ROCKY HILL - The topic of guns got community members fired up at a town meeting Wednesday.
The Rocky Hill Planning and Zoning Commission denied an applicants request at a second public hearing to expand his business to be a Federal Fire Arms Licensed location.
The business is currently home to DeLucia & Co LLC, office of CPA Anthony DeLucia. DeLucia is looking to use a portion of the building on Old Main Street for the firearms business.
The town's commissioners turned it down due to zoning, saying that a firearms business "just doesn't fit."
This decision mirrored the concerns of some of the townspeople.
"It's across the street from the town office, the historical society, there’s a daycare in the town office our church houses a preschool and all of those things we feel really make it just an inappropriate use for a building in this neighborhood," Rocky Hill Congregational Church Rev. Craig Cowing said.
The majority of those who spoke at the meeting addressed the same worries.
DeLucia said he understands residents concerns, but feels they are a bit misinformed. He added that while neighbors can have their First Amendment rights, his Second Amendment rights shouldn't be infringed upon.
"We’re living in a very emotional time with regards to guns and gun control, I don’t think many people have all of the facts," he said. "There wasn't to be any retail operation, or anything of that nature, it would have presented no potential harm to the community."
DeLucia said if people want to legally order a gun, it must be shipped to someone with an FFL. So DeLucia, who has an FFL for his home, would order the guns to sell to customers. This would allow him to sell from his business, where he spends more of his time. He did not intend to have physical guns on display in the shop. He said he's not looking to start a large-scale operation, and he is unhappy with the town's decision.
"Obviously I’m disappointed," he said. "I think we had a fully legal application and it was denied on somewhat emotional matters."
DeLucia said his plans are in accordance with federal law. He plans to speak with council again and if he has a case to get the location approved, he will pursue it, or look at options for his business elsewhere.
