Image by Flickr user Michael @ NW Lens

Update November 25: While city council has largely dropped their opposition to the downtown shooting range, area residents are voicing their own issues, slowing down any poteintal approval. 

First reporting: Local businessman Ben Chase thought he'd found the perfect way to utilize the 6,000 square foot warehouse he'd built on Huger Street - by turning it into downtown's first shooting range - until Charleston City Council decided to fast-track two new ordinance to block his business venture.

City Council has already given initial approval to two zoning changes that would restrict shooting ranges to light or heavy industrial areas that are at least 1,000 feet from the nearest church, city park or home.

Chase, upon his first meeting with city officials to discus his idea for the range, said he had no idea the changes were coming. Feeling slighted and upset that the city is working to change laws to block his business, Chase has been consulting with his attorney to explore all of the options available if and when the city issues him a letter of denial.

The Post and Courier has a solid report on the proposed range and proposed ordinances. Read it here.