Criticism of Savage gun store location prompts discussion over local law

The location of a new gun store near a south metro elementary school is prompting debate in Savage over the appropriate distance between firearm dealers and certain establishments.

Several parents have criticized the opening this spring of Modern Sportsman, whose back door is less than 100 yards from Harriet Bishop Elementary School. While the city can't require it to close or relocate, council members said they'll discuss a possible ordinance to regulate the location of future gun shops.

In this case, Modern Sportsman obtained a permit under Savage's zoning code and has worked with the police department on security.

"The key point is, we can't really do anything about the gun shop that's there," said Savage City Administrator Barry Stock.

City officials will revisit the topic at a workshop discussion next month.

Gun stores in Minnesota must follow state and federal guidelines, such as doing background checks on buyers, keeping records and reporting loss or theft to law enforcement officials.

In Minneapolis and St. Paul, firearms dealers must be located at least 500 feet (or around 166 yards) from schools; in most suburbs, such restrictions do not exist, Stock said.

The market for firearm dealers is saturated in Savage, Stock said, with three stores now open.

Savage residents spoke Monday about the issue at the City Council meeting. Cynthia Clay, a gun owner whose children go to Harriet Bishop, started a petition urging the council to shut down Modern Sportsman.

"This is an issue about children and keeping children safe," Clay said.

Resident Greg Muelken, gun owner and former law enforcement officer, spoke in support of the gun store. He said the fear wasn't "justified" and added that most gun store patrons are ethical.

"To have a store within a mile and a half of my house is convenient for me," he said.

Other residents Monday talked of the proximity of gun stores to businesses that sell alcohol, the number of gun stores within a city, and physical barriers or security measures that would stop a vehicle from smashing into a gun shop.

John McConkey, who owns Modern Sportsman, said Wednesday that he followed the law and invested time and money in the store and does not plan to move. He added that most of the store's business is online.

"Would I be OK with it if I was a parent?" McConkey said. "Obviously, it would not impact my decision whether or not to send my kids to school."

He added: "Everything that has been brought forward have been arguments based on emotion and not data that show that there are any risks to a shop being in proximity to any location."

Natalie Daher • 612-673-1775