The first part of a recreational archery facility on Hathorn Road got the nod from Jaffrey’s Planning Board on Tuesday, allowing the construction of an indoor range and archery shop.
With approval on his site plan, the landowner, Hiram Cutter, is cleared to begin construction on the indoor portion of his plans for the property. It includes a 10,800-square-foot building, to be split into a shooting range, office space and retail shop for archery equipment.
In the long term, Cutter also wants to expand to an outdoor target course.
“That’s the future plan, to have an outdoor course on the remaining 70 acres, but right now, with winter setting in, our biggest focus is getting the foundation in and getting the building under construction so we have all winter to work inside that,” Cutter said.
The board was clear that its approval only applied to the indoor range and that Cutter would have to return when he was ready to present a site plan for the outdoor course, pavilion and outdoor events. Approval passed unanimously, with 10 conditions, including permitting requirements.
The facility is planned for a rural zone, but Cutter received a variance this summer to use the property commercially.
A large part of the building will be unoccupied by people, made up of the shooting range, according to a design firm that presented the plans on Cutter’s behalf. The retail shop will sell archery equipment.
Cutter said he doesn’t intend to sell food or drink, and alcohol will be prohibited.
Cutter said he envisions the range working similar to a gym: During the day while staff are present, anyone can come in to use it for a day fee. Members of the range will recieve a keyfob to allow themselves in before or after hours to shoot.
The facility’s planned hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Keyfob holders could access the facility between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Cutter said the building will be monitored by security cameras, and the keyfobs will be assigned to individual members so staff can track who accesses the facility.
Fire Chief David Chamberlain rated the building for an occupancy of up to 100 people. It has 30 parking spaces and an agreement with the neighboring VFW to use their parking lot as overflow during tournaments.
Select Board ex-officio member Franklin Sterling said the project was “very well-thought out” and a “great use of the land.”
“It’s a very large piece, and I think once he gets up in operation and goes to outdoor activity, I think it’ll be a place to draw people into Jaffrey,” Sterling said. “I think it’ll be a great addition to the town, and I’d like to see it approved, with conditions, of course.”