Pro-gun and pro-business, what’s not to love?
Williams Township supervisors changed the township’s zoning laws to allow an ammunition manufacturer to open.
Accu-Maxx wants to make ammunition in the township’s general industrial zoning district. The supervisors’ decision Wednesday allows ammunition manufacturing in that district, provided the developer gets special exception approval.
The proposed factory is in a 5,000-square-foot warehouse in the same building as the Heritage Guild shooting range on Hilton Street.
Accu-Maxx attorney Thomas Schlegel of Upper Saucon Township said the factory will comply with safety codes from the National Fire Prevention Association and must maintain a high-capacity sprinkler system. Supervisor Ray Abert said he consulted with the township fire chief.
“There is no risk to the public. The facility will be designed with safety in mind,” Schlegel said. “No noise, no dust, no odor. Manufacturing will be entirely contained.”
Supervisor Vince Foglia objected when the proposal was floated at a meeting last year, citing safety concerns.
On Wednesday, Foglia joined Abert in voting to change the zoning laws. Supervisors Chairman George Washburn was absent from the meeting. In November, Washburn spoke in favor of the plant, saying it would create jobs. The owners say three to five people will work there.
“I’m fairly comfortable that it will be safe,” he said in November.
The township planning commission had recommended the supervisors change zoning rules to allow ammunition manufacturing.
According to Schlegel, before any manufacturing can begin, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives must issue a license.
Accu-Maxx co-owner Jim Calderio said the company plans to make various calibers of handgun ammo for sale to shooting ranges and law enforcement agencies. He said they would not sell retail.
Calderio and his partner, Tal Najjar, said the factory will assemble ammunition and warehouse its components, which include brass casings, primers, bullets and gunpowder.
Calderio said the company will use white gunpowder, also known as smokeless gunpowder, which is less volatile than its black gunpowder counterpart.
Accu-Maxx hopes to begin operations in spring or early summer, but Schlegel noted the company still needs final approvals from the township and federal agencies.
Source: http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/index.ssf/2014/02/williams_township_to_allow_amm.html
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Gregory Smith