The Wheeling Plan Commission on Dec. 3 voted to recommend that the Village Board approve a special-use permit for Ottoman Club, a boxing and fitness instruction facility proposed for 638 South Wheeling Road.

Petitioner Julia Michaluk, sworn to give testimony, told the commission Ottoman Club will offer boxing, kickboxing, box-fit and MMA conditioning in small, safety-focused classes intended for adults and children. "We are planning to operate some community-focused boxing and fitness clubs," Michaluk said, adding that classes would be limited in size ("I don't think that the classes will be more than 12 people") and primarily scheduled during evening hours so participants can attend after work.

Staff said the petition was submitted under Title 19 of the Wheeling Municipal Code and recommended standard conditions: a minimum of one employee on-site during hours of operation; activities limited to boxing and fitness classes conducted entirely inside the tenant space; and a Wheeling sign permit required prior to exterior signage under Title 21. The commission clarified a layout drawing error (a missing door on the men's changing room) and the petitioner confirmed it will be corrected.

The commission took a roll-call vote to approve the petition as conditioned and forward the recommendation to the Village Board at its Dec. 15 meeting; Commissioners Smart, Heikin, Ryals, Sprague, Carl and Chairman Johnson voted yes. Commissioner Meyer was absent with prior notice.

The petition will next appear before the Village Board for final action. If approved by the Board, the conditions read at the hearing (employee on site, indoor-only activities, signage compliance) will be among those enforced through the village's business-license and permitting process.