Despite some intense questioning, the zoning variance that would allow for a CrossFit Boston fitness center at 133 Salem St. was unanimously supported last week by both neighborhood groups, NEWRA (member vote: 23-0) and NEWNC (council vote: 10-0). (See this previous video post for the NEWNC presentation.)
David Crocini, property owner, plans to reside at the renovated apartment building that formerly housed the Sheldon’s store. For the first floor and basement, the owner searched for a retail operation that would not be a restaurant.
CrossFit Boston has been in operation since 2005 using a class-based, non-machine methodology. An affiliate of the widely known, Crossfit, the Boston group currently operates an existing fitness center in Allston.
Both groups raised the issue of excessive noise from the class music. CrossFit Boston will be using a boom box setup. The owners said the volume will be soft enough so that instructors can talk to the class members. In addition, the property owner is installing sound proofing. Several residents welcomed the addition of a new fitness center to the neighborhood.
According to their Facebook page, an opening is expected in late Summer 2012.
