Planning board approves final site plan for Pilates studio at the Gallery

The New London Planning Board on July 14 approved a final site plan for Pilates MLG LLC that will combine Units 209 and 211 in the Gallery into a single studio suite.

Planning staff member Adam told the board the two leasable units together exceed the town’s 1,000-square-foot administrative threshold for combining spaces and therefore required board review. He summarized the proposal as an interior reconfiguration that will create one larger studio, smaller ancillary rooms, and a washer/dryer area for on‑site laundry. "It's a pretty straightforward site plan review," Adam said, adding that sprinkler and mechanical rerouting will be needed but that no additional fire‑code upgrades or exterior changes are proposed.

Board members asked whether the Gallery condominium association had been consulted and whether tenants below would be affected by noise. Adam said the association is aware of the project and that Pilates classes are generally quieter than high‑impact activities; he also said the building’s service connection allows a washing machine without additional town utility approvals. The board discussed that the two units will remain separate condominium deeds and that any future sale or change in use could trigger additional review.

After staff read findings of fact — specifying the use is allowed in the commercial zone, no additional parking is required and no exterior work is proposed — Board member Mary Anne moved to approve the application and Erin seconded. The board voted in favor and the motion passed.

The approval allows the applicant to proceed with the interior renovations as proposed; because the applicant was not present, staff said the team will follow up with required mechanical and sprinkler reconfiguration details before issuance of final approvals.