Jackson tables gunsmithing vote

Facing opposition from four residents Tuesday night, the Jackson Board of Aldermen delayed voting on a special-use permit for a home-based gunsmithing business.

During a public hearing, Perry and Pamela Evans of 1430 Douglas Drive made their case to have a gunsmithing business inside their residence. The permit requires the couple to meet 13 conditions, such as selling no ammunition, maintaining by-appointment hours and keeping all firearms in a safe when not received, examined, delivered or repaired.

Unemployed since June, Perry Evans said his operation is safe, as he does not plan on selling ammunition or guns and keeps the firearms he repairs inside a safe.

"We could meet these 13 conditions," Evans said. "I lost my job, and I just keep going."

Seven residents, including Evans, spoke in favor of the permit while four spoke against the permit.

Ralph Shelton of 1424 Douglas Drive said he never has experienced any trouble with Evans, who lives next to him.

"The man is trying to take his hobby and turn it into a business," Shelton said. "Here's a gentleman whose trying to do the right thing and do it correctly, and I'm all for it.

Steven Ledbetter of 528 Francis Drive said starting a business in a commercial structure is a difficult task during the slow economy and that it would be hard for Evans to rent a building.

"A lot of you are small-business owners, and so am I," Ledbetter told the aldermen. "It's really tough for a guy to start a business and rent a building. If you can't start somewhere, you can't start."

Norma Yost of 320 Goodson Drive was among those opposing the special-use permit. She and the other three homeowners who spoke against the idea fear their property values could fall if the permit were approved. Yost believes that establishing a business inside a home would violate the subdivision ordinance.

"Gunsmithing is definitely a commercial business operation and should not be allowed," Yost said.

During a study session, Ward 3 Alderman Larry Cunningham said he likely would vote for the special-use permit. A real estate agent, Cunningham said he would oppose the permit if he believed it would negatively affect property values in the neighborhood.

Ward 4 Alderman Dale Rauh expects home-based businesses may become a trend.

"I think we're seeing a sign of the times," Rauh said. "People are trying to make a living. In order to do that, you can't go and rent a property that may cost them 600, 700, 800 dollars a month. I'd like to be able to encourage our people as much as possible in difficult times."

Ward 3 Alderman Mark Dambach said issuing the special-use permit could be a slippery slope.

"We are setting a precedent," Dambach said. "The more of these we approve, the harder and harder it will be to say no to anyone else."

The aldermen will now either vote on the permit or delay the vote again during their Feb. 1 meeting.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

Pertinent addresses:

101 Court St., Jackson, MO

1430 Douglas Drive, Jackson, MO