Gym gets commission’s OK

A 24-hour gymnasium that also features chiropractic care has been cleared to open this summer in La Cañada Flintridge.

Planning Commission members voted Wednesday to grant Anytime Fitness, part of an international franchise with more than 1,500 locations, a conditional use permit to occupy a currently vacant 5,000-square-foot unit at La Cañada Town Center.

The gym is expected to be fully operational from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily but also allow 24-hour keycard access to members, with security systems taking the place of employee supervision during overnight hours.

Karl and Claudine Eng, who recently moved to La Cañada Flintridge, will own and operate the Anytime Fitness location, which during limited hours will also offer chiropractic and physical therapy services. The Engs currently operate Chiropractic Fitness Concepts in Pasadena.

“We think there’s a real niche for it here,” said Claudia Eng, as residents seeking around-the-clock gym access must currently drive to Altadena or Glendale.

Planning Commission members approved the gym’s operating permit on the condition that only members receive access chiropractic services, as the area is not zoned for primary use as a medical office. City officials will periodically review the gym’s permit to ensure compliance.

Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the permit, with Commission Chair Michael Cahill absent.

No residents spoke out in opposition to the gym’s opening, and commissioners were optimistic that Anytime Fitness would improve Town Center.

“A mix of uses is good because it will bring people into Town Center and that [traffic] will hopefully spill over to the retail outlets,” said Commissioner Jonathan Curtis.