In a quick about-turn, Shoreline Health and Fitness has announced that it will not close its Guilford location and, according to co-owner Jim Grieder, will "sign a new lease and cut a check for back rent," within the week.

After hundreds of letters were mailed to members last week stating that the facility at 705 Boston Post Road would close as of January 31, Grieder and his business partner, Brian Vanderveen, have expressed a desire to stay and be able to call the Guilford facility their own.

As far as landlords Milano Development, Grieder said that "in no way, shape, or form it is the Milano's fault," that the facility was on the edge of closing.

David Milano of Milano Development, whose father built the complex of buildings in the 1980s, said the lease amount offered was a lower rent rate than the present lease rate.

"While we seem to have reached a verbal agreement in principle, it is important to stress that this tentative agreement will not be official until a formal lease is signed and payment is made," said Milano.