During the fall of 2020, while the world was in crisis, Barrington officials made it a high priority to shut down a local small business owned by a former police officer and fully disabled veteran.
The owner is Robert Russell, the business is 2A Tactical (www.2atac.com), and it has been a thriving business in Barrington since 2015.
Operating out of his basement, Rob has recognized the need to relocate for quite some time. Having recently purchased 8+acres of land in Barrington on Rt 125, Rob and his team have already painstakingly designed an impressive 2 story building and are waiting to break ground.
The process to relocate is well underway.
However, are Barrington Township officials taking notice?
Why does it appear they doubling down on their determination to have 2A Tactical shutdown?
Why is the township using taxpayer dollars to sue a thriving small business? 2A Tactical’s new facility will add to Barrington’s commerce and bring in more tax revenue.
Daily fines for zoning violations are accumulating and now the town has officially filed a lawsuit against this small business regardless of the steps Rob and his team have taken to relocate.
2A Tactical has requested a zoning variance.
On Wednesday, September 15 at 7 pm, the Barrington Zoning Board of Adjustment will be meeting at the Early Childhood Learning Center located at 77 Ramsdell Lane in Barrington to discuss the requested variance to allow 2A Tactical to continue to operate at its current location while the new building is being constructed.
Rob has overwhelming support from his neighbors and community. They are hoping to have a large turnout on the 15th. In-person as well as phone/video comments from the public will be heard prior to the board making their decision on the requested variance. All are welcomed to join the gathering outside the ECLC, beginning at 6 pm, to show their support for this small business’s humble request.
If you would like to learn more about the whole ordeal to determine if 2A Tactical deserves your support, watch: In this video, Rob Russell lays out piece by piece the entire storyline from when this all began last year.
*Note* Barrington Officials were not contacted for comment. Information presented above was provided by 2A Tactical owner, Rob Russell.