Crunch Fitness withdraws application for Davis Square location

[keithn.livejournal.com]

According to the revised ZBA agenda for March 18, Crunch Fitness has withdrawn their application for a variance that was required for them to open in the old Social Security building: http://www.somervillema.gov/sites/default/files/agendas/ZBA3-18-15Revised.pdf

Although it isn't clear why they withdrew, I can't help but feel annoyed with the aldermen who have thrown up every ridiculous obstacle possible against businesses that don't have their personal favor from opening in that location.  We had a proposal for a restaurant and gym to go in that building put forward 18 months ago and here we are 18 months later with nothing but an eyesore and no sign of anything changing anytime soon.

If nothing changes by this Fall, here's hoping for an actual choice on the November ballot.

Comments

[pywaket.livejournal.com]

It may also have something to do with their business model being disrupted by changes at BSC who have or will be instituting $20 memberships at most of their clubs, including Davis.

http://www.wboc.com/story/28356736/town-sports-international-holdings-inc-expands-high-value-low-price-club-model

[serious-noir.livejournal.com]

I was excited to see news about a $20/mo option at BSC. I quit there this winter because the cost ($60/mo) was just too much.

After the usual, annoying digging around the BSC site to find the actual prices, it is the typical gym flim flam:

$20/mo - $50/yr - $150/pay to play

So the first year is closer to $37/mo. I don't know how that compares to other gyms in the area.

[pywaket.livejournal.com]

I don't know, either, but I bet that the joining fees are negotiable. Particularly once the weather starts to get nice, gyms will often use some discretion.