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Bay Ridge’s ‘Green Spa’ Grand Opening
It’s getting easier being “green” but it sure takes a lot of hard work. On Earth Day on Tuesday evening, over 100 Brooklyn business and civic leaders celebrated its “eco-pioneering” small business, The Spa and Wellness Center/Green Spa New York at 8804 Third Ave.
“We’re happy to be celebrating our 10th anniversary in Bay Ridge on Third Avenue with our business transformed into the Green Spa,” said Sheila Brody, co-owner of the spa. “We are the first all green spa and the first all green building in Bay Ridge. This is a building of hope and encouragement, taking a lead that this can be done.”
The business opened 10 years ago on the block, with only one floor. Three years ago it moved into a neighboring building when the spa owners embarked on transforming the entire three-story brick building into a luxurious environmentally friendly haven made of recycled natural furniture, walls, floors and ceilings, and offering a wide array of natural organic products and services.
Solar power was added and an energy-saving infrastructure was installed. “Our Green Movement is dedicated to (using the letters SPA for) Spirituality, Personal Care and Awareness,” its business purpose states. People were given tours at the gala, and treated to jazz music and catered refreshments in its backyard tea garden.
“This is the second green business opening in Bay Ridge that I’ve been to,” said Borough President Marty Markowitz, accompanied by Chief of Staff Carlo Scissura. “The first was a few blocks down the avenue, Little Cupcake, the first bakery in Brooklyn that’s all green. This Green Spa effort is a wonderful effort by the owners… You’ve taken a bold step for other businesses to follow your lead.” “The Green Spa can serve as a prototype for environmentally friendly businesses along Third Avenue,” said Bob Howe, president of the Merchants of Third Avenue. “The owners live and work in our community and are giving back to the community with their business and civic activity.”
Bay Ridge resident Rosalie Rance, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s membership director, launched the ribbon-cutting ceremony remarks. “There are great people behind this business. They have created three floors using recycled material for their rooms, furniture and décor, and offer a variety of organic natural items to help people feel and look good.”
The spa, a longtime member of the Merchants of Third Avenue, and its owners are among those being honored this year as the organization’s “2008 Pioneers of Third Avenue.” The business, Rance said, is also one of the newest members of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and among several chamber businesses adopting green power, products and décor.
“It’s a small green and family owned business with a large space and staff, and a bounty of natural product and service offerings,” said Chamber President Carl Humm in his welcome to the new chamber member.
The Green Spa was praised by elected officials on all levels of government. “This is truly a great day for Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and the City of New York,” said state Senator Marty Golden. “You are sending a green signal to other stores, saying, ‘If I can do it here, you can do it, too!’”
“The City Council is taking leadership in helping the environment, and the council recently passed the Climate Control Act,” said Council Member Vincent Gentile, noting that the spa is in tune with the city. “Here in Bay Ridge we’re shouting the praises of a green business right now.”
“They’ve done a heck of a job here,” said Democratic congressional hopeful Steve Harrison, who had served as Community Board 10 chair a few years ago. “We need more of this type of green business.” Harrison has made a clean energy policy based on the scale of the 1960’s Apollo Moon exploration project as a keystone of his campaign.
For more information about The Spa and Wellness Center, call (718) 921-6100
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