Grosse Ile airport commissioners say lease decision for Island Athletics will be guided by finances as residents plead to keep gym open

Grosse Ile Airport Commission members heard multiple public pleas to keep Island Athletics operating at the airport during a meeting where commissioners described their role as financially stewarding airport property rather than subsidizing recreational services.

Residents testified that the gym provides a unique community resource and asked commissioners to seek ways to keep it open while staff and commissioners said any lease decision must balance community value with the airport’s financial obligations.

The issue drew the largest public turnout during the meeting’s public-comment period. Richard Labar, who gave his address as 25408 Fourth Street, told commissioners, “I just wanna support for the island athletics. It seems like a really good thing. Once it’s closed, there’ll be nowhere on the island to go to.” Several other residents echoed that concern.

Mary Leone of 8449 Matthias Drive described why the facility matters to her family: “I have a 30 year old high functioning autistic son...He wanted a place to go work out, so he went and joined Island Athletics. ...If that closes, I will not let him go to Planet Fitness. I don’t trust that place.”

Commissioners and airport staff described the…