Essex Zoning Approves Permit for 24 Hour Fitness Center | Chester …
ESSEX— The zoning commission has approved a special permit for the a 24-hour fitness center in vacant space at the Bokum Center Shopping Plaza.
The panel Monday approved the permit for Snap Fitness, a Minnestoa-based franchise that is also opening another fitness center soon in old Lyme. The commission acted after a two-part public hearing where no one opposed the use. The fitness center would be located in a 4,050-square-foot space that was previously occupied by the Essex Paint and Wallpaper store.
Members would access the center using electronic key cards. Robert Miller, a representative of the franchise, told the commission Monday the centers usually have about 400 members who sign up on a month-to-month basis. Marian Staye, zoning enforcement officer, said the 147 existing parking spaces at the shopping center would be adequate for the new use.
But the commission imposed a condition on the permit approval because some of the parking spaces are located in the back section of the shopping plaza. The commission required construction of a walkway on the east side of the shopping center along Westbrook Road for fitness center members parking in the back section. The panel also required that exterior lighting for the center be reviewed and approved by the zoning enforcement officer.
The permit was approved on a 4-1 vote, with member Susan Uihlein opposed. Uihlein contended approval of a 24-hour fitness center would open the door to other 24-hour businesses in Essex. “We’re not a 24 hour town,” she said.
Essex Zoning Approves Permit for 24 Hour Fitness Center | Chester …