Paul Chapman, owner of North Georgia Firearms and Ammunition, has requested that the Chickamauga planning commission officially withdraw his plans to relocate his place of business to the site of the old G&H feed and seed store at 6941 N. Hwy 27.

The potential move was the subject of much scrutiny and opposition from the Chickamauga area public due to Chapman’s hopes to build an outdoor firing range at the new location, which happens to be directly across the street from the Chickamauga daycare The Academy for Little People.

A Chickamauga planning commission hearing Thursday, April 19, filled the local civic center to overflowing as parents argued against Chapman’s proposed move and the dangers posed by weaponry and live ammunition being handled within 400 feet of young children.

The planning commission decided that evening not to recomment a conditional use permits requested by Chap-man to operate his business at the location in question. The final decision, however, had Chapman not withdrawn his plans, would have rested with the Chickamauga city council during its Monday evening, May 7, meeting.

Zoning ordinances were amended during the April 19 planning commission meeting to allow for an ammunitions assembly shop and a firing range to be operated within the city limits. Many residents present at the drawn-out meeting did not disapprove of Chapman’s business intentions, merely the chosen location, and are waiting to see if he will try to open his business elsewhere, in a place far away from any daycare.