Vote Expected on Gym Plan

The Planning Board is scheduled to vote Thursday on a plan to to an existing building on Route 17 north.

Laganella Property Management has applied to build an Equinox Fitness club at 776 Route 17 north. Residents living behind the property on Oliver Road are concerned that expanding the existing building will bring the business too close to their homes.

A group of Oliver Road residents testified at the last meeting on Sept. 1 that they opposed the plans, which would reduce a grassy area between Oliver Road homes and the parking lot of the Route 17 property. They argued that Laganella should utilize the existing 45,000 square foot building, currently vacant, instead of expanding it.

Laganella's attorney, Stephen Sinisi, countered that the developer doesn't need a variance for reducing the grassy area. The developer will require a variance on the amount parking provided: The plan provides 372 spaces while the ordinance calls for 427.

The Board is scheduled to vote Thursday without hearing any further testimony.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment is also meeting Thursday. The Board is scheduled to hear residential applications, including a plan to build a home with no carbon footprint, and is also set to continue hearing a plan to build a housing complex at Maple Street.

The Planning Board meets at 7 p.m. and the Zoning Board of Adjustment meets at 7:30 p.m. in .