'Edgy and Urban' Fitness Center Coming to Town

Eight months after the town's zoning commission at the former Office Depot location on Barnum Avenue, it looks like a fitness center will be moving in to the space next to .

Signs reading "Coming Soon Crunch Fitness" are in full view for passersby.

When we asked residents in December 2011 what they'd like to see move in to the space, there were including a Trader Joe's, a book store and even an indoor skate park. But no one suggested a gym or fitness center.

We posted on the Stratford Patch Facebook page the news that Crunch was setting up shop in Stratford, and here's what some readers had to say:

• Allie Pazar: "This is the best news ever so excited that Crunch is coming to Stratford."
• Jim McGuire: "With Curves, Blast (former Ballys), and Fitness Edge all nearby could be over saturation."
• Chris Lemos: "What Jim said. Heck, one of those 3 is already in the same building."

Crunch, founded in New York City in 1989, has one location in Connecticut, Norwalk. The company brands itself on its website "as an innovative fitness center with edgy and urban appeal," which offers such classes as Cardio Striptease, Broadway Dance, Pole Dancing and Stiletto Strength.

What's your take on Crunch Fitness coming to town? "The best news ever," "over saturation" of fitness centers or something else? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

[Note: Special projects coordinator Karen Kaiser could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.]