3rd shooting range in McHenry?

The City Council of the City of McHenry will consider a request tomorrow night for a third indoor gun range in its City. And why not?

The growing interest in firearms and especially in places for practice and training is showing up in McHenry County. Although an outdoor range was shot down by the McHenry County Planning Commission, (and correctly so, because of the proposed location), a new indoor gun range opened in Crystal Lake.

There is already a gun shop and small range in McHenry - one that has been there for years. HP Shooting Center, at 2908 Route 120 (West Elm Street), is a friendly place. That's where I've been shooting.

An indoor range has been proposed at 5002 West Elm St. in McHenry.

The range under consideration Monday night is planned for 3705 West Elm Street, which is the site of the former Sullivan's Foods. The article in the Northwest Herald today mentions that Landmark School is about 300 feet from the proposed shooting-range building.

Will this location be a show-stopper?

Landmark Elementary School is a public school in McHenry School District 15.

Illinois Criminal Law (720 ILCS 5/24-1) might make a felon out of anyone going to this 3705 W. Elm St. gun range, because it is within 1,000 feet of a school.

(c) Violations in specific places.   
(1.5) A person who violates subsection 24-1(a)(4), 24-1(a)(9), or 24-1(a)(10) in any school, regardless of the time of day or the time of year, ... on the real property comprising any school, regardless of the time of day or the time of year, ... or on any public way within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising any school, ... commits a Class 3 felony.

When you read the law, which you had better do, be sure to read Section (a) 4 and the part about that Section's not applying in certain circumstances. Talk to your lawyer. Be sure your lawyer understands the law; you might have to explain it and then question him (or her) about what the law says. Be sure your firearm is being "transported".

Have you got a gun in the trunk of your car right now? Know where the schools are. How far is 1,000 feet? More than the length of three football fields. Just be sure you are "transporting" your weapon. Read the law. Know the law!