Proposed spa, gun range under fire in Lynbrook

A rendering of the proposed Sport Spa on Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook, which would house a gun and archery range, a retail sporting and gun store, a live-action shooting simulator, training classrooms and a full-service spa.

Courtesy Robert Phillip Ferraro Architect PC

Pamela Newman, CEO of ISS Action Inc., assembled a panel of experts to help inform the public about her business proposal. From left were Bill de Seve, of Breslin Realty; John Harter, of Atlantic Traffic; Newman; Mike Stillwell, of Action Target; and Kristopher Williams, ventilation systems engineer at Carey’s Central.

Nick Ciccone/Herald

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A public hearing on a proposed gun range and spa that was scheduled to be held during the Village of Lynbrook’s Monday night board meeting was cancelled. Nevertheless, some residents stayed to present a petition signed by 260 residents in opposition of the proposal — while others attended a meeting on the same issue that was taking place a half-mile away at Sportime Lynbrook.

Mayor Bill Hendrick said at the start of the village’s regular board meeting that the public hearing had been removed from the agenda because the applicant, ISS Action Inc., had withdrawn its application.

“This was put on the agenda, and after that, the applicant decided to pull it off on Friday,” Hendrick said. “Apparently they wanted to give an informational meeting to let people know what was going on.” A similar announcement was posted on the village’s website on Monday morning.

Pamela Newman, CEO of ISS Action Inc., held an informational panel about her proposed gun range at Sportime Lynbrook — a gathering that she claimed was actually at the mayor’s request. Newman said that she was told last Friday to have an informational meeting instead. When residents asked her why she withdrew her application, she said she didn’t.

“That’s not what I did, and that’s not what I was told,” Newman said.

County Legislator Bill Gaylor III, acting as ISS Action’s attorney, supported Newman’s claims. “At the mayor’s request, this meeting has happened,” Gaylor said. “Legally, we haven’t withdrawn the application.”

Newman proposed the Sport Spa as the replacement for the Cutler’s Lighting location. The facility would have a gun and archery range, a retail sporting goods and gun store, a live-action shooting simulator, training classrooms, and a hair and nail salon.

Mike Stillwell, who works for a firearms technology company called Action Target, told the audience that the shooting range would be in the basement and the facility would be virtually soundproof. Kristopher Williams, a ventilation systems engineer, explained the mechanics of an air-filtration system that would guard against any environmental hazards.