- Developers want to replace an approved mixed-use project with a 33,000-square-foot Planet Fitness about two miles from an existing location.
- Planning staff flagged zoning issues, including excess parking, signage limits, and design conflicts.
- A nearby resident voiced concerns about traffic, safety, and the need for another gym so close to schools and neighborhoods.
Developers seek to build a second Planet Fitness in Boone County, with the proposed location just a short distance from the existing gym.
Cornerstone Development LLC, a Cincinnati-based real estate holding company, wants to change the concept development plan for a 3.9-acre parcel of land in Florence to allow the development of a two-story, approximately 33,000-square-foot Planet Fitness Health Club.
The property, owned by Plantation Luxury Flats LLC and zoned Commercial Two with a Planned Development overlay, sits between Richmond Road and Wetherington Boulevard, just south of the Express Street intersection. If approved, Cornerstone’s proposal would replace a previously approved concept with the standalone Planet Fitness. The developers presented their proposal to the Boone County Planning Commission during a public hearing on Wednesday, April 1.
The proposed property is bordered by Erpenbeck Elementary School to the east, Starbucks to the north, a childcare center to the west, and several suburban homes to the south. Currently, the parcel is a grassy field.
There is only one other Planet Fitness facility in Boone County, at 8000 Mall Rd. in Florence. The proposed location is approximately two miles away from the Mall Road Planet Fitness.
Planet Fitness is one of the largest gym franchises in the United States, boasting over 2,700 locations. The brand is known for its “Judgement Free Zone” atmosphere, where customers are treated to an intimidation-free environment. This code is enforced through measures such as the Lunk Alarm, a purple-and-yellow siren that goes off when a gym-goer exhibits prohibited behavior, such as loudly dropping weights or outwardly judging other gym-goers.
Boone County Zoning Administrator Michael Schwartz pointed out that the site is already zoned for commercial use and is aligned with the county’s long-term plan. However, he noted that staff identified several compliance issues and requested waivers, including exceeding the maximum parking and signage limits, failing to provide required landscaping islands, and proposing a flat roof that is in conflict with county design guidelines.
Mike Hamilton of Midwest Fitness Partners, a holding company that operates around 60 Planet Fitness gyms, told the planning commission that their gyms are often desired, safe places to spend time.
“We own our group owns 60 Planet Fitness gyms throughout the Midwest; 20 of them in the Greater Cincinnati area; three in Lexington; we’re in St Louis. One, of course, is on Mall Road in Florence,” he said. “Currently, most of our locations are 24/7. You know, just a good, safe place to go.”
After the developer’s presentation, one county resident, Allison Keller, offered a contrasting opinion to the planning commission. Keller questioned the need for another gym, given several nearby fitness businesses and a Planet Fitness just two miles away. Moreover, she raised concerns about increased traffic, as well as potential impacts from noise and lighting.
“I think that there could be any other spot in Boone County for another Planet Fitness” she said. “I think we should keep this, as you know, a smaller development, not something that’s going to draw on 500 plus cars a day, especially with the three there.:
In response, Hamilton said that the gym isn’t likely to create the level of impact residents fear, noting that peak usage happens between 5 and 7:30 p.m. and that the site’s 223 parking spaces surpass those at similar locations, making overflow unlikely./
