Daily News: Queens pol wants spa shut down after patron's death

State Sen. Tony Avella (D–Queens) said that he wants the city to revoke Spa Castle's permit, claiming the College Point location has had numerous violations in the last two years. Reps from the spa said it was in compliance with applicable laws.

This spa is in hot water.

State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Queens) wants to shut down Spa Castle in College Point following the death last week of an 83-year-old man who was found submerged in a Jacuzzi.

The lawmaker has been tracking problems at the popular relaxation mecca since 2008, when he first noticed mislabeled and blocked fire exits, he said.

The tragic death of Hock Ma, who was discovered unconscious at the bottom of a hot tub by another customer on Dec. 28, was “the final straw” for the trouble-plagued spa, Avella said.

Spa Castle — which Avella claims has racked up 28 Health Department violations in the last two years — should lose its special permit from the city, he demanded.

“I am calling on (the city) to revoke the variance and close this toxic spa for good,” Avella said in a statement. “The city must take action to ensure no one else is hurt.”

The Health Department did not verify the number of violations.

Spa Castle officials did not confirm or deny that it had received the violations, but said it was in compliance with all applicable laws.

“We are aware of Sen. Avella’s ongoing concerns,” Spa Castle CEO Steve Chon said.

“But first and foremost, our focus is on Mr. Ma, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family.”

Spa Castle, which recently opened another outpost in Manhattan to much fanfare, has been operating in Queens since 2007. 

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