A Rock Rock Climbing Gym Could Be Coming To Brookline

BROOKLINE, MA – A rock climbing gym could be coming to Brookline, according to documents from Brookline’s Building Department, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals.

In early April, owner Nadav Minkin submitted a special permit application to turn 880 Commonwealth Ave., a three-unit commercial building and the former site of World Auto Body, into a Rock Spot Climbing gym.

The architectural plans include installing climbing walls, adding a counter near the entrance for check-ins and merchandise sales, a small office, and an area for changing rooms, bathrooms, and a wash area.

The application was denied by Paul Campbell, Deputy Building Commissioner, on April 13 because the architectural plans did not include a few requirements of the town’s zoning by-law.

But later, on May 25, the Planning Board held a meeting with the Zoning Board of Appeals recommending approval of the proposed gym, writing in their report they believed the gym would be accepted with enthusiasm from the Boston University student population nearby.

“The existing footprint of the building will remain the same, and it complies with dimensional requirements under the bylaw,” Planning Board staff wrote. “The proposal should not have any negative impacts on the surrounding area, especially compared to the previous auto body use.”

However, even with the Planning Board’s recommended approval of the project, the future of the proposed rock climbing gym rests with the Board of Appeals, Polly Selkoe, Assistant Director of Regulatory Planning, wrote in an email.

“It still needs to get approval from the Board of Appeals,” Selkoe said. “The Planning Board makes a recommendation only.”

A Zoning Board of Appeals meeting to discuss the proposed climbing gym has not yet been arranged, Madison Anthony, Zoning Board of Appeals Coordinator/Planner, wrote over email.