Ms. Scarpa states in her last sentence: “ …because there are no regulations that could stop the private owner of the land to do it.” This is a very important point, as the same County regulations that are in place that allowed Ms. Scarpa to have her non-profit animal rescue also allow this individual to use his property for whatever he wishes.
Ms. Scarpa’s Goathouse Refuge is a wonderful and much needed organization, and kudos go out to her and her many volunteers, but to start a petition to harass a private property owner is just not needed. The right thing to do would be to greet her new neighbor and share with him/her what she does in her organization, and let him alone on his private property.
Linda Bienvenue
Pittsboro
Actually, you cannot do what you want with your land, it is zoned for certain permitted uses. You can use your land for what it was intended or seek rezoning or a conditional use permit.