Activists protest proposed gun range

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) -- Some parents in Waterbury who don't want to see a gun range go up near their kids' school spoke out against the plan Monday.

A group of community activists and parents held a small rally outside of Waterbury's Sprague Elementary School to protest the proposed indoor gun range that would be housed in a neighboring facility.

"Having firearms that close to a school that's filled with children is dangerous," said Judy Fontaine, Sprague grandparent.

Currently, the issue has become locked in the legal system, with the city's Board of Education wanting to reverse the Zoning Commissions 2011 approval.

"One, it's not next door, there's a bridge, there's a stream, there's several fences," said E. Jonathan Hardy, CT Citizens Defense League, "there's a couple of businesses between them and the range to begin with."

Those against it are concerned about lead poisoning, but plans call for a filtration system that would house contaminants. The Mayor came out to tour the sight, but has yet to offer an opinion.