Dick's Sporting Goods asks Pittsfield Township for right to sell guns at new store
Weeks away from an official store opening, the Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Waters Place Shopping Center has submitted a request to the Pittsfield Township Planning Commission to carry and sell firearms.
The national chain applied for a controlled use permit on Aug. 18, and there will be a public hearing to consider the request at the planning commission meeting on Thursday.
A photo from June shows the Dick's Sporting Goods construction project in the Waters Place Shopping Center. The store should open sometime in October.
Lizzy Alfs | AnnArbor.com
According to township documents, the sale of firearms is permitted in the area with a conditional use permit under the following regulations:
-There are only 2 "controlled uses" — which refers to establishments where firearms are sold — within a 1,000-foot radius.
-No controlled use within a 500-foot radius of a residentially-zoned property, but this can be waived if the applicant submits a validated petition signed by at least 51 percent of persons owning or residing in that area.
-No controlled use allowed within 500 feet of a nursery, primary or secondary school or day care facility.
The request by Dick’s Sporting Goods appears to adhere to the regulations as long as a petition can be obtained from the adjoining residential neighbors, according to township documents. The nearby Meijer store to the west of Dick’s does not sell firearms.
The request comes about a year after MC Sports received approval to sell firearms in the Briarwood Mall.
The store, located in the former Linens ‘N Things building, signed a lease to occupy the 35,000-square-foot space in March. It is in the same complex as Kohl’s, Best Buy and Borders, which is set to close for good on Thursday.
The national chain underwent a construction project in the past few months to increase the building’s footprint by 7,000 square feet. The front facade was also torn down and redone to make it look like a typical Dick’s store, with large brick columns and the standard blue Dick’s Sporting Goods sign.
Tom Goldberg, an owner of the Waters Place Shopping Center, said in a previous report that the store should be open by October.
The company could not be reached for comment regarding an official opening date.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Julia Herbst
Thu, Sep 15, 2011 : 4:19 a.m.
Ricebrnr I really love reading your comments, because We have alot of the same views. I too wish there was a closer AFFORDABLE range nearby. My family too frequents Wolverine, or the club my dad belongs to Wayne County Raccoon hunters Club.(outdoor private). Dexter's Millcreek is crazy expensive, Washtenaw Sportsman Club wants you to pay a million dollars for a membership, and Firing line is owned by westland cops that are complete a-holes.(the workers were on their knees picking up my shells under my feet as i shot, and they will hound you about your shooting time). Top gun is always wayy to busy, and you get too much of the professional feel with their collared shirts. Wolverine is layed back, affordable, and the guys there are friendly. I really approve of this Dicks having firearms. If they dont, i will not shop there. Plain and simple.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Sep 15, 2011 : 5:13 p.m.
Aw shucks and thank you kindly ma'am.
Engineer
Thu, Sep 15, 2011 : 12:14 a.m.
I can not believe they even have to ask!!! What is this the socialist republic of obama. This is the United States of America for crying out loud. The gun control laws in this country need to all be repealed. Of course Hitler did think gun control was a great thing. So did several other oppressors.
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 9:51 p.m.
Why have a sporting goods store if not able to sell firearms. All the copmplainers think guns are bad, guns don't kill by themselves, bad people do. Meijers used to until they buckled under a for few complainers. I hope they get their permit.
tdw
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.
I'm not so sure it was of complainers.K Mart used to sell guns also.WalMart stopped because of lack of demand or so they said.But they still do sell guns in some locations.I may have gotten one of their last sales when I bought one for my 7 year old son.I added the last part in just to upset the lefties ( It is true though )
PLGreen
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 8:29 p.m.
@ricebrnr, are you aware that Mill Creek Sports in Dexter has an indoor hand gun range...
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 8:49 p.m.
yes but I can't afford to shoot there...
Olan Owen Barnes
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.
Hunting is a sport and they should have a legal right to sell guns - there is no controversy here.
Mark
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 7:42 p.m.
So longs as they don't also sell sex toys.
golfer
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 5:46 p.m.
if a person wants a gun they will get a gun no matter what. let them sell it and control who gets the guns. you have to qualify (requirements) to buy one. go ahead let them make money and stay in this location. who cares what they sell as long at it is legal.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 5:42 p.m.
I wonder if I'll be able to buy an M1A1 there? Parking that on my front lawn ought deter any crimminals. And I can use the 120mm smooth bore when I'm on I94 and someone on a cell phone cuts me off. Good Night and Good Luck
leaguebus
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 7:42 p.m.
