HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter to commisioners for SUP on letterhead
Float Magic, LLC
152 2nd Ave S, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Phone: (208) 933-2620
www.floatmagicvalley.com
Respected members of the Commission,
nd
My name is Shawnee Powers. I am the owner of Float Magic located at 152 2 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, 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 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.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Shawnee