The York County Planning Commission approved a special use permit for a gun shop on Wednesday.
Galosi Enterprises LLC, a gun shop based in Virginia beach, is looking to expand on the Peninsula, according to the Planning Commission memorandum.
“In staff’s opinion, this application represents an opportunity to put existing vacant retail space to an economically productive use in a manner that would not have any adverse impacts on nearby businesses or properties,” according to the staff report.
The gun shop, if approved, would be located at 110 Dare Road Ste. C next to Rite Aid and new fire station and just down the street from Dare Elementary School.
The shop would be 1,050 feet away from the school, just outside the 1,000-foot gun-free zone marker per the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990.
Per the Act, the shop would be exempt if it was located closer to the school since it is considered private property.
The property is currently zoned as General Business with mixed use and is owned by J&C Property LLC. The gun shop would be a tenant in the strip mall and rent the space.
Christopher Galosi, the gun shop’s owner, is a retired Navy disabled veteran and plans to offer “exotic arms” to serve sportsmen, collectors, enthusiasts, professionals, military and law enforcement, according to the business’ summary.
He wrote a letter stating all guns will be in the safe at night, with a “state-of-the-art” alarm and surveillance system.
Besides guns, the shop plans to offer training for military and law enforcement, consulting for home security, insurance practices and IT support.
Customers can expect antiques, military memorabilia, and vintage artwork, too.
“We will NOT offer cheap, low-end weapons more suited to pawn shops,” he added.
The Planning Commission noted Galosi will have to get a separate federal firearms license from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the new shop unless he decides to relocate his existing shop from Virginia Beach to York County, moving his current firearms license.
“Either way, ATF approval would be required,” the Planning Commission concluded, adding there is no state licensing requirement. “The Sheriff has reviewed the application and has indicated that he has no concerns about the proposed use and that he supports the application.”
YOU ALSO MIGHT WANT TO CHECK OUT THESE STORIES:
- Planning Commission approves another senior housing community in York County
- W&M says new restrictions on international students ‘unfair,’ ‘unfeasible’
- Local school districts consider ‘Return to Learn’ plans for the fall
- Six years later: Eastern State land is still for sale
- A list of PPP loans is available, but there might be some mistakes. Take for instance St. Bede in Williamsburg
