A proposed archery range and outdoor course passed the first hurdles of approval on Monday, as the Jaffrey Zoning Board of Adjustment gave approvals for both a variance and special exception to allow the use in the town’s rural zone.
Hiram Cutter has proposed to use a large piece of property on 29 Hathorn Road to construct a new building that would serve as an indoor archery range, as well as a trail around the property with stations where members would have access to archery targets in the woods.
The Zoning Board conducted a site walk of the property, inspecting the location of the proposed building, which would include a range and a commercial store selling archery products, and an example of one of the outdoor targets, before returning to the Town Hall to deliberate.
To grant a variance to the town’s zoning ordinance, the board must find that the application meets five criteria: That the variance doesn’t conflict with the basic objectives of the zoning ordinance, that it will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or threaten public safety, that it aligns with the spirit of the ordinance, and that the benefit to the applicant isn’t outweighed by the potential harm to neighbors or the general public.
The board found that Cutter’s application met these conditions.
“I think it is actually good for the public,” said member Laurel McKenzie, when discussing the criteria.
The board dismissed concerns regarding public safety or potential harm due to the unique characteristics of the site. At approximately 72 acres, the property is exceptionally large and heavily wooded. Furthermore, the outdoor course will be oriented so that arrows are never aimed toward neighboring properties, and it will feature proper backstopping.
The board did place several conditions on the approval, including limiting the shooting done on the property to “archery and archery products.”
“We don’t want it to evolve into shooting, or rifle shooting, or an event venue,” said Chair Walter Batchelder.
Cutter does intend to hold events on the property, related to the business, such as classes or competitions. The board agreed to an additional condition that the events would be restricted to an allowable size, though they did not determine the final number. Events in Jaffrey larger than 100 people currently require an event permit. The board said that the size of the events would likely be limited by the amount of parking provided, which will be determined by the Planning Board during site plan review.
The board also limited development on the property, such as the building, parking, and amenities, to eight acres, with the remainder allowed to be used for the outdoor course.
The board unanimously approved the variance allowing the commercial use.
During the same meeting, the board also held a public hearing and deliberated on a special exception for the property, allowing recreational activities in the zone.
To grant a special exception, the board must find that the site is suitable, that it is compatible with the neighborhood, that the traffic generated will not create hazards for pedestrians and have adequate parking and adequate infrastructure, such as water and sewer.
Chris Drescher, an attorney representing Cutter, told the board that the site is “extremely well screened on all sides,” and that archery is an inherently quiet endeavor. The property is accessed from a state highway and will still have a “very rural feel”.
“We argue this is a very low-impact use,” Drescher said.
The board agreed and, after hearing no public comments, approved the special exception unanimously, with identical conditions to the variance.
The board assured the public that several concerns raised during the previous meeting’s variance hearing would be addressed during the Planning Board’s site plan review. These issues include operating hours, event sizes, the number of parking spaces and other details.