Planet Fitness Special Use Permits Approved By Frankfort Board

FRANKFORT, IL — At its Monday meeting, the Frankfort Village Board approved two special use permits for a Planet Fitness on La Grange Road.

The Planet Fitness, at 20825 S. La Grange Road, would be in the southern portion of the tenant space currently occupied by Bargain Mania in the Frankfort Town Center, Trustee Michael Leddin said during the meeting.

The space would be 20,450 square feet, which is about half of the existing space of Bargain Mania.

The gym facility would have weight training, a wellness pod, tanning beds, red light therapy and automated massage chairs, according to Board documents.

The plan commission had unanimously approved the special use for indoor recreation, but had a split vote, 4-2, for the extended hours of operation.

According to Board documents, several members of the public attended the plan commission meeting and spoke against the project.

Planet Fitness had requested 24/7 hours of operation, but amended their application after feedback from the Village Board at a Committee of the Whole meeting on June 12.

The amended hours would be 24 hours a day on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; and midnight to 10 p.m. on Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 7 a.m. to midnight on Sunday.

Trustee Jessica Petrow said there was “a healthy discussion” at the committee of the whole meeting, and added that the parking deficit of 279 spaces in that area was discussed.

Mayor Keith Ogle read a summary from staff analysis which discussed parking in the plaza. The summary states that if Planet Fitness and Bargain Mania continue to operate in the plaza, then the area would require 780 spaces.

“However, it’s generally accepted that this plaza is not deficient based on actual parking demand and could even be considered to have a surplus of parking,” Ogle read from the report.

Trustee Adam Borrelli said he appreciated the amended hours, but would have liked to see cut back hours during the week as well, especially between midnight and 4 or 5 a.m.

The Board voted to approve both special use permits, in a 5-1 vote, with Petrow voting against both requests.