Residents seek answers on proposed shooting range

NORTH FAIRFIELD — Neighbors are raising safety and noise concerns about a new outdoor commercial shooting range under construction near North Fairfield. The project known as The Freedom Ranch, located at 1333 Ohio 162 W., outlines plans for a clubhouse that would include a retail store, check-in area, classroom, lodging and a lounge area where visitors could watch activity in each shooting bay on large-screen televisions. A website for the company constructing the range also lists matches and instructional classes for purchase, even though the range has not yet been completed. It wasn't clear when construction would be done, but the website states the range will be ready "for the season in the spring of 2026." The property, which appears to be largely woodland currently, sold Dec. 29 for $299,900 to The Freedom Shack LLC, which is based out of West Main Street in Willard. Residents raise concerns According to one man, area residents were largely unaware of the range's construction and have questions on how certain issues will be addressed. Seth Honeycutt, who said he has family living in the vicinity of the range, said residents fear the shooting range could be dangerous given its location near homes and are seeking public awareness and clarification from local officials before the project is fully constructed. Honeycutt said several residents attended a recent Fairfield Township trustee meeting to discuss the situation and to see what legal actions, if any, may be available. Another meeting planned Township trustees are scheduled to hold another public meeting at 7 p.m. this Wednesday at the township building at 1 N. Main St., using the north-side door of the North Fairfield post office. Trustees are expected to have information from the county prosecutor, whom they asked to review possible legal options, according to Honeycutt. Phone calls and emails sent to for The Freedom Ranch have not been returned as of press time Monday.