Planning commission approves Kidstrong children’s gym at 1581 Southeast Road

The Newington Town Plan and Zoning Commission on June 10 approved a special permit allowing a 3,750-square-foot Kidstrong children’s gym at 1581 Southeast Road.

Architect Philip Cerrone, who said the Kidstrong space would include two studios and staggered classes, told the commission the site meets parking requirements and the applicants calculated 124 parking spaces across the combined Farmington/Newington property — “in essence, we have 28 extra spaces on the site,” he said. He noted the studio class sizes and staggered start times that reduce simultaneous demand.

The commission’s approval requires the applicant to secure any applicable permits and comply with staff comments and conditions noted in the record. Paul Dixon, town planner, reiterated that because part of the building sits in Farmington, the Farmington zoning office will review any changes proposed on that portion of the property and the applicant has already coordinated with Farmington staff.

Commissioners asked about parking dynamics and cross-jurisdictional permits; the applicant and owner confirmed they had met with town staff and alerted Farmington to the pending Newington hearing. No members of the public spoke against the petition during the hearing; the public hearing was closed and action taken under new business.

The commission voted to approve the special permit by voice vote; no opposition was recorded. The permit approval is subject to any permits required by other agencies and any additional conditions the commission adopted on the record.