Route 17 Fitness Center Approved, Though Residents Still Have Concerns

The Planning Board approved a plan to open a fitness club at a building on Route 17 north at their meeting Thursday, though residents are still concerned that the gym will come too close to their homes.

Residents of Oliver Road plan to meet with the developer, Nicholas Laganella of Laganella Property Management, next week to hash out their differences.

Richard Cacciatore, one of the residents of Oliver Road, said the neighbors are mostly concerned about preserving the greenery between the property and their homes, being protected from any noise generated by the gym and ensuring that the business doesn't operate too late. Laganella plans to add a 30,000 square foot Equinox fitness center to the existing 45,000 square foot building.

"They can operate but not at the detriment of the neighborhood or the residents," Cacciatore said.

Laganella said he wants to ensure that the center won't be a nuisance to its neighbors. He met with Cacciatore and other residents twice before Thursday's meeting.

Laganella noted that of the possible uses for the property, which include a supermarket, bar or restaurant, a fitness center is relatively benign.

"I think it's going to be a good project for the town of Paramus," he said.

Cacciatore said residents plan to meet with Laganella on Wednesday or Thursday.

"We're hoping that it gets resolved," Cacciatore said.