Some Oppose Proposed Gun Range Near Salem

Last night’s Oconee County Council meeting in Walhalla saw multiple speakers asking the county’s officials not to approve a proposed gun range at 453 East Stamp Creek Road, near Salem. Concerns cited by residents, many form the Keowee Key and Cliff communities, included safety and noise, as well as environmental concerns that lead from spent bullets could leach into nearby Lake Keowee. Seneca’s City Council member Scott Durham, owner of The Gun Shop in Seneca and his son, Matt, are seeking permits to build the range, but Oconee County District One Council Representative John Elliot, who lives in Keowee Key, opposed the gun range, which Durham said would be for members only, along with their guests. It would include a 1,000 yard rifle range and would be unrestricted in regards to the types of weapons and ammo that would be allowed.