As you have probably heard by now, the Amherst ZBA did give final approval to The Amherst Brewing Company to move into the old Leading Edge Location. However, the taskforce is continuing to meet to explore options of reconstituting the gym in a new location. Of course, this would mean a much longer time before any potential opening, but we are not giving up.
Economically and stylistically there is a clearly a market for a mid-priced, full service gym offering a complete mix of fitness choices from free weights and cardio equipment to all types of classes including Yoga. Our competitive pricing would be a happy medium between the other clubs in the area.
The gym project is fully funded thanks to angel member investors willing to step up and make it happen. The real challenge is finding the right location.
In the meantime, don't forget about us and all the great things we miss about our gym! There will be no more emails until and unless we start to get close to reopening. Check in at the website for updates and information and let's meet for a beer at the new Amherst Brewing Company location!
Former Leading Edge members are working to re-open the gym under new management! The new gym will retain the friendly, community atmosphere, top-notch facilities and classes we loved at affordable prices! Thanks to some members willing to become larger shareholders, we are ready to move forward. We wish to recognize with affection and gratitude all the friends who have been willing to sign on as members and all those who kindly volunteered to personally invest in the Gym Project. Thank you!
Mar 21, 2011
Mar 11, 2011
ZBA March 10th hearing results
The ZBA all but approved ABC's Special Permit application at last night's hearing. On Wed. they will finalize some restrictions and conditions and then it's a done deal.
There is discussion of alternate spaces. It would be a much bigger and more complex project.
Further info to follow.
There is discussion of alternate spaces. It would be a much bigger and more complex project.
Further info to follow.
Feb 14, 2011
NEXT HEARING DATE
The continuation of the Amherst Brewing Company's hearing before the ZBA has been scheduled for March 10th, 7:30 at Town Hall.
Feb 12, 2011
No Decision Yet
There was no conclusion to the ZBA Meeting of 2/10/11. Time ran out and it was continued until a later date, which has yet to be determined...
Jan 26, 2011
LATEST NEWS 1/25/11
We are still waiting for the resolution of the Amherst Brewing Company's application for a Special Permit to allow them to open a bar/restaurant in the former Leading Edge space. The hearing is set for February 10th, 7:30 in the own Room upstairs at Amherst Town Hall. The landlord says he will sign a lease with them if they get the permit.
We hear from more people everyday who are looking forward to the gym opening, and we are very committed to opening the gym. If ABC doesn't get its Special Permit we are ready to make it happen. We feel that we would be very good community neighbors, compatible with the neighborhood. The gym is a very quiet business and will not require any major construction to open.
Both economically and style-wise, there is a definitely a place for a mid-price, full service gym offering a complete mix of fitness choices from free weights and cardio equipment to all types of classes including Yoga. Our competitive pricing will be a happy medium between the other clubs in the area.
We are also considering other spaces. The ideal space would be similar or slightly smaller in size and centrally located with good parking. We welcome any ideas or proposals for an alternative space.
Stay strong,
The Gym Taskforce
We hear from more people everyday who are looking forward to the gym opening, and we are very committed to opening the gym. If ABC doesn't get its Special Permit we are ready to make it happen. We feel that we would be very good community neighbors, compatible with the neighborhood. The gym is a very quiet business and will not require any major construction to open.
Both economically and style-wise, there is a definitely a place for a mid-price, full service gym offering a complete mix of fitness choices from free weights and cardio equipment to all types of classes including Yoga. Our competitive pricing will be a happy medium between the other clubs in the area.
We are also considering other spaces. The ideal space would be similar or slightly smaller in size and centrally located with good parking. We welcome any ideas or proposals for an alternative space.
Stay strong,
The Gym Taskforce
Jan 11, 2011
Latest News 1/11/11
Support for The Gym in Amherst continues to build! Here are some updates:
We now have 517 potential new members signed up! People are continuing to sign up every day. The gym is fielding many calls daily from people hoping that the gym will reopen soon. Fitness is such an important part of our lives and we know that a locally owned, full-service gym created and run FOR the members will be a vital part of the community fabric of Amherst.
We have learned that there is another potential tenant trying for the gym location. The Amherst Brewing Company is looking to move into the former Leading Edge space. Being a bar and restaurant, they need to get a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals since zoning doesn't allow this type of business at that location. A hearing is scheduled for February 10th and if they are not granted a Special Permit we will renew our efforts to open the gym full speed ahead.
This would change our predicted time frame for opening from March to a date further in the future. In the mean time, we will be working on the Investor Prospectus so we are ready to go if/when possible.
People have also inquired about the equipment that was at the Leading Edge. The Gym will be purchasing brand new equipment and not using the old, leased equipment which is being removed.
