A proposal to allow a new hair salon in Airport Fitness has been tabled as the airport commission waits for answers on the planned sale of the West Tisbury gym.

The airport commission leases land to Airport Fitness and more than a year ago the commission approved a change in ownership from Connie McHugh to Jefrey DuBard. But that sale apparently has never gone through, making the commission hesitant to allow new uses — in this case the salon.

“We have no objections to [the salon],” Bob Rosenbaum, the chair of the airport commission, said Tuesday. “But there’s the outstanding issue of the sale.” 

A hair stylist business called Loc’d on the Vineyard had received permission from the West Tisbury zoning board of appeals to operate out of a room in the large fitness facility, but still needed approval from the airport commission. The business hoped to be a subtenant of Airport Fitness, and the gym would continue to operate there, commissioners said. 

The commission voted on Sept. 12 to table Ms. McHugh’s request to allow the new use until it could clear up the ownership situation. Mr. Rosenbaum said he hadn’t heard any new details on the sale since the meeting. 

“We are waiting for clarification on the status of that sale,” he said. 

Airport Fitness is one of two indoor tennis facilities on the Islanders and it has become popular with pickleballers in recent years. Ms. McHugh told members in September 2023 that she planned to sell the business, which has operated in the airport business park since 1996, to Mr. DuBard. 

Mr. DuBard is a local developer who serves on the West Tisbury affordable housing committee. He said he planned to uphold the gym’s legacy as a place where Islanders can find health and community.

Ms. McHugh and Mr. DuBard did not respond to requests for comments Tuesday.