PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County commissioners will consider a proposed no-shooting zone ordinance in the Cape George Colony at its next meeting.
Deliberation was tabled until Commissioner Kate Dean, who left the meeting on Tuesday, returns.
During the deliberation on Monday, the county will consider local RCWs 9.41.270 and 9.41.030 (3) that allow municipalities to restrict the discharge of firearms where it is reasonably likely that humans, domestic animals or property would be in jeopardy.
The proposed boundaries for the no-shooting zone run from north to south from North Rhododendron Drive to the intersection of West Cape George Road and South Cape George Road down to Dennis Boulevard. Then it runs west to Fir Place, east to Johnson Avenue and back down south to Cole Avenue.
The county will determine the final boundaries when it discusses the matter.
A petition to establish a no-shooting zone was submitted to Jefferson County in November 2021 by residents of Cape George.
Residents said there had been several instances where a gun had gone off that warranted a phone call to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, but that nothing could be done because the area was not a designated no-shooting zone.
“We have had some shooting incidents that the police have been out here for but couldn’t do anything,” said Kris Easterday, a member of the Cape George Colony Club board.
“It was dangerous. We have a very populated area. The person who shot it off could have hit anyone … this is not just about hunters or people with marksmanship,” she added.
“We had an incident where a gun went off at 4 a.m. and neighbors thought someone had shot their dog. The police came out, but they couldn’t do anything because it was not declared a no-shooting area,” she said.
Jefferson County was presented with three choices regarding the petition, the first to hold a public hearing, facilitate an amicable situation in the area or assign a review committee to consider the merit.
The county went with the public hearing, which took place on Tuesday during the county’s regular meeting.
Much of the public comment during the hearing was in favor of the no-shooting zone.
“I would applaud the approval of this no-shoot zone. It just adds another layer of safety to the community, and I think that at this point in time it is just a necessity,” said Cape George resident John Dwyer.
Although discussion was delayed, Commissioner Greg Brotherton said the ordinance is a reasonable step that is overwhelmingly supported.
________
Reporter Ken Park can be reached by email at [email protected].