We will keep you posted with further developments and we wish you the best with your fitness goals!
We now have 517 potential new members signed up! People are continuing to sign up every day. The gym is fielding many calls daily from people hoping that the gym will reopen soon. Fitness is such an important part of our lives and we know that a locally owned, full-service gym created and run FOR the members will be a vital part of the community fabric of Amherst.
We have learned that there is another potential tenant trying for the gym location. The Amherst Brewing Company is looking to move into the former Leading Edge space. Being a bar and restaurant, they need to get a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals since zoning doesn't allow this type of business at that location. A hearing is scheduled for February 10th and if they are not granted a Special Permit we will renew our efforts to open the gym full speed ahead.
This would change our predicted time frame for opening from March to a date further in the future. In the mean time, we will be working on the Investor Prospectus so we are ready to go if/when possible.
People have also inquired about the equipment that was at the Leading Edge. The Gym will be purchasing brand new equipment and not using the old, leased equipment which is being removed.
We will keep you posted with further developments and we wish you the best with your fitness goals!
Dec 21, 2010
LATEST NEWS 12/21/10
Dear Friends,
As many of you know, a volunteer Task Force has been working diligently to help establish a new, member-owned fitness center at the site of the former Leading Edge Gym on University Drive.
We are so grateful for the support and input that so many of you have shared over the past several weeks! While we will be outlining the details of our efforts after the holidays, we want to share some information now:
1) NAME
With over 90 thoughtful responses, the most popular vote in naming the facility is
2)PHONE
A business/info line has been set up. The number is: 413.548.7100. Ellen Kaufman has graciously agreed to field and answer questions.
3) FEE STRUCTURE
Our original provisional fee structure is being refined. Now the Basic Membership fee of $25/mo EFT includes full gym access PLUS all classes except Yoga/Pilates! Unlimited Yoga/Pilates are an additional $20/mo EFT. (A more comprehensive fee schedule is forthcoming which will include senior/students, couple and family rates.) Please note: all rates are provisional, and still subject to change as we get a more accurate estimate of the monthly operating costs.
4) PUBLICITY
Print advertising, mailings and press releases are all underway!
5) OPENING
Current plans are to open in MARCH 2011
At this point, all focus is on increasing the number of potential members who have signed up on the blogspot: http://ourgym.blogspot.com. We need former Leading Edge members as well as new members. Some of you may wish to be shareholders, and some of you may not. Either way, we need your show of interest by mid January in order to proceed. Securing the lease is critical to making the Gym a reality.
Please sign up now if you haven’t done so already, and tell your friends and colleagues!
Best wishes for the Holiday Season,
Susan Cinner, Ellen Kaufman, Chris Pilsner, Susan Rupp, Nina Sossen
Volunteer Marketing Task Force
As many of you know, a volunteer Task Force has been working diligently to help establish a new, member-owned fitness center at the site of the former Leading Edge Gym on University Drive.
We are so grateful for the support and input that so many of you have shared over the past several weeks! While we will be outlining the details of our efforts after the holidays, we want to share some information now:
1) NAME
With over 90 thoughtful responses, the most popular vote in naming the facility is
2)PHONE
A business/info line has been set up. The number is: 413.548.7100. Ellen Kaufman has graciously agreed to field and answer questions.
3) FEE STRUCTURE
Our original provisional fee structure is being refined. Now the Basic Membership fee of $25/mo EFT includes full gym access PLUS all classes except Yoga/Pilates! Unlimited Yoga/Pilates are an additional $20/mo EFT. (A more comprehensive fee schedule is forthcoming which will include senior/students, couple and family rates.) Please note: all rates are provisional, and still subject to change as we get a more accurate estimate of the monthly operating costs.
4) PUBLICITY
Print advertising, mailings and press releases are all underway!
5) OPENING
Current plans are to open in MARCH 2011
At this point, all focus is on increasing the number of potential members who have signed up on the blogspot: http://ourgym.blogspot.com. We need former Leading Edge members as well as new members. Some of you may wish to be shareholders, and some of you may not. Either way, we need your show of interest by mid January in order to proceed. Securing the lease is critical to making the Gym a reality.
Please sign up now if you haven’t done so already, and tell your friends and colleagues!
Best wishes for the Holiday Season,
Susan Cinner, Ellen Kaufman, Chris Pilsner, Susan Rupp, Nina Sossen
Volunteer Marketing Task Force
Dec 15, 2010
Trainers and Instructors
One of the things we loved about the gym were the wonderful Instructors and Personal Trainers. Many folks have been asking if we can get them back. We'd love to! Every effort will be made to rehire our fabulous instructors! And, should some of them no longer be available, we will get the very best professional instructors and trainers available. The most important thing right now is for us to sign up enough members to get the gym open, so tell your friends and family. Be sure to sign up now!
