Nicole Raz
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) There was already tension around Nova Firearms opening a location just a three-minute walk from Franklin Sherman Elementary School in Fairfax County. But now there’s more fodder to the fire: two hand guns were stolen from the gun store Dec. 11.
“This burglary added concerns over security on top of those that were already there for safety,” says McLean Citizens Association President Jeff Barnett. He says the best way forward is for the gun store to move.
“This is not about guns, this is about having a gun store adjacent to an elementary school,” he said.
But Nova Firearms Manager Rachel Dresser says they’re no longer interested in moving.
“We had said that if they could find an upgraded space, you know with a shooting range or something like that, then we would be willing to discuss it. But now, we’re settled in and we really love this place,” Dresser told WMAL.
She also said that she is willing to discuss other resolutions that don’t involve moving.
“When we entered into these discussions, we were open to discussing resolutions. We understood that moving was at the top of their list. I know originally some people brought up potentially a barrier in the back–some kind of shrubbery, or wall. So, we were open to all suggestions,” Dresser said. “But they haven’t come up with any other resolution options.”
Moving was the only that that was ever discussed in depth, and “that kind of got old,” she said.
“It’s difficult for me to understand why anybody would be against a better [location] deal,” Barnett said. “So, I think it’s incumbent upon all of us to find out a better deal for both the gun store and for the community, and we’re optimistic we can find it.”
He said an alternative like a shrubbery fence does not solve the proximity to the school issue.
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(PHOTO: novafirearms.com)
