As a member of Gold’s Gym for the last four years, I was surprised by the sudden closure of the East Ridge Road facility. Although I accept the business decision to close the gym, I was angered by the letter I received from Gold’s, listing the variables that went into their decision.
The first variable mentioned is the “decline in the market and neighborhood in recent years." The second was the “safety and security of both members and employees." The third and fourth dealt with program issues.
I question the decline in market, as Planet Fitness and L.A. Fitness either have opened, or plan to open, new facilities in Irondequoit. Obviously they see a growing, vital market in the area.
Without giving any specifics, Gold’s indicated that safety and security for members and employees has been a constant concern. Because of the lack of details, I am left to wonder how much of this issue is reality versus perception. If, in fact, there are legitimate safety issues, what is the management’s role in providing a safe environment? I have heard that a single employee was opening and closing the gym in the early morning and evening. Was this a good idea?
My final point of contention is the “decline of the neighborhood.” After receiving the letter, I called Gold’s to ask their definition of the “neighborhood." I was told the five-mile radius around the gym.
Having lived in Irondequoit for 16 years, I have seen many young families move into this “five-mile radius,” making home improvements, and upgrading the entire neighborhood. To have Gold’s write that there is a “decline in the neighborhood” is an insult to all of these hard-working families, when in fact the real issue is the failure of Gold’s to run a competitive and well managed business.
Jim Volpone is an Irondequoit resident.
As a member of Gold’s Gym for the last four years, I was surprised by the sudden closure of the East Ridge Road facility. Although I accept the business decision to close the gym, I was angered by the letter I received from Gold’s, listing the variables that went into their decision.
The first variable mentioned is the “decline in the market and neighborhood in recent years." The second was the “safety and security of both members and employees." The third and fourth dealt with program issues.
I question the decline in market, as Planet Fitness and L.A. Fitness either have opened, or plan to open, new facilities in Irondequoit. Obviously they see a growing, vital market in the area.
Without giving any specifics, Gold’s indicated that safety and security for members and employees has been a constant concern. Because of the lack of details, I am left to wonder how much of this issue is reality versus perception. If, in fact, there are legitimate safety issues, what is the management’s role in providing a safe environment? I have heard that a single employee was opening and closing the gym in the early morning and evening. Was this a good idea?
My final point of contention is the “decline of the neighborhood.” After receiving the letter, I called Gold’s to ask their definition of the “neighborhood." I was told the five-mile radius around the gym.
Having lived in Irondequoit for 16 years, I have seen many young families move into this “five-mile radius,” making home improvements, and upgrading the entire neighborhood. To have Gold’s write that there is a “decline in the neighborhood” is an insult to all of these hard-working families, when in fact the real issue is the failure of Gold’s to run a competitive and well managed business.
Jim Volpone is an Irondequoit resident.
