Hamilton Planning Director Liz Hayden said Tuesday that proponents are planning to ask the Hamilton Planning Commission to approve wrestling events, on a 90-day trial basis, in the gym facility being created by Daniel Moorehead of Elite Butler Services.
That gym facility will include a general gym open around the clock, a CrossFit space, golf simulators, batting cages, athlete training, boxing training for people who suffer from Parkinson’s Disease and a Ninja Warrior program.
In December, the planning commission voted 6-0 to allow the gym to sell alcohol on its site, mainly for people using the golf simulator. But with one commission member absent, the panel voted 3-3 to allow the wrestling matches, which were estimated to draw as many as 225-265 people. The 3-3 vote was a failure of an attempt to approve the wrestling.
Nearby residents of a community of older citizens expressed concerns about noise from rowdy patrons at night, as well as crowds that would take up their parking spaces.
LeVick has responded that wrestling fans aren’t hoodlums, and the city could use some more entertainment options.
LeVick after the December vote said if the wrestling isn’t approved he may have to move his Future Great Comics out of Hamilton, possibly out of state. He said he had already paid rent to the gym facility and wrestlers had taken off work to be at a Dec. 28 event that had to be canceled.
“Our hope from a city perspective is that they (commission members) will give them a chance” for the 90 days, with LeVick having the ability to apply for permanent approval if things go well during the trial period, Hayden said.
“The city met with the condo association on Friday, and I think we’re on the same page, or are getting close to being on the same page about a plan, where there’s a 90-day approval, and if it all goes then he can reapply” for permanent approval, Hayden said.
About the Author