Union-based developer proposes gun range in Marengo

A Union-based gun range developer hopes to land a spot in Marengo.

Richard Lindner, of D5 Ranges and D5 Iron Works, is seeking a special use permit for a shooting range at 131 E. Prairie St., a facility known as the old McGill building.

The property would be an active shooting range, and Lindner plans to use it to showcase his design standards, according to city documents.

D5 Ranges Inc. designs and manufactures gun ranges across the nation and has worked with numerous U.S. military agencies, police departments and private range owners.

Lindner plans to offer use of the facility to the Marengo Police Department at a discounted rate, according to city documents.

The company takes interested parties through the development process, from conception and design to fabrication, installation and outfitting, according to its website.

The former McGill building – historically used for manufacturing – most recently was owned by Marengo United Methodist Church.

The church bought the property in 2014 with the desire to eventually use it for parking and as a potential community and youth service center, according to its website.

Church officials and Lindner were not available to comment on the sale.

The Marengo City Council gave informal permission Monday for Lindner to pursue the project.

Marengo’s Planning and Zoning Commission likely will consider the application April 16, City Administrator Joshua Blakemore said.

The property is located in Marengo’s central business district, which allows for recreational facilities as a special use, but doesn’t specify whether a shooting range counts as a recreational facility, according to city documents.

Lindner can seek a zoning text amendment to add that use so he can operate in the district.

The Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council can place conditions as part of a special use amendment.

“Of particular importance would be the sound barrier, the number of shootings being limited to the number of firing points or stations and, of course, compliance with all state and federal laws regarding the discharge of a firearm,” Blakemore wrote in a memo. “The City Council may also wish to consider ventilation, storage of ammunition and sprinkling provisions.”