STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The parent company of New York Sports Club has filed for bankruptcy protection, and the fitness chain’s Staten Island location will not reopen amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, SILive.com/Staten Island Advance has learned.
While gyms were allowed to reopen in New York City on Sept. 2, the New York Sports Club gym in Travis will remain shuttered, according to the company.
A representative of New York Sports Club who answered the phone at a Brooklyn location said that members of the Staten Island center would be able to transfer their membership to another one of the chain’s locations. An owner/operator for the Staten Island facility or a spokesperson for the company couldn’t be reached for comment.
Danny Gallagher, of Annadale, said he has been unsuccessful requesting a refund since his membership was paid in full for 2020 at the Staten Island location.
“I was told I could go to New Jersey or Brooklyn to use my membership. But I told them I live on Staten Island,” Gallagher said. “I kept trying to communicate with New York Sports Club, and they haven’t sent me any e-mails or returned my phone calls.”
He said he finally went to one of the gym’s locations in Brooklyn, but said he was told his only option would be to travel to New Jersey or Brooklyn to continue his membership.
“I’m going through the process to find out who I can notify at the corporate headquarters, because I’m sure there are many people who paid up front,” he said. “Show me a courtesy, send me an e-mail or something. ...I just want my money back for what they owe me. I feel for the people who work there. If I knew my [membership] money could go to the people who work there, I’d let them split it up, because they are out of a job.”
BANKRUPCTY FILING
Town Sports International Holdings Inc., parent company of New York Sports Club, said Monday that it can no longer pay its debts, reported the Associated Press (AP). Lost revenue for the company totals $136 million during the first quarter this year, the report stated. Town Sports operates 185 clubs, mostly in the Northeast, according to the AP.
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