The city of Johnstown has given initial approval for what could be one of the largest indoor shooting ranges and retail spaces in Colorado.
That’s despite opposition to the plan from nearby neighbors concerned about traffic, air quality and noise from the proposed building. Town planner John Franklin says city council members have attached several conditions to their approval that must be met.
“We’ll be looking for additional signage proposals to try to inform motorists to stay out of [nearby] Thompson Crossing Neighborhood,” he said. “The other items are more associated with building permit and business license.”
The facility would be located southeast of the I-25 U.S. Highway 34 interchange near the intersection of Ronald Reagan Blvd. and Thompson Pkwy.
The so-called Liberty Arms Institute would have 50,000 square feet above ground for retail, a restaurant, classrooms and office space. Underground another 50,000 square feet would be used for a shooting range facility to accommodate pistol and rifle shooting.
Franklin says the next step is for the applicant—USA Liberty Arms of Fort Collins—is to submit detailed drawings for review, setting the stage for Johnstown to issue a building permit.
