Pickler pickleball facility set for Jan. 7 public hearing after brief presentation

Representatives for the Pickler franchise introduced plans on Dec. 3 to occupy about 22,000 square feet of an existing retail building at 1019 Central Avenue, converting the former big‑box retail shell into an eight‑court indoor pickleball facility with a member reservation model.

A presenter for the applicant described the program and said the franchise anticipates a typical occupancy limited by court use (a maximum of four players per court, roughly 32 players on court at full use, with staggered arrivals), and that onsite parking capacity currently exceeds anticipated peak demand. The team said a traffic study by DTS indicated trip generation would not increase parking demand and that the existing lot is underutilized based on site visits.

Board members requested a brief work session before the public hearing so building‑inspection and sign details could be resolved ahead of a formal hearing. The board set the public hearing for Jan. 7, 2026 and confirmed the record will include any additional written materials provided by applicants and staff; the board noted SEQR/SEQRA determinations (Type II vs. Type I thresholds) can be completed at that next meeting as appropriate.

The applicants said the community room proposed at the facility would be available only to members (for birthday parties, corporate team building and member events) and not open to the general public. The board asked staff to circulate any outstanding building‑department comments on signage and life‑safety requirements prior to the work session.

The hearing will give neighbors and interested parties an opportunity to comment; the board left the written record open and asked the applicant to supply any outstanding memos or clarifying materials in advance.