Will PLG Get in Shape?

In the comments to Brownstoner's query about the shuttered gas station on Empire, "proudofbrooklyn" writes:

[Bob,] the reason i asked [if people in the neighborhood are interested in a fitness center] is because i'm involved with some people to open a state of the art gym and fitness center one block over at 73 Empire Blvd next to the laundromat. we are hoping to open in may of this year and I am happy that we will fill a demand in the neighborhood

Some evidence backs up Bob's instinct that a gym would be welcome. When we polled our (admittedly few) readers for the types of businesses that they wanted to see on the lower floors of the proposed Lincoln Road tower, a gym was one of the more popular choices (though far behind an organic grocer).

Since we have no idea when, if ever, the Tower will be built, proudofbrooklyn can assume that her gym won't have any local competition for a while.

Thanks, Bob Marvin.

Comments

[Nadia Almonor]

A Trader Joe's or a grocery store similar to it would do well in the gas station's spot.

[Scott]

Why's everybody so down on the Western Beef? I think the deals are great and the selection... while clearly ethnic leaning is quite good for a store of it's size. As for Fresh Organic Produce we have two weekend Farmers Markets a short and pleasant walk away on the weekends.

The Demographics here aren't right for a Whole Foods or a Trader Joe's. I know some people are trying to change that... but they have to realize that an "if you build it they will come" mindset isn't the way that businesses work.

The Western Beef has Character, and so should the neighborhood... don't let it turn into a Park Slope clone.

[Bob M]

Western Beef COULD be a really good store, with a bit of work. OTOH, it has some clear problems, starting with the chaotic check-out lines. More seriously, the roof leaks in the rain, right over the counter where they cut meat, if you ask them for something special (or, at least, it did the one time when, at a friend's suggestion, I had them cut veal for me, to use in a stew. The meat was excellent, but the leakage was a real turn off--I haven't bought meat there since.

By contrast, the fish counter, a separate concession, is quite good and reasonably priced IMO.