Proposed Construction of a 925 Acre Privately-owned Paramilitary Training Center
     On April 13, 2009, an Application for a Special Use Permit was filed with the Department of Zoning & Planning of Shenandoah County, Virginia.  According to the Application, and other public information, a private company intends to purchase 925 acres of land, located approximately three miles northeast of the Town of New Market, Virginia, for the express purpose of constructing and operating a private paramilitary training center.  (We note that the Application euphemistically calls the facility "a Corporate Training Center," omitting any references to firearms, explosives, or paramilitary activities.) The land is currently zoned for Agricultural use.

             The Application was filed on behalf of "Shenandoah Valley Training Center," through its signatory, Mr. David Dolan.  At present, we can find no corporation or other legal entity registered with the Virginia State Corporation Commission in the name of this Center.  However, it is our understanding that Mr. Dolan is a representative, agent or employee of an Ohio corporation named "O'Gara Group, Inc.".   

            The application, as well as a Conceptual Site Plan filed with it,  specifies locations for the construction of numerous paramilitary facilities, including without limitation, the following:

• An Armory.

• A 1,000 yard Known Distance Rifle Range.

• A 300 yard Multi-Purpose Rifle Range.

• A 100 yard General Purpose Range.

• A Demolitions Range.

• A 360 Degree Multi-Purpose Range.

•  A Future Drop Zone (which we understand would be used for low flying aircraft or helicopter drops, pickups and assaults)

• A Shoot House

• A Driving Track (which we understand will be at least one mile long, and will be used for practicing high-speed chases, vehicle interceptions, vehicle escape and evasion, and other paramilitary vehicle practice).

             As local residents of Shenandoah County, we are stunned to see this Site Plan filed with our County, and are firmly opposed to the licensing, construction and operation of this facility. 
                                                --Keep Shenandoah County Rural Steering Group