Cañon City planning commission recommends Snap Fitness for former Big Five site at 3215 E. US Highway 50

The Cañon City Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Council approve a special review use allowing Snap Fitness to locate at 3215 East US Highway 50, planning staff reported.

Planning staffer Mr. Ryan presented the staff report and told the commission the subject property is a 1.31-acre lot between Barry Parkway and McCormack Parkway that includes the space formerly occupied by Big Five Sporting Goods. Staff said the city’s Unified Development Code designates recreational facilities as a special review use in the GC (general commercial) district and reviewed the three approval criteria in section 17.10.030. "Staff recommends the planning commission recommend City Council approve the use by special review to allow Snap Fitness at this location," Mr. Ryan said.

Staff told commissioners the application was submitted by JSTN Legacy Wellness LLC and that the owners, Ben and Jacqueline Gaines, would operate the facility. The project narrative said peak demand would be during early morning, evening and weekend hours; staff said there had been no calls, letters or emails opposing the proposal and recommended approval with findings of fact to forward to City Council.

One applicant addressed the commission and described the intended community benefits. "We're really excited to hopefully be part of this community and ... to bring another healthy living facility to Cañon City," the applicant said, adding the gym could support preventive physical and mental health. When asked about projected daily attendance, the applicant said the estimate of about 120–200 members per day was based on management experience at a Snap Fitness in Pueblo West and the larger size of the proposed facility.

After closing the public hearing, commissioners moved and seconded a motion to recommend City Council approval with an address correction noted; the motion passed by majority vote on a roll call. The commission did not record any written public opposition in the staff file, and staff said public-notice requirements had been met.

The action forwarded a recommendation to City Council; the council will consider the special review use and any conditions recommended by planning staff and the commission. The public hearing in planning commission is closed and the item will next appear on a City Council agenda for final action.