Local officials are not warming up to the idea of a luxury spa in College Point.
Community Board 7 voted overwhelmingly against the project, with 25 members against and only five in favor. Borough President Helen Marshall will now review the plan before it goes to the New York City Board of Standards and Appeals and a final decision is made.
“They usually take three weeks to digest the testimony and make a decision,” said spokesperson Dan Andrews.
According to Andrews, the building request was submitted by architect and engineer H. Irving Sigman of S&I Property Management, who presented the plans at a Land Use Hearing at the borough president’s office on Thursday, November 17.
The spa would be installed in a previously existing structure, and according to Andrews, would generate two-and-a-half times more tax revenue than is currently generated in College Point. The facility, to be located at 31st Avenue and the Whitestone Expressway, would potentially have amenities such as a rooftop pool, a yoga studio, a beauty salon and food store.
Andrews alleged that the main reason many board members opposed the spa was because of the rooftop pool, which would be open from 6 a.m. to midnight.
“We are currently making some revisions to our plans,” said Sigman. “There are some changes that are required in the design, and then we’ll submit those to a public hearing.”
Sigman alleged that there was concern among board members about the soil and the foundation surrounding the potential building site. According to Sigman, they felt that the ground was too weak to support such an endeavor. Sigman also alleged that the board was concerned about the credentials of the possible builder, Kwang Park, who is new to construction but has previous business experience. The board asked about Park’s background and a resume was presented at the meeting.
Sigman believes that the spa would be good for the area, boosting business and providing for the community.
“It’s available to everyone and it’s in good proximity to residential areas. We think it will attract a lot of customers,” said Sigman.
Within the next few weeks, the borough president and the community board will review the information and the fate of the luxury spa will be determined.
