A proposal to build a fitness center and housing at 1189 Lydia Drive in St. Joseph Township is on hold by the St. Joseph Township Planning Commission.
At Tuesday’s meeting, planners heard from Karan Singh, owner of Power Strike Fitness on Hilltop Road. He told us he wanted a new location for his business while increasing housing availability in the area.
“We are proposing two townhouse buildings, each with four units, and a gym location on the second lot,” Singh said.
There are also two apartments on the second floor of the gym.
Singh said he wants to provide housing options for people moving to the area to work for organizations such as Whirlpool, Recco and hospitals.
“There’s a housing shortage in our area. It’s always been there. You can call for apartments around here. There’s a waiting list. We want to bring more business to the St. Joe community as well and bring more business to our We’re trying to help people move into our area.”
Under the proposed plan, Singh said he would keep Power Strike Fitness’ current location and turn it into a spa-like recovery center for those who have just worked out.
But residents who attended Tuesday’s rally had problems with the plan. Traffic was also included. Many complained that without new development, traveling from Lydia Drive to Niles Road and back is already too dangerous.
Development relies on Lydia Drive for access.
The Planning Commission granted the developer’s request for a special use permit and asked them to submit a more sophisticated plan that also accommodates parking. Singh told us he would.
