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Politics & Government

Gun Shop Owners Ask for Support

A former Hamden detective trying to open a gun store in Woodbridge has taken to Facebook to rally support.

 

The owners of a proposed Woodbridge gun shop -- including a retired Hamden detective -- are asking supporters to join them outside of before the next Plan and Zoning meeting.

A Facebook post Wednesday evening on the Woodbridge Firearms Trading Post LLC’s page says, “On Monday May 7th at 6:30 p.m., we are asking people to come and support us at the Woodbridge Town Hall.”

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Retired Hamden Detective Francis Klos and his partner, Michael Majewski want to open the Woodbridge Firearms Trading Post in the Selden St. Plaza, but need permit from the Town Plan and Zoning Commission to change the use from an office space to a retail space.

“Let’s show Woodbridge we believe in the 2nd Amendment and the right for this shop to have the use changed from office to retail in a retail shopping plaza,” the post says. “Please pass this to all your family and friends. If you cannot attend we strongly request you write a letter to the zoning board voicing your concern. Thank you in advance.”

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Several hours later, a new post appeared: “Just a little reminder for everyone that the event is NOT A PROTEST! We are joining together before the meeting to show the Woodbridge Zoning Officials that we do have the support of people to have the gun shop in the Selden Plaza and that the zoning should be changed to retail. There are currently no restrictions that state a gun shop is not allowed to be in Woodbridge. This is a simple zoning change the town should approve.”

“Overall, we can understand the residents of Woodbridge not wanting this to be a stand-off,” owners of the shop said during a conversation stemming from their original post on Facebook. “However, we have been accused of having no supporters due the fact we didn't feel the need to bring anyone to what was supposed to be a closed meeting that ended up being open when they let all the opposers speak against having the store.”

At last Monday’s Woodbridge Plan and Zoning Commission, about 20 protesters and two supporters were allowed to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting. The commission has asked for an attorney's opinion on three matters before making a decision on the use change application. 

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