H
omeowners in East Hampton, NY are fighting to keep the Maidstone Gun Club from reopening after a lawsuit was filed over stray bullets hitting local homes. The club has been in operation for 42 years and has a lease that expired over a year and a half ago due to pending litigation and renegotiations.

    The gun club's lease agreement is being reworked, with a new deal expected to include increased rent and additional safety measures. However, some residents are still opposed to the club reopening, citing concerns about stray bullets and the potential for accidents.

    The Maidstone Gun Club has maintained that the bullets did not come from their facility but rather from individuals shooting illegally in the surrounding woods. The club has a history of being inclusive and affordable, with annual dues of $150 per year.

    Despite the controversy, the gun club's members are hopeful that they will be able to reopen soon. They point out that the club has always prioritized safety and has implemented numerous measures to prevent accidents, including member training and no alcohol on the property.

    The new lease agreement is expected to include provisions for even more safety enhancements, as well as a ban on outdoor rifle shooting except for skeet and trap practice. The club also plans to undertake additional range improvements once the lease is signed and the litigation is concluded.

    The fate of the Maidstone Gun Club remains uncertain, but its members are optimistic that they will be able to find a path forward that balances their needs with those of the surrounding community.