Dec 14, 2010
Latest News
Good news! Things are moving forward!
A Marketing Taskforce consisting of Irv Rhodes, Ellen Kaufman, Sue Cinner, Chris Pilsner and Susan Rupp has been meeting in an effort to move things forward quickly. Here are some updates:
-We have a more comprehensive email list generated and are widening our efforts to reach former members with it as well as by regular mail.
-A central information phone line is being set up and will be made available next week, coordinated by Ellen Kaufman.
-Irv is working with investors, negotiating a favorable lease for the former site, moving towards setting up an account for the new entity to be able to accept funds, and persuing new equipment options that are more advantageous than leasing the old equipment would have been.
-Irv has also negotiated an exrtremely favorable lease for the former site
-The number one prioity is more members signed up. Please share any ideas about recruitment.
-Another important job is a name for the new business, as so many other things are waiting for that descision to be made. We'll be posting a list of possible names for feedback soon.
A Marketing Taskforce consisting of Irv Rhodes, Ellen Kaufman, Sue Cinner, Chris Pilsner and Susan Rupp has been meeting in an effort to move things forward quickly. Here are some updates:
-We have a more comprehensive email list generated and are widening our efforts to reach former members with it as well as by regular mail.
-A central information phone line is being set up and will be made available next week, coordinated by Ellen Kaufman.
-Irv is working with investors, negotiating a favorable lease for the former site, moving towards setting up an account for the new entity to be able to accept funds, and persuing new equipment options that are more advantageous than leasing the old equipment would have been.
-Irv has also negotiated an exrtremely favorable lease for the former site
-The number one prioity is more members signed up. Please share any ideas about recruitment.
-Another important job is a name for the new business, as so many other things are waiting for that descision to be made. We'll be posting a list of possible names for feedback soon.
Nov 28, 2010
If you have any problems using the above link to sign up...
...please email us with your name, mailing address, phone number, and level of charter investment and membership type amd we will sign you up. Click here to email us your info!
Nov 18, 2010
Nov.17th Meeting at Wesley United in Hadley about Leading Edge
Info sheet presented by Irv Rhodes at the meeting:
_________________________________________________________________
WHAT IS NEEDED TO OPEN THE GYM 1500 members
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
_________________________________________________________________
WHAT IS NEEDED TO OPEN THE GYM 1500 members
- 750 Members paying a charter membership fee of $100 convertible to stock
- 750 Members paying a charter membership fee of $50 convertible to stock
- 750 Members paying a first year monthly basic membership fee of $25 via E.F.T.
- 750 Members paying a first year monthly full membership fee of $50 via E.F.T.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- The gym will employ 5 full time employees and 4 part time employees, manager, front desk and maintenance.
- Hours of operation will be the same as before.
- Personal training and classes that were previously offered will be continued, subject to interest and enrollment.
- All money collected before the gym open will be put in an escrow account with an attorney. If the desired level of suppot is not reached, all money will be returned. EFT will only start upon the same conditions.
- Much still needs to be done, hiring an attorney, recruiting members, finalizing lease arrangments, finalizing existing equipmentpurchases, etc.
- The gym will be stockholder owned.
October 25 Meeting at Pasta e Basta
Meeting of People Interested in Reopining the Leading Edge
Organized and conducted by Greg Boisseau
Held at Pasta e Basta, Amherst Mass.
Monday October 25, 2010
6 pm
NOTES – approximate transcript, not exactly word-for-word
Greg Boisseau: The room is at capacity … I am just an interested party. I have no desire to get in the newspaper. I want to thank everyone for the correspondence that I have received. I will pass around a sheet and please sign your name. I know we are all negatively affected by the loss the gym. It is a loss of community. I have two agenda items: 1) Have two potential investor items speaking about their intentions, their time line and what they need. 2) What kind of interest can we show this potential owner going forward, just to get a feel about what kind of interest we have. As you might imagine, this is a very fluid situation. … We were not able to get any investors to come to this meeting. But I can take questions and tell you what I know. And we’re going to do something … I can tell you that it’s not going to open tomorrow or next month.
There will be an email going out in the next few days doing a few things: 1) what a gym would look like in terms of costs and 2) would you be interested in joining. And also is there anyone out there who is willing to invest. We will put it out there what that amount is.
Also, and I probably should have started with that. This meeting is designed to move from Wednesday forward. I am not interested in talking about what happened from Tuesday in the past. So let’s keep that in mind.
