Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Gary and Sonja Ehlers want to remodel the former Freight Building at 1850 15th Ave. into a private workout gym to accommodate a Crossfit Club.
The building, which the Ehlers have leased from owner Simmons Cook, formerly housed the Nebraska Transport Company’s operation several years ago.
According to the Sidney’s City Code, a recreational center or exercise gym is allowed in certain commercial or industrial zones, but does need a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission to operate in those zones. The public hearing on the request was held Monday night, but after the discussion, was continued until Dec. 29 while the Planning Commission decides to rule on the request due to some uncertainties discussed at the meeting.
The building as it is now may not meet certain building code requirements, including Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The Ehlers were to meet with the City’s Chief Building Official Brad Rowan on Tuesday to analyze the building.
The Ehlers previously had not requested an inspection to see if the ADA requirements have been met. If modifications are needed, a building permit would need to be requested.
“We started this way before it became popular, and introduced it to Sidney, Nebraska,” Sonja Ehlers said. “CrossFit in general has exploded worldwide over the years.”
The Ehlers, along with certified trainer Lee Jacobsen, brought Sidney its first program of this kind. The instructors began teaching at the Cheyenne County Community Center and later moved to the former St. Pat’s Youth Center, which is also owned by the Community Center. The Ehlers said the recent influx of new members forced the couple to find a bigger complex.
The Ehlers will evaluate the ADA rules and code regulations with Rowan and bring their improvement plan back before the Planning Commission at the continued hearing on Dec. 29. At that time based on the findings and proposed plan of action, the Planning Commission will then make a determination on the conditional use permit request.
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