Planet Fitness' Path to the Ridge Paved

Planet Fitness should be coming to Roxborough. After presenting to neighbors in December, the gym secured approval from the Central Roxborough Civic Association and can move forward with its zoning application.

Civic President Ed Hothman said Thursday night he polled neighbors in the area and received a positive reaction. The project will transform the vacant Golden Chrysler Plymouth Dealership into a 24-hour basic fitness gym. Most memberships will cost $10 a month.

Long abandoned, the property takes up a large piece of real estate on Ridge Avenue, between Leverington and Hermitage. In recent times, it has fell victim to graffiti and vandalism—even fires.

Planet Fitness approached the civic to discuss two zoning matter—a change of use and signage. Though neighbors had concerns about traffic, safety and light pollution, they didn't think the concerns were problematic enough to reject the bid.

"They've been pretty receptive to us, so we'll see how it goes," Hothman said.

The CRCA said sound and light buffer plans will included 4-foot high retaining wall and landscaping. Hothman said Planet Fitness would look at installing green parking islands at the large parking lot, which is entirely concrete.

The future gym will cost $10 a month.