{Interruption: There are a lot of people outside who can’t come in … What do we do? – Do we move to another location? It was decided to stay here and get names and emails from the people outside]
What can I answer? I could go on and on … OK. I will take questions
Q: Could there be a monthly payment system like Planet Fitness
Greg Boisseau: Well that could be in the montly payment model. So can that be done? I think so. Can it be done? I don’t know.
Q: Are the owners of the building a potential interst?
Greg Boisseau: Third or fourth hand, I’ve heard maybe. The landlord is extremely motivated in keeping it as a gym.
Q: Enough to keep the roof updated and the HVAC updated?
Greg Boisseau: I don’t know.
Q: Who is spearheading looking for investors?
A: I don’t know. Not me.
Q: What other options are there?
Greg Boisseau: I’m just an idiot with an opinion but there could be a single deep pocket person, or a group of people, larger or small, or a co-op.
Q: How much money are we talking about to keep it going?
Greg Boisseau: I’m not privy to this. I’m, not a business person. The partnership that the current people have will end when the current lease ends. Going forward there are two issues: the lease and the equipment. The equipment has to stay.
Q: But all the equipment has to be fixed …
Greg Boisseau: Ok that’s another issue
Q: Can you give us a ballpark figure?
Greg Boisseau: I’ve heard from $100,000 to $300,000.
Q (Spence – former Leading Edge instructor): At my time at UMass I have been involved in the Entrepreneurship deal where people develop a pitch. The money up for grab is $50-70,000. They are open competitions. Speak to me afterwards. You need someone who is skilled in developing these pitches. You can speak to [named specific names of people who are involved as angel investors].
Q: Do you know off-hand if an investor were to step forward what the liability were to be? Are there back taxes?
Greg Boisseau: There are back taxes and back rents.
Q: Can JoAnne do anything to block any of this?
Greg Boisseau: I would think yes.
Q: Wouldn’t you want to secure the equipment early in the process?
Greg Boisseau: Yes
Greg Boisseau I am assuming that everyone wants to come back for something better than we have here. {It appears that nearly everyone raises their hands].
Greg Boisseau: I apologize for being a little disorganized and not prepared. I’m just a Joe who wants to do what I can to keep this thing going. I’m not a lawyer or an accountant just a gym rat with an opinion.
Q: At the next meeting can we have the owners of the building present?
Greg Boisseau: Yes, that would be a very important thing. Also it would be important
Q: Those of you who know me at the front desk for a year, I want you to know that none of us who worked there knew this was coming. We were welcoming people, selling memberships. We knew nothing. We have not been paid. I don’t believe that either of the owners are telling us everything we should know. One of the owners is here. She is witnessing the love and support of the community and knows what is happening.
Q: Is it still two partners who own that gym?
Greg Boisseau: Yes as far as I know
Q: Is it possible to have the building owner be an ally on our behalf?
Greg Boisseau: Yes I will see how I can reach out and communicate that.
Q: I think what we see from here and the overflow crowd shows that are probably 150 people here who are interested in keeping the gym open. We can spread this to an investor.
Greg Boisseau So is it safe to say that folks in this room are willing to do a year in advance whatever that number might be?
Various people: No … Not whatever that number might be.
Q: Will there be a special venue for people who are interested in investing?
Greg Boisseau: Yes, once the email goes out, there will be a follow up.
Q: Some of the instructors are talking about finding a special place to hold classes.
Greg Boisseau: Let’s hold that question.
Q: Do you think the owner would allow people to rent the aerobics room?
Q: Does anyone know the landlord?
Greg Boisseau: No.
Q: My name is Susan Whitbourne: I’ve been outside with the people who couldn’t fit here. We have been asking if it to think that anyone can open a gym in another space? What are you talking about?
Q (Ahna, former Leading Edge instructor): There are a lot of options that are being asked. Don’t lock yourself into a long-term conract until we know is going to happen.
(-notes taken by Nina Sossen)
Organized and conducted by Greg Boisseau
Held at Pasta e Basta, Amherst Mass.
Monday October 25, 2010
6 pm
NOTES – approximate transcript, not exactly word-for-word
Greg Boisseau: The room is at capacity … I am just an interested party. I have no desire to get in the newspaper. I want to thank everyone for the correspondence that I have received. I will pass around a sheet and please sign your name. I know we are all negatively affected by the loss the gym. It is a loss of community. I have two agenda items: 1) Have two potential investor items speaking about their intentions, their time line and what they need. 2) What kind of interest can we show this potential owner going forward, just to get a feel about what kind of interest we have. As you might imagine, this is a very fluid situation. … We were not able to get any investors to come to this meeting. But I can take questions and tell you what I know. And we’re going to do something … I can tell you that it’s not going to open tomorrow or next month.
