Noah Siegel, an East Meadow bodybuilding expert, will open Siege Athletics, a high-intensity, members-only gym at 228 E. Jericho Tpke. in Mineola. The Mineola Village Board approved his plan last week. Siegel expects to open by Nov. 1.
“We’re training people at a high level,” he said last week at a public hearing. “Everyone is welcome to come down and take a look. If they want to participate, great. But this is not for everybody. We’re not going to put people’s health in danger.”
This is Siegel’s first foray into owning his own gym, but he feels his 20 years as a fitness expert (Siegel writes for Bodybuilding.com and works for Optimum Nutrition) gives him an edge. He travels the world, teaching strength and conditioning. Siegel has experience in football, baseball, basketball, soccer and lacrosse training.
“I know I won’t fail,” he said. “I’m not many people. I’ve already succeeded in the fitness industry.”
Siegel said the gym would be open to members only, comprised of athletes and members of the surrounding community. He stated it, “would not be an open gym to the public.” Between 15-20 people would be onsite at a given time. Members would be able to sample the gym at a “per day cost” before making a commitment.
“This facility is going to be a closed, members only facility,” said Siegel. “It’s not going to be an LA Fitness. There will not be major traffic in and out of the facility. It’s a very small clientele.”
The Silver Sneakers program, a fitness regimen geared toward senior citizens, will be available at Siege during the day.
“It’ll be available based on your eligibility as a senior, who is in need of fitness and it’s fully covered by insurance,” Siegel said.
The gym would operate 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., consisting of one-hour sessions. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Silver Sneakers members can use the facility. The gym would be open to general members from 4 to 8 p.m. Weekend hours would be 7 a.m. to noon.
Scholarships will be available to Mineola athletes, letting them use the gym for free. The scholarships will be offered every three months.
“I want to help whoever I can,” said Siegel.
Arlington Street (directly behind the gym) residents argued the facility would create parking issues on the block. Resident Joe Ferrante feels “it’ll be a negative impact on our street.”
“We don’t park on our street between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.,” Ferrante said. “Between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m., anyone can park on our street. Who’s to say they’ll park on Jericho Turnpike when if you open your door on Jericho, it could be taken right off? They’ll be parking on Arlington Street. You watch.”
Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss wanted assurance that parking policies would be implemented and guided by.
“There are restrictions in the area,” he said. “My concern is they’re going to park in front of the homes on evenings and weekends. That’s not something they bought in for.”
Siegel said he had a hand-shake agreement with Sheridan Bowl that members could use the parking lot south of the gym. He noted he will meet with Sheridan to discuss a concrete agreement.
Furthermore, if complaints flooded in from residents, alleging illegal parking, members would be banned from Siege.
“I run my gym like a general would run his crew,” he said. “If you park in a place you shouldn’t be and residents come to tell me, you’re out.”
