HomeMy WebLinkAboutComment #1 Jody Green
From: Kelli Ebersole
Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 9:49 AM
To: Jody Green
Subject: FW: Public Comment Notice for PZ24-0033
CITY OF
1i'IN FALL''
4
SERVING
Kelli Ebersole, CityP/,3nner
Planning & Zoning Department
203 Main Ave. E., Twin Falls, ID 83301
208-735-7294 keebersole@tfid.ora
From: forms@tfid.org<forms@tfid.org>
Sent: Friday, May 10, 2024 9:22 AM
To: Kelli Ebersole<KeEbersole@tfid.org>; Lisa Strickland <LStrickland@tfid.org>;Jonathan Spendlove
<JSpend love @tfid.org>
Subject: Public Comment Notice for PZ24-0033
A public comment has been submitted for PZ24-0033 presented at the Planning and Zoning Meeting
on 5/14/2024.
Name: Shawnee Powers
Email: shawnee@floatmagic.com
Comments:
Respected members of the Commission,
My name is Shawnee Powers. I am the owner of
Float Magic located at 152 2"d Ave S.The idea for Float Magic began in 2019, wherein I
wanted to provide a place of relaxation and healing in Twin Falls. Before deciding on a
building for my vision, I thoroughly conducted analysis as to carry out due diligence
for an appropriate atmosphere and location to build a sanctuary. As you know,
that process was lengthy, difficult, and expensive, but we were successful in
accomplishing our task and opened our doors a year after submitting our
building permit in February of 2021. Since opening, we have served over 6,700 clients,
i
including veterans, teachers, athletes, active military, and business
professionals, We have also served nearly 200 first responders through our
EWELL Lifeline program. Our services have proved to be beneficial in treating
anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the physical demands and emotional traumas often
associated with many high stress positions. Because the services we offer are
heavily dependent on sensory deprivation, meditation, and relaxation, it is
imperative that we maintain a tranquil atmosphere. Our floatation therapy
consists of float tanks filled with heavy salinated water to deliver these
effects. As you know, water amplifies vibration and sound. Noise disturbance
and any detectable seismic interference are incredibly detrimental to the
treatments' effectiveness, and the continued success of Float Magic.
A mutual friend introduced me to Becky
Chambers and informed me of the plans to bring in TF CrossFit to the building
directly behind Float Magic in April. I was excited because we have many
synergetic relationships with other health, fitness, and athletic-focused
businesses due to our effectiveness on recovery. I was proactive in reaching
out to the owners and we have communicated about their progress. One concern
that has come up is that CrossFit exercises often include dropping heavy
weights or other objects. As individuals have been using equipment during their
testing and building process, it has created a significant disturbance
throughout our building, but most notably in our float rooms. The sound is
audible as the concussive force travels to our building and can be felt by
individuals using our services. It has been referred to as a drum beating or
distant repetitive booms in what is supposed to be a calm, quiet,
disturbance-free environment.
I have spoken with Becky Chambers and Laura
Fitzgerald on several occasions to address these concerns and to discuss
options for a workable solution. One idea that has the best likelihood of
success is for the facility to have a "false floor' that would dampen the sound
and absorb the vibrations. I spoke with Colby Ricks, who was also the architect
on the Float Magic building. He had mentioned that a false floor was likely the
best remedy for this problem. I want to be and have been proactive and transparent
on this issue, and I want TF CrossFit to be successful. I am hopeful that we
can work together for many years to come in providing health services in Twin
2
Falls, but if the expected activities continue without proper vibrational
mitigation, I will no longer be able to operate Float Magic unless the noise
and vibration nuisance is addressed in the special use permitting process.
I know that I have civil remedies available
should I be forced to close my doors. I do not want to go that route, nor do I
want that kind of relationship with my new neighbors. That is why I am asking
this commission to require that the sound and seismic issues be addressed
before a permit is issued. I know that TF CrossFit is required to address the effects
on neighboring properties in its application (Twin Falls City Code
§10-3-4(D)(2)). I am not aware of the extent this will be addressed, but I know
the owners and I have
discussed it on several occasions to address
the impact their regular occurrences may have on my services before getting
much further in the process. As you are aware, the commission must consider the
effect of the "operation that will be detrimental to any person, property or to
the general welfare of the surrounding neighborhood" and any adverse effects
caused by the expansion (Id.). While the sound and vibration adversely affect
my business, I am most concerned that limiting operations in either their business
or mine will not be a successful outcome.The best outcome will be mitigating
the vibrational effects so that both businesses may operate at full capacity.
Again, I do not want to be a hinderance to TF
CrossFit's success or delay the opening of this project. However, addressing
these issues now is far more likely to be beneficial to all parties in the long
run. Please require a false floor to be installed as part of the permit, limit
outdoor activity such as weightlifting, tire flipping, loud music or anything
that would potentially carry to my business without proper mitigation. I also
request that vehicle traffic from their clientele be limited from driving directly
behind my building and essentially my float tanks so that the seismic and noise
disturbances can be eliminated.
3
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Shawnee
4