There will be an email going out in the next few days doing a few things: 1) what a gym would look like in terms of costs and 2) would you be interested in joining. And also is there anyone out there who is willing to invest. We will put it out there what that amount is.
Also, and I probably should have started with that. This meeting is designed to move from Wednesday forward. I am not interested in talking about what happened from Tuesday in the past. So let’s keep that in mind.
{Interruption: There are a lot of people outside who can’t come in … What do we do? – Do we move to another location? It was decided to stay here and get names and emails from the people outside]
What can I answer? I could go on and on … OK. I will take questions
Q: Could there be a monthly payment system like Planet Fitness
Greg Boisseau: Well that could be in the montly payment model. So can that be done? I think so. Can it be done? I don’t know.
Q: Are the owners of the building a potential interst?
Greg Boisseau: Third or fourth hand, I’ve heard maybe. The landlord is extremely motivated in keeping it as a gym.
Q: Enough to keep the roof updated and the HVAC updated?
Greg Boisseau: I don’t know.
Q: Who is spearheading looking for investors?
A: I don’t know. Not me.
Q: What other options are there?
Greg Boisseau: I’m just an idiot with an opinion but there could be a single deep pocket person, or a group of people, larger or small, or a co-op.
Q: How much money are we talking about to keep it going?
Greg Boisseau: I’m not privy to this. I’m, not a business person. The partnership that the current people have will end when the current lease ends. Going forward there are two issues: the lease and the equipment. The equipment has to stay.
Q: But all the equipment has to be fixed …
Greg Boisseau: Ok that’s another issue
Q: Can you give us a ballpark figure?
Greg Boisseau: I’ve heard from $100,000 to $300,000.
Q (Spence – former Leading Edge instructor): At my time at UMass I have been involved in the Entrepreneurship deal where people develop a pitch. The money up for grab is $50-70,000. They are open competitions. Speak to me afterwards. You need someone who is skilled in developing these pitches. You can speak to [named specific names of people who are involved as angel investors].
Q: Do you know off-hand if an investor were to step forward what the liability were to be? Are there back taxes?
Greg Boisseau: There are back taxes and back rents.
Q: Can JoAnne do anything to block any of this?
Greg Boisseau: I would think yes.
Q: Wouldn’t you want to secure the equipment early in the process?
Greg Boisseau: Yes
Greg Boisseau I am assuming that everyone wants to come back for something better than we have here. {It appears that nearly everyone raises their hands].
Greg Boisseau: I apologize for being a little disorganized and not prepared. I’m just a Joe who wants to do what I can to keep this thing going. I’m not a lawyer or an accountant just a gym rat with an opinion.
Q: At the next meeting can we have the owners of the building present?
Greg Boisseau: Yes, that would be a very important thing. Also it would be important
Q: Those of you who know me at the front desk for a year, I want you to know that none of us who worked there knew this was coming. We were welcoming people, selling memberships. We knew nothing. We have not been paid. I don’t believe that either of the owners are telling us everything we should know. One of the owners is here. She is witnessing the love and support of the community and knows what is happening.
Q: Is it still two partners who own that gym?
Greg Boisseau: Yes as far as I know
Q: Is it possible to have the building owner be an ally on our behalf?
Greg Boisseau: Yes I will see how I can reach out and communicate that.
Q: I think what we see from here and the overflow crowd shows that are probably 150 people here who are interested in keeping the gym open. We can spread this to an investor.
Greg Boisseau So is it safe to say that folks in this room are willing to do a year in advance whatever that number might be?
Various people: No … Not whatever that number might be.
Q: Will there be a special venue for people who are interested in investing?
Greg Boisseau: Yes, once the email goes out, there will be a follow up.
Q: Some of the instructors are talking about finding a special place to hold classes.
Greg Boisseau: Let’s hold that question.
Q: Do you think the owner would allow people to rent the aerobics room?
Q: Does anyone know the landlord?
Greg Boisseau: No.
Q: My name is Susan Whitbourne: I’ve been outside with the people who couldn’t fit here. We have been asking if it to think that anyone can open a gym in another space? What are you talking about?
Q (Ahna, former Leading Edge instructor): There are a lot of options that are being asked. Don’t lock yourself into a long-term conract until we know is going to happen.
(-notes taken by Nina Sossen)
WELCOME!
A blog dedicated to bringing together everyone interested in the revival of the former Leading Edge Gym in Amherst. Check here for information, to ask questions, and contribute your ideas.
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