Ed, from the Harvest of Shame to harvesting your neighbor with your M1A1. It might be time for a weekend or two in Toronto!
a2citizen
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 7:33 p.m.
Ed, due to weight restrictions an M1A1 would not be allowed on I-94. The maximum gross vehicle weight on interstate highways is 80,000 pounds. AN M1A1 weighs over 61 tons. Additionally, if you did manage to get your tank onto the interstate you would need, due to the 12 foot width the the M1A1, a leader and follower truck carrying "Wide Load" signs. If you manage to overcome these obstacles please ensure your headlights, tail lights and turn signals are in good working order.
tdw
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 7:21 p.m.
I know what a tank is and a 120mm.I still don't get the connection with those and a Remington or whatever that I can hunt with.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
The Constitution trumps statutes. My obtuse point is that one either applies the 2nd Amdt literally or one applies some common sense to it. But the four horsemen of the apocalypse on the Supreme Court, never ones for intellectual consistency, are literalists when it suits 'em and they apply common sense when it suits 'em. GN&GL
Tom Teague
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.
Evidently, I've clicked "Send Replies Prematurely" in my preferences folder. My question was about whether the line between military and civilian arms is drawn in statute or by a Supreme Court decision.
Tom Teague
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 6:32 p.m.
ERMG - That would certainly have a dampening effect on my occasional disagreements with you! Seriously, though, is the line between mil
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 6:20 p.m.
1) An M1A1 Abrams sports a 120mm smooth bore main gun. 2) The 2nd Amdt guarantees my right to bear arms. The literalists on the Supreme Court tell me that. Well, an M1A1 in an "arm" and nothing in the 2nd Amdt suggests that I should not be able to "bear" it. 3) And, for the record, I was kinda hoping Dick's might also carry an AH-64 with a full complement of Hellfire missiles. GN&GL
tdw
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.
Ed.....I don't understand your comment.What does a tank and a cannon have to do with sporting firearms ?
RTFM
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 5:40 p.m.
A sporting store wanting to sell sporting items, what is the world coming to? Heck, they can probably set-up a huge indoor range and shoot some left over books at Borders.
Bertha Venation
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.
Ya. Because that's just what Pittsfield needs.... More guns!
A2Woman
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 5:53 p.m.
You are right, as private citizens we don't get the choice as to where we might have to defend ourselves. A gun is not for me, personally, but I don't stand in judgment of those who choose to own guns. Pepper spray is my new friend, and also for my local college daughter who resides in her own apartment. Dick's needs to keep that in stock as well.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
Yes and let's not forget that while children were waiting nearby at the bus stop, no one but the assailant was shot. Is that not a better outcome than only the homeowner being shot, in his own driveway, with his family just feet away? In civilian life we generally don't get to choose the time and place where we might need to defend ourselves do we? If we could we wouldn't go there.
A2Woman
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.
@Ricebrnr Is the shooting you mention the one at Arbor Creek a couple of years ago, while the kids were waiting at the bus stop? Just curious.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:42 p.m.
Sure why not? We already had an example of a Pittsfield homeowner successfully defending himself in his own driveway.
zigziggityzoo
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.
MCL 123.1102 state law says that Pittsfield township has no right to tell them they can or cannot sell firearms.
moonpez
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.
ABSOLUTELY! Even though I may be be a big liberal hippie, I recognize that owning guns is not inherently bad. Especially when they are legally obtain through reputable establishments like Dick's. This would be good for our community. I could easily and conveniently spend my consumer dollars in my community instead of feeding the peripheral towns!
tdw
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:29 p.m.
Moon....There's still hope for you
SMC
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.
@Ricebrnr: I'm assuming you're 40 minutes away from the Moose lodge range on N. Territorial?
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
sorry no, never been there. I frequent Sharonville in nice weather, TCSL rarely for IDPA otherwise, Wolverine, Firing Line or Top Gun mostly in that order.
Basic Bob
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:57 p.m.
Hopefully the people living within 500 feet have more sense than the anti-Walmart crazies. No one is going to buy a gun and shoot up the neighborhood by the store. Of course the anti-Walmart people used the gun issue as a scare tactic, but we know what they were really afraid of... Ypsi folks.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
"Of course the anti-Walmart people used the gun issue as a scare tactic, but we know what they were really afraid of... Ypsi folks." Yup. Those folks from Ypsi are going to go most of the way to Saline to go to WalMart rather than the one on the corner of Ellsworth and Michigan--you know, the one they'll drive past on they're way to the Saline store. GN&GL
tdw
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.
Bob....I'm not a anti-Walmart person.( I'm on the poor side and need to save money when I can ) But Walmarts decideison ( A2.com. would you please add a spell check ? )not to sell guns at some stores was purely a sales volume decidison ( agh...! ).If it was profitable for them they would still be selling them.They still do sell them at some locations.
Major
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
I would hope they'd get the permit, otherwise what's the point?!
Robert D. Mosley
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
I don't know about Washtenaw County. First, Bongz and Thongz and now guns at Dick's! I certainly shows diversity!
John of Saline
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 5:41 p.m.
There's a joke somewhere in your second sentence.
Mitch
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
We are carrying guns openly in down town Ann Arbor with the hopes others (without felonies or a wife beater PPO) will carry and scare off this door knob. Besides, Felons and the like carry concealed anyway in hopes to rob or rape those that are not armed. Gun Toting sure, all but a few state do not allow good people from defending themselves. Other places are devoid of crime because people are policing their own neighborhoods.
Original Ann Arborite
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
"The request comes about a year after MC Sports received approval to sell firearms in the Briarwood Mall. " Huh? Why can you buy firearms at the Mall? What is this city turning into? And what type of citizen really lives here...ugh... Is Washtenaw County turning into a 'gun totin' society... And they r talking 500 ft.-there is a large residential area right behind the store. I just don't take this very lightly-makes me really nervous at the possibilities...
KathrynHahn
Thu, Sep 15, 2011 : 4:11 a.m.
Wondering if someone is actually thinking that someone can walk into a mall, purchase a gun, ammo, load it and walk off with it tucked in their belt!?! I've owned a gun for 25 yrs, never had to use it, except on the practice range and hope to keep it that way!
Original Ann Arborite
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 5 p.m.
Well, I am well travelled and even lived in the D (oooh scary place right, lolol) with all the reports of ppl openly carrying their guns, I would say it's just an odd feeling. Chillin out with ur kids and passing by someone walking out of the store with a gun (whatever type-a shot gun will blow ur head off) hmmmm... Go hunting or whatever, just don't bring/buy ur gun 2 the mall lol especially with all the kids playing in the kids area etc. I am not scared, just nervous of the possibilities-I am just sayin trouble can come with the territory. Is that not true? Didn't a guy in Warren (2009?)try 2 walk around with his gun and several ppl called the authorities 2 address the situation-the times have def changed that's all... Everyone who buys a gun does not have the sense to go along with ownership.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4 p.m.
An ostrich comes to mind for some reason... Dude we're all around you already, whether you know or care to admit to such. And who's disproportionately causing trouble on these pages? Drivers, drunks, students and athletes..those guys you should be scared of.
a2citizen
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:37 p.m.
@ Not from around here: "...Legal gun ownership is a right in this country..." Uh, get with the program. "This" is not "this" country. "This" is the PRAA...The Peoples Republic of Ann Arbor. A state of mind where you have the right to believe what you want as long as it does not violate the PRAA constitution.
Not from around here
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
Why shouldn't you be able to buy guns in a mall? Legal gun ownership is a right in this country. And contracy to most ann arborites unders standing of the county, washtenaw county doesn't end at the city boundries. Manchester, Dexter, Saline, Chelsea Milan, Ypsi Township are all part of washtenaw and have a rich tradition of hunting and sport shooting. Just because "Progressive" ann arbor wants to be intolerant doesn't mean the whole county is.
SMC
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:25 p.m.
Have you never been outside of Ann Arbor? The rest of Washtenaw County is populated by standard-issue Michigan woodsman types, hunters, etc. A2 is the tiny, anti-gun island in a sea of rural America, where people are not petrified of firearms, or the people who own them. A store selling guns off of AA-Saline Rd will not turn this town into Kabul, nor will the guns themselves leap off the shelves and shoot you.
Michigan Man
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1:28 p.m.
Solid move. Where can I sign the petition? Do we need a rally to support this initiative? Concealed carry next for Ann Arbor - things finally looking up!
nixon41
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.
Hopefully YES. Otherwise people will go to Cabelas, Dunhams or Johnson's taking money out of our area.
jcj
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.
If they don't get the permit I will have no reason to shop there.
Sparty On!
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 12:06 p.m.
I am deeply concerned about the zombie apocalypse. Does anyone know the date this is supposed to happen? And what guns are most effective against zombies? I'm thinking a 12-ga. and maybe a couple of pistols for back-up...in case I get into a jam. Hope they can get the license!
Major
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
Most any pistol, rifle, shotgun is quite effective against zombies. Just remember the rules...especialy #2! 1. Cardio 2. The Double Tap 3. Beware of Bathrooms 4. Wear Seat Belts 5. No Attachments 6. The "Skillet" 7.Travel Light 8.Get a Kick *ss Partner 9. With your Bare Hands 10. Don't Swing Low 11. Use Your Foot 12. Bounty Paper Towels 13. Shake it Off 14. Always carry a change of underwear 15. Bowling Ball 16. Opportunity Knocks 17. Don't be a hero (later crossed out to be a hero) 18. Limber Up 19. Break it Up 20. It's a marathon, not a sprint, unless it's a sprint, then sprint 21. Avoid Strip Clubs 22. When in doubt Know your way out 23. Zipplock 24. Use your thumbs 25. Shoot First 26. A little sun screen never hurt anybody 27. Incoming! 28. Double-Knot your Shoes 29. The Buddy System 30. Pack your stain stick 31. Check the back seat 32. Enjoy the little things Swiss army Knife
Urban Sombrero
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 11:05 a.m.
This will definitely come in handy when the zombie apocalypse hits. I was wondering where I could get a cheap, no-frills rifle!
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.
Actually that is incorrect, there are inexpensive (not cheap) and cheap (as in lower quality) firearms out there. The question is how low do you want to go on a life saving device? Would you cheap out on a parachute? In any case lots of affordable options and I'd be happy to meet with and help anyone shop...ask my friends I'm too good at it (pointing out stuff for them to buy)
nixon41
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 12:51 p.m.
No gun is cheap.
Davidian
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 11:26 a.m.
I'm sure they will be selling the Savage Bolt Action Combo for 400 bucks or so. Bought one for my wife in .243, she loves it. Great target rifle. Probably not very good for zombies though.
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 10:15 a.m.
o my how scary!!! NOT. Now if someone would just build a range so I don't have to drive 40 mins to practice...
2WheelsGood
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.
@racerx In addition to the hygiene recommendations Ricebrnr mentioned, I use clean ammo (Winchester WinClean) about every other trip to the range even if I'm shooting in a place that doesn't require it. It is more expensive, but if you're going to the range every weekend, you're still ingesting more lead than you should. The other nice thing is that WinClean leaves your guns almost spotless.
tdw
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:14 p.m.
Rice......You must be a outsider ( ie: you must live in A2 ) I live near Packard and Golfside.I can be popping off rounds at my buddies house in 5 mins
Ricebrnr
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
Clean ammo generally references no/low lead ammunition. The lead bullets/projectiles are fully jacketed vs.non or only jacketed around the sides and leaving bare lead at the base. In the action of firing the open lead at the base of the projectile might atomize or vaporize somewhat. By using "clean: ammo the range may save some money on their lead mitigation/filtration systems as well as clean up in general. This is a good reason to shoot outdoors when possible and always be aware of the hazard after you shoot. This means, no phones and or touching mouth/face until after you've washed your hands thoroughly and to change cloths as soon as you can lest you track lead all over your house. Especially true if you have kids. Be safe
racerx
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 3:57 p.m.
Do tell. What is clean ammo? I would like to obtain a CCW and get a handgun, but I want to be able to practice often to have confidence in handling a firearm. Good to know there are close ranges around. But, I'm a tad naive, isn't all ammo clean if it's new? Again, I'm very new to this. My ex-wife had more firearms than me. Maybe this is why she's my ex, come to think about it!
Major
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 2:01 p.m.
I wish someone would open up an indoor range in A2! Mill Creek is good, but that clean ammo is not cheap! My huge, multi stage, outdoor range has been invaded by little vampire's and bug spray is not nice to most firearm finishes.
2WheelsGood
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 1 p.m.
I go to Mill Creek in Dexter fairly often. You need clean ammo, but otherwise it's not bad. I really like Firearm Exchange, but they're 30 minutes or so. Hey, want a business partner? Let's open a gun shop/range here in town. I'm only half kidding.
TruBlue
Wed, Sep 14, 2011 : 11:40 a.m.
Why do you need to drive 40min.? There is a range 10min. from here in York township. I here them popping caps all year long.