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Planning board approves waiver to finish Somersault Studio basement at 575 Route 28
Summary
The Harwich Planning Board unanimously approved a waiver of site plan review on May 12, 2026 that lets Somersault Studio finish 700 sq. ft. of basement space for group fitness classes at 575 Route 28; applicants said classes will be limited to 12 participants and hours scheduled to avoid evening restaurant traffic.
The Harwich Planning Board on May 12 unanimously approved case PB2026‑07, granting a waiver of site plan review that allows Somersault Studio LLC to finish about 700 square feet of basement space at 575 Route 28.
Annabelle (last name on file: Grove) and her sister Daisy told the board they plan a boutique coastal fitness business with an open gym on the top floor and the finished basement used for scheduled group classes. "We aim to be a year‑round business to support our residents and community year round and keep them happy and healthy," Annabelle said during the presentation.
Town consultant Howard Port presented site graphics and told the board the building footprint will not change and that "there will be no changes to the parking or lighting exterior." He noted the property had prior approvals under PB2022‑15 and a 2025 modification/waivers and that the proposed interior finishing did not necessitate a new site plan review because the use is allowed by right.
Applicants described a hybrid operations model to limit parking impacts: classes will be capped at 12 participants per fire‑and‑safety guidance, larger classes will be scheduled in the morning, weekday peak‑season hours were proposed at 7 a.m.–7 p.m. (closed Tuesdays), weekend hours would end by 5 p.m., and offseason operations would be limited to Thursdays and Sundays to maintain staffing viability.
Board members asked about equipment and egress; applicants said reformer equipment may be added later but initial offerings will focus on mat Pilates and lighter resistance work, and the fire and safety department confirmed no second egress was required for the proposed basement use.
With no public comment, a motion to approve PB2026‑07 passed on a roll‑call vote: Annie Newman, Emily Birdy, Harry Muns and Chair Duncan Barry voted in favor. The board congratulated the applicants and noted the building and relevant town departments have been informed of the change.
Next steps: the applicants may complete interior work subject to building department permits and any conditions recorded in the waiver decision; the Planning Board file will reflect the board's action and the associated approvals.
