Isbella Diaz
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL)The debate continues in McLean over what to do about a gun shop located near Franklin Sherman Elementary School, even though the shop is completely within its rights to be there.
The McLean Citizens Association (MCA) held a meeting last night to discuss a possible resolution to the location of NOVA Firearms and help all parties involved find some common ground.
Jeff Barnett, MCA President, said that there was a possible resolution currently being discussed, but it required all parties involved, in particular the gun shop, to be open and flexible.
Barnett was not at liberty to discuss the details of this resolution until further discussion had been had privately between all parties involved.
“They have a perfect right to do their business,” said Barnett. “They have a perfect right to conduct their business as it is. That’s not the issue…whether or not a gun store will be in McLean. The only issue is whether a gun store should be 20 feet away from an elementary school.”
One possible option being discussed thus far was to put up a type of wall, or barrier, between the gun shop and the school.
The only problem with that, said NOVA Firearms manager Rachel Dresser, was that some community members were asking that the shop cover the entire cost of that barrier.
“We’d be more than happy to share in the cost if it would be a peaceful resolution to the situation,” said Dresser. “But they are saying that we are responsible for paying for the barrier because we decided to move in here, and I don’t really agree with that.”
Dresser said that despite the backlash, the store is willing to work with the community.
“We’re trying to come to the table and be as agreeable and listen to everything people have to say that’s constructive,” said Dresser. “There are some people out there being very aggressive and just kind of rude and hurtful […] those things aren’t helpful to the situation.”
NOVA Firearms owner, JB Gates, is also working with the local elementary school on possibly hosting classes that teach faculty and staff of the school what to do in the case of an active shooter on the premises.
He is also offering to teach some courses on gun safety for the children.
Copyright 2015 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. (PHOTO: NOVA Firearms/Odyssey Fights)
