Physical therapy business to open in Richmond home

By Brooke Barker

March 10, 2006 | RICHMOND -- Physical therapy meets a former beauty parlor.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met with physical therapist Sharik Peck this week and approved Peck's plan to begin a physical therapy home-based business in Richmond. Peck's new practice will move into the basement of 405 S. 200 West, which used to house a beauty salon. The basement of the building is already built to business code, and Peck's family will live in the upstairs of the building.

Peck has been practicing physical therapist for about 10 years and currently runs an outpatient facility in Pocatello, Idaho. He also works part time in Cache Valley, and has always wanted to bring his family to the valley.

"I can see this end of the valley could have a need one day," Peck explained as one of the reasons he is choosing to relocate in Cache Valley.

Peck referred to a survey taken by Stan Guy during the meeting which asked residents which kind of growth residents would like to see in the area from 1994. Seventy-seven percent of survey respondents said they favored more medical services coming to Richmond.

"I'm not a normal rehabilitation physical therapist. I do most of my work one-on-one. I don't think there'd ever be more than three or four cars there at a time, unless my family was visiting," Peck told the commission who were concerned about a possible traffic increase once the business is up and running.

Before Peck can begin taking patients, he needs to get a conditional use permit as well as get his sign approved by the city. He and his family plan to move into the home in June, after his children finish school and his wife has their baby.

The commission also met with representatives from Sadler Construction concerning a new subdivision near 300 South and 121 West. The commission approved the general concept of the subdivision.

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