Council approves 45-day moratorium and study of gun sales impact
The Healdsburg City Council voted 5-0 Monday night to implement a 45-day moratorium on retail gun sales in the downtown commercial district, after word got out that a firearms dealer is looking at a large commercial space on North Street, sandwiched between the Raven Performing Arts Theater and a toy store.
Scott Gabaldon, a Windsor resident and a Healdsburg High School graduate, wants to open a firearms sales and training center in the large, vacant space.
On Wednesday morning, Gabaldon said he is willing to wait until the city sorts out whether to make his business venture impossible by changing the zoning, or to institute a conditional use permit policy that would require greater scrutiny on gun sales operations, or to allow the existing rules, which do not prevent a business like his, to stand.
Gabaldon said most people would be surprised at the level of regulations that already govern firearms shops, and that his primary interest is in providing education about firearms safety and use.
His proposed business, in addition to retail gun and ammunition sales, would host gun safety classes and include a training area where gun owners can train in home defense and other scenarios.
“It’s all about education with me,” Gabalson said.
The city planning staff will now study retail gun regulations in other communities and what implications a gun shop might have in downtown Healdsburg, and then prepare a series of options for the city council to consider at a January meeting.
“It’s clear that this is a touchy subject,” said councilmember Joe Naujokas. “It’s good to have a conversation.”
Vice mayor Brigette Mansell (who will be mayor in 2018), said, “This is a really big issue for a lot of people. This is not a simple issue and there’s not just two sides.”
