Aliyya Swaby Photo
Gandleman at the zoning board
Elm City Wellness’s plans to move from State Street into a former law office at 770 Orange St. have won unanimous approval from the City Plan Commission.
The business’s owner, Marissa Gandleman, appeared before the Board of Zoning Appeals last week, requesting a special exception to allow a nonconforming use in the building. The zoning board sent the matter to City Plan, which made its unanimous positive recommendation Wednesday night. The matter now goes back to the zoning board next month for a final vote.
Elm City Wellness, which offers “healing” services and activities, is currently located at 677 State St. — a place that lacks easy accessibility and visibility for potential customers, Gandleman said. Orange Street would be more convenient for staff and customers alike, she said.
Gandleman said most of her clients would come from the East Rock neighborhood — likely on foot or by bicycle — meaning parking and traffic would not be an issue for the new space. The business has four staff members. For the last two years, Elm City Wellness has been a large part of the community, participating in local festivals and sponsoring events, she said.
Five neighbors spoke up for the business last week.
Fair Haven School English teacher Mnikesa Whitaker called the treatment at Elm City Wellness one of a few things getting her through the chronic extreme pain of a debilitating autoimmune disease. Her disease keeps her in pain “100 percent of the time,” she said.
Gandleman has offered her a special rate she can afford, Whitaker said. “I can come in as many times a week as I want,” she said. “It has pivotally changed my ability to keep living. A new location would be more accessible for people like me with disabilities.”
Kevin McCarthy, vice-chair of the East Rock Management Team, said most support Gandleman’s application at a recent meeting.
No one spoke against it.