Residents Speak Out Against Proposed Bardstown Road Gun Shop

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Several hundred Louisvillians packed the cafeteria at Assumption High School on Wednesday night to voice concerns about a gun store planned for Bardstown Center.

“Perhaps those concerns will reach the landlord and the owner,” said Jefferson County Public Schools teacher Alexis Rich, who opposes the store’s opening. “Reconsidering would be the best-case scenario. But maybe we look at different hours, added safety measures, or just approach this issue differently after hearing from people who live within a mile of this establishment.”

Rich lives three traffic lights away from the proposed store on Bardstown Road. The property is owned by FBM Properties.

“I spend a disproportionate amount of my life worrying about getting shot,” Rich said. “That fear exists at school from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and now it would extend to when I go home.”

While most speakers opposed the store, some residents expressed support.

“I shoot, and I need those supplies; I own firearms,” said Pierre Ungaro, who supports the shop. “You need cleaning equipment, patches, ammunition. Plus, it’s a place to connect with people who share those interests.”

Louisville Metro Councilman Ben Reno-Weber, D-District 8, said his office has received numerous emails and phone calls about the issue.

Although the store is legally permitted to open, Reno-Weber said that doesn’t mean it should.

“The question is whether this is appropriate,” Reno-Weber said. “As a society, we’ve decided there are certain businesses that shouldn’t be near places that serve children or residential neighborhoods.”

As a business owner, Reno-Weber said the Bardstown Road location is not suitable for this type of business.

Spectrum News 1 contacted FBM Properties, which said the lease is legally binding for four months and that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has approved a permit for the owner to operate.

Meanwhile in Frankfort, two lawmakers have filed House Bill 316 in the state House, aiming to give local governments more authority to regulate gun stores.