Burst Pipe Floods Spa

It was 6:45 A.M. on Sept. 8th, said Meadows Spa owner Laura Garbatow, when employee Dawn Morace found that approximately 150,000 gallons of water had flooded their establishment from burst pipes outside. “I opened up that morning, and there were two big pipes with water not just flowing but gushing in,” Morace said.

“Flooring, equipment, everything was ruined,” said Garbatow. “It wasn’t just cosmetic damage.” She could not provide the Chronicle with an estimate of the cost of the damage, however. “We’re still dealing with insurance, so I don’t want to quote,” she added.

The water also flooded the nearby AMC Loews Fresh Meadows 7 movie theater.

The gym-spa establishment’s following, however, has managed to stay in high spirits. Garbatow credits her members with a great deal of acceptance, energy and support during the business’ crisis. The ruined facilities have forced the spa to move its classes and exercises outside but, Garbatow says, “the members are excited to work outside. We even do Zumba outside.”

Others, however, give Garbatow the credit for the spa-goers’ enthusiasm and energy. “She’s an extraordinary woman,” said Morace. “It was the most devastating thing she’s ever seen.”

Garbatow said that she was terrified that she would be forced to shut down at first, but the repairs have been going unexpectedly well. Some of the club’s facilities are already functional. Garbatow credits her landlord with the speedy repairs, as well as her maintenance and security staff.

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