UpdatedTue, May 11, 2021 at 11:48 am ET
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Monday was the first time residents had the chance to weigh in on the proposed zoning regulations the city council drafted in response to pushback on a possible gun shop opening in Newton. (Jenna Fisher/ Patch)
NEWTON, MA More than 500 people logged into a four-hour zoning meeting Monday night to hear about a controversial proposal that would strictly regulate gun shops in town.
The proposal was largely met with approval, though several residents asked for more strict regulations if not a ban. Several others argued against any regulation, calling the scramble for such hand wringing, and an infringement of rights.
(AP Photo/Ed Andrieski, FILE)
Ordinarily, a town council’s zoning meeting might draw one or two interested parties to attend, but for the most part, they’re fairly quiet and sedate affairs. That was definitely
not the case in Newton, Massachusetts, on Monday night, when about 500 people turned out to take part in a zoning meeting to discuss potential changes designed to block a gun store from opening up in town.
While most of those attending the virtual meeting were opposed to Newton Firearms opening for business in the town’s business district, supporters of the gun store were also on hand to provide a counterpoint to the hoplophobic arguments of opponents who are pushing for a blanket ban on gun shops.