Amherst plans to construct a new shooting range inside the training complex and community policing center it opened last year in a former Harley-Davidson dealership in Eggertsville.
The Town Board last week voted to borrow $2 million to pay for the project, which is under design. Work could begin this spring or summer and finish by winter, Supervisor Brian J. Kulpa said.
The town in 2018 agreed to spend $2.1 million to purchase and make initial improvements to the 50,000-square-foot building at 4220 Bailey Ave. that was previously a bowling alley, furniture store and, until 2017, motorcycle dealership and repair shop.
The building now includes a facility for training in active shooter drills, a simulation center and a base for outreach in the neighborhood.
Amherst police have an indoor pistol range at their headquarters but must go elsewhere to train with patrol rifles, Kulpa said. The Bailey Avenue shooting range will allow for rifle training and be shared with other local police agencies, he said.
