EAST BRUNSWICK – A New York Sports Club fitness center is proposed to move into the space formerly home to Mid State Lanes.
The Zoning Board of Adjustment is reviewing a major site plan application that seeks several variances for the creation of a health and fitness center and additional retail space at the former bowling alley location in the Mid State Mall, Route 18.
The application hearing was continued to Sept. 18.
It is not clear what New York Sports Club would do with its current facility on Cornwall Court. Lisa Hufkut, spokeswoman for Town Sports International, which owns the fitness centers, said the company could not comment on its plans yet.
“We’ve been in East Brunswick a very long time, and we love the community,” Hufkut said. “But we’re not ready to announce anything at this time.”
Mid State Lanes, which was owned by AMF Bowling Centers, closed in April after about a half century in operation.
The plans call for the 40,000 square feet of space used for the bowling alley to be modified in order to accommodate the nearly 35,000 square foot fitness club and about 6,000 square feet of retail space, according to plans submitted by mall owner Mid State Hye.
At present, the Mid State Mall is largely full, with more than 400,000 square feet of retail stores in two main buildings. Among those stores are Borders Books & Music, Sports Authority, ShopRite and Best Buy. Among the freestanding structures on the property are a Boston Market and Wachovia Bank.
The former bowling alley building is at Tices Lane and Old Bridge Turnpike, with close proximity and access from each road.
Mid State Hye is seeking a use variance because fitness centers are a conditional use in that zone, and must be at least 500 feet from a residential zone, according to a township ordinance. The applicant also seeks variances for maximum lot coverage, landscaping buffers, parking and driveway setbacks and a freestanding sign. The plan also requires a number of waivers, including those for lighting, loading, parking stalls, sidewalk width, handicap parking and trash enclosure, according to a township report.
In their report, township professionals expressed concerns about the amount of parking provided. About 230 spots are required for the fitness club and retail space, and while the applicant showed 289 spots, those are located in two areas and some are also used by adjacent businesses such as ShopRite. The township report said the stalls go as far away as 600 feet from the building, and some are adjacent to truck loading areas. Those factors could cause safety problems for pedestrians.
The applicant would make various parking and site improvements, according to the plans, which call for modifications to the facade and loading zone, the removal of fencing and addition of new signage.
New York Sports Club would also dedicate a 120-square-foot right of way at the corner of Tices Lane and Old Bridge Turnpike. The easement would go to the county for possible road widening.
According to a letter of intent from the applicant, the fitness center will be open Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will employ about 75 people.