Planning commission approves gymnastics studio at Manhattan Beach Boulevard with added security, building conditions

Redondo Beach Planning Commission on May 15 approved an exemption declaration and a conditional use permit to allow Aero Gymnastics Club (operating as a gymnastics, cheer and youth activity center) to occupy a 24,000-square-foot tenant space at 2701 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in the Commercial C-1 zone.

Staff told commissioners the site includes an inventory of 223 parking spaces and that the proposed gymnastics use would require about 26 spaces for employees and parents under the applicant’s operations plan. A staff analysis said the combined on-site uses would require about 50 parking spaces under the municipal code and concluded the site had sufficient parking. The commission voted to approve the permit after adding a condition requiring additional rear-lot lighting and security cameras; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call.

The permit matters because the business will operate classes, seasonal day camps and birthday events for children and teens and neighbors raised concerns about traffic, parking and safety. Staff and the applicant said the tenant will operate classes in 45–60 minute sessions with roughly a 15‑minute turnover period between classes to reduce overlap and curb congestion.

Steven Yang, who presented the item for planning staff, said the tenant space had previously been occupied by a 99¢ only store and that the operation would run inside the building with hours currently proposed as 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday. Staff described the proposed enrollment as classes of six to 20 students per session and weekend birthday events that could include 20–40 people when parents are included. Staff also recommended a condition requiring the applicant to obtain an acoustical design analysis and implement any recommended sound-control measures in the tenant improvement plans submitted to Building & Safety.

During public comment several neighbors and business owners urged extra safety measures. Faustino Gomez said he had observed people camping and transient activity on site and asked for more police presence. John Snyder, who identified himself as the applicant’s representative, told the commission the company operates a Torrance location and would install exterior lighting, security cameras and staffing procedures (two staff on site at opening and closing and sign‑in/sign‑out protocols for children) similar to practices at its other gyms.

Staff added a clarification during the meeting: condition number 5 in the staff resolution directs parents, employees and students to use the rear parking north of the tenant space and the rear pickup/loading zone. Building & Safety also advised the commission that tenant improvement permits will require upgrades to the rear loading dock, including a ramp modification to meet ADA accessibility standards; those improvements must be demonstrated prior to issuance of the TI permit.

Commissioners debated safety and traffic but said the site’s parking inventory and the applicant’s operational plan were adequate. The commission’s approval included the added condition requiring additional lighting and security cameras at the rear of the building, plus the existing staff conditions (hours limits, acoustical mitigation and demonstration of required tenant improvements to Building & Safety). The roll-call vote on the final motion was unanimous in favor (Commissioners Light, Young, Gattis, Conroy, Hazeltine and Chair Craig).

The applicant must submit tenant improvement plans and receive building and safety sign‑off, including any acoustical work and the rear-dock upgrades, before the gym may open. The additional lighting and camera improvements will be required on the construction drawings and enforced as conditions of the permit.