Charette Hill Road in Fort Kent is idyllic, bucolic, pastoral, rustic; all those words that mean quiet, natural and beautiful. That is why I live there. I choose to live on Charette Hill for the peacefulness that comes with an area where there are not many operations that contribute to noise.

The proposed commercial recreational skeet shooting range slated to be developed on the property behind my home would shatter this peacefulness. Maybe, as suggested, it would only be in operation two to three days a week. This would mean at least a third of my time would be spent listening to gunfire.

Regardless that the shooting is contained, the sound of a gunshot does not elicit the same reaction as the sound of a farm, construction machinery, trains or traffic. It is a shocking, abrupt noise that when contrasted to the normal quietness disturbs and leaves me unsettled.

I appreciate entrepreneurial business, especially here in the St. John River Valley. This area deserves to be economically alive. I want our young people to stay; I want families and all ages to live comfortably. Perhaps a commercial shooting range would benefit some, but at what price for changing a quiet neighborhood where residents enjoy their right to peacefulness, into an amphitheater where on a regular basis the sound of gunshots volley off the hills. Promoting business is good, but at the same time being careful to preserve the assets this community already possesses.

Guns and their improper use have been in the media far too often recently. This is unfortunate for those who handle these “tools” with respect and safety. The sport of skeet shooting is not the issue now. The issue is the place, that being in the middle of an area primarily residential where residents do not want it. The other proposed uses for the land, cross-country skiing, archery, snowmobiling and environmental education events, seem to fit in with the current land use of Charette Hill. I encourage those and hope the property is well-loved and respected. Kathrina Parrill Hilinski Fort Kent