The Newcastle Select Board voted to call a series of meetings to consider enacting a moratorium in regard to firearm sales in the town during a meeting the evening of Monday, April 22.
The moratorium under consideration would prohibit the review, consideration, or issuance of any permits or approvals for any applicant seeking to buy, sell, or trade in firearms while the town considers municipal zoning and land use regulations regulating the location of such uses.
The select board voted 4-0 to host a special select board meeting and a special town meeting to present the idea of a moratorium to the town.
The moratorium was brought before the select board during the public comment portion of the April 22 meeting by planning board Chair Ben Frey.
In regard to a firearms dealer license application, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives recently inquired with the Newcastle town office staff about zoning regulations that prohibit the sale of firearms in close proximity to schools, according to Frey.
The firearm dealer application with the bureau was submitted by Zander Lee, of Newcastle, according to Newcastle Code Enforcement Officer George Chase. Lee did not respond to requests for comment by press time.
Lee is not required to submit an application with the town in conjunction with the firearms comdealer application with the bureau, Chase said. The town would only receive an application from Lee in the event that he would like to open a new retail space for firearm sales, according to Chase. An application has not been received by the town, according to Chase and Town Clerk Michelle Cameron.
Following the inquiry from the bureau, Frey said town office staff was surprised to find that Newcastle’s zoning code does not address the matter of firearm sales in proximity to schools.
“I believe this deficiency in our code is an issue that rises to the level where it is most appropriately discussed by, and a decision made by, the full legislative body of the town,” said Frey. “Our own core zoning code defines adult establishments and places limits on the proximity to schools and places of worship.
“I want to be crystal clear: this is not about prohibiting firearm sales,” Frey said. “It’s about whether or not this community desires regulations around firearm sales, specifically in close proximity to schools.”
The town of Newcastle currently has two licensed firearm distributors included on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives state federal firearms listing: Robert L. Foster’s Auction Co., at 811 Route 1, and Doe Run Supply Co., at 92 Mills Road.
Following Frey’s request for a moratorium during the select board’s April 22 meeting, multiple members of the public spoke in favor of the board considering a moratorium, including Lincoln Academy Dean of Students Jake Abbott.
“I just think this is worth a larger conversation, in particular as its proximity to school. I’m not in any way trying to restrict gun sales or talk about not being able to allow gun sales in this community, but I think just due diligence around what does this community want as it relates to proximity to Lincoln Academy … It’s a really important conversation for the townsfolk to have,” said Abbott.
The select board will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 in the fire station community room, located at 86 River Road. During this meeting, members of the board will discuss the warrant article for the special town meeting, where a vote on the moratorium will take place.
Residents will have the opportunity to vote on the moratorium during a special town meeting on Monday, May 13 at 6 p.m., with a location to be determined.
