Greenburgh Considers Implementing a Moratorium on Massage Parlors

According to Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, officials are considering instituting a moratorium on massage parlors in town.

A number of them have cropped up in Greenburgh in recent years, and with them have come concerns over what goes on in such establishments and who they employ. Below is the text of a message Feiner sent out to residents, officials and staff concerning the issue and what the town’s Board of Trustrees is considering:

In response to concerns expressed by the Town Police Chief and several community residents regarding the recent increase in businesses in Town operating as massage parlors, and complaints that many of these businesses may be employing unlicensed massage therapists and providing questionable services with possible criminal activity, the Town Board at its work session on Tuesday discussed the initiation of a moratorium on all