Planning commission recommends specific-use permit for private athletic facility at vacant South Works Road warehouse

The Palestine Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a specific-use permit that would allow a private athletic facility at 201 South Works Road, a long-vacant commercial warehouse, sending the measure to City Council for final consideration on March 24.

The applicant, who identified himself for the record as Fletcher Cabram and (in city application materials) as Fletcher Kremmering, said he and his wife plan to open a youth-focused gymnastics and “ninja” program aimed at after-school hours and limited weekend classes. “Main hours will be after school, probably between 4 to 8, so it should be minimal disruption on the neighborhood,” the applicant told commissioners.

Commission staff said the site is a commercially zoned parcel surrounded by mixed residential areas; a private athletic facility requires a specific-use permit under the city zoning code. Staff reported the city mailed 25 notices to properties within the statutory radius and received three returned in favor and none formally in opposition; the return rate was 12 percent.

At public comment, neighbors expressed mixed reactions. Several residents and business owners told commissioners they support reuse of a vacant property and want activities for local youth. An 84-year-old resident said she was concerned about traffic and security; the applicant and supporters said parking and monitored security cameras would limit disruption. “We’re really safety-oriented people,” the applicant said, noting he has a law-enforcement background and that the property already has lighting and cameras.

Commissioners discussed the likely scale and operation of the facility: staff and the applicant said the gym would operate primarily on an enrollment/membership basis with scheduled classes, not as an open “drop-in” recreation center, and that certificate-of-occupancy inspections (building and fire) would be required before operation. Commissioners moved to recommend approval; the motion passed and the recommendation will be considered by City Council on March 24.

If City Council approves, the owner will still have to obtain a certificate of occupancy after passing building and fire inspections before opening.

Votes at a glance: Planning & Zoning recommendation — specific-use permit for private athletic facility at 201 South Works Road: Planning & Zoning vote — approved (recommendation to City Council).