SCHERERVILLE | The Town Council will wait to make a decision about a Schererville resident's request to provide gunsmithing services in his home.
Town Attorney David Austgen recently provided councilmen with information about the state's gun laws, Councilman Kevin Connelly said.
The panel on Wednesday unanimously decided to defer taking action on James Czech's request for a variance to start gunsmithing work at his home, which is in a neighborhood near Burr Street and 73rd Avenue, so the council has sufficient time to review the laws.
During a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting last month, Czech said he is seeking the variance because he can't afford to rent space in a commercial area.
He indicated much of the work at his home would involve cleaning firearms. No firearms or ammunition would be sold from the residence, and guns would not be tested there, Czech said.
The BZA gave the proposal an unfavorable recommendation with a 4-1 vote.
Although the council made no final decision Wednesday, a resident told town leaders she opposes the proposal because it could increase traffic in the residential neighborhood.
Czech said the services would only be provided to local law enforcement agencies or when he would receive requests from gun shops.
There would be no traffic to his home because he would pick up the firearms from the departments or shops and transport them to his residence, he said.
Town Manager Bob Volkmann said Czech has submitted an application to obtain a federal license needed to provide the services.
Town approval is necessary before Czech could receive the license, Volkmann said.
Please Wait…