December 17, 2019 by Carol Britton Meyer (photo courtesy of Krigsman)
Krigsman Yoga owner Amanda Shields has plans to expand the hours of operation at the popular 25 Central St. studio to allow for the addition of more classes -- including one for kids to help them build self-esteem and another for Hingham High crew athletes -- as well as some special events such as fundraisers.
Shields went before the Planning Board Monday night with her proposal in response to members of the community requesting more class time. Changing the hours required a new parking determination beyond the one that was part of the earlier granting of a special permit for this use at that location.
Following a conversation with Shields about the proposed new hours and convinced that there will be adequate parking, the board unanimously approved the proposal -- with the requirement that a "look-back" be scheduled no later than December 2020 to talk about any concerns and to ensure back-ups on Central Street -- an issue voiced by Police Chief Glenn Olsson in a letter to the Planning Board about the proposal -- were not worsened by the expanded hours and programs.
"I'll guarantee to the best of my ability that this doesn't happen," Shields said, noting that most of the school-age participants in the new kids and crew team classes would be dropped off. "If there was a problem I would take it seriously. My purpose is to better the community."
According to its website, Krigsman Yoga helps yoga practitioners of all levels challenge themselves – "body, mind and soul" within a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through its doors. "We pride ourselves on the quality of our teaching and the consistency of our classes, ensuring beginners and experts alike will be able to tap into their inner warrior . . . .," going beyond physical improvement to "discover the power and purpose necessary to realize their better selves."
Shields said when yoga class participants do continue parking in their spots after their classes, it's usually to go to Brewed Awakenings or another shop, which is good for downtown business.
It was noted that because a former yoga studio in the Square is no longer open and because another exercise-related business apparently never opened in downtown Hingham even though it was permitted -- both after Krigsman Yoga opened in 2017 -- more parking would likely be available than anticipated at that time for use by other businesses such as Krigsman with its expanded hours.
A Planning Board member noted that once the remaining vacant space in the Lincoln Building is filled, there would likely be additional people trying to find parking spaces in downtown Hingham. (There's an arrangement for the tenants to park in the area of the former Walsh & Packard building.)
In a Nov. 23 letter to the Planning Board, Hingham High School Rowing Association President Jack Chapin asked the board to consider Shield's request for expanded hours on Fridays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. from Dec. 6 through next Feb. 28 to enable rowing association members to attend yoga classes there.
Currently, the approved hours of operation six days a week -- except Saturdays when there are only morning classes -- require morning classes to end by 10:30 a.m. (so as not to conflict with the hours of other downtown businesses) and for studio hours to resume at 5:30 p.m., by which time most of the downtown shops are closed.
"The Krigsman Yoga class is a critical element of the winter strength and conditioning program for our athletes," Chapin states in the letter. "Hingham High School athletes from grades 9 through 12 participating in the winter crew session will be training five days a week with indoor rowers and resistance equipment in preparation for the spring competition season. Attending yoga classes will significantly improve their flexibility and balance while developing resistance to injury, which is an important element in every youth athletic program."
Chapin noted that most of the participants would carpool with teammates or be dropped off and picked up by parents, resulting in "a minimal impact on area parking during the HHSRA yoga sessions."
Shields' request for additional hours of operation Monday through Friday from between noon and 1 p.m. for an additional "moderate heated" class and to resume classes at 4 p.m. rather than the approved 5:30 p.m. time -- for a drop-off kids class Monday through Thursday and for the Hingham High crew team class on Fridays -- was granted. Shields said adding the noon to 1 p.m. hour would provide a convenient opportunity for some of the shop owners and employees who work downtown to participate in classes.
In addition, approval of Shields' request for expanded Saturday hours, when classes now end by 10:30 a.m. with none later in the day, will allow her to add a donation class from noon to 1 p.m. and to be allowed to re-open at 2 p.m. for a workshop.
On Sundays, Shields would like to resume classes at noon rather than the current 5:30 p.m. in order to offer a "moderate heated" class and a workshop.
According to a chart provided by Shields, all requested additional times have available parking capacity, and class sizes would be limited to 20 students "to ensure parking for other businesses."
She also noted that the kids classes for pre-teens/teens focus on helping them develop self-esteem and empathy and that since opening in the spring of 2017, Krigsman has donated more than $10,000 to local and other charities.
"I approve of what you do for the community and your business is successful, so congratulations," Planning Board Chair William Ramsey said. "We're always glad to see small downtown businesses do well."
Ramsey said the one-year look-back would be broad in scope and will address any potential traffic issues associated with the expanded hours and additional classes. "That could cause a revocation of the [approval], but I'm willing to give you a chance."
Looking back to earlier this year, a three-story mixed-use proposal for a parcel at 25 and 33 Central St. behind the Hingham Community Center was withdrawn without prejudice (meaning another plan could be brought before town boards at a later date) by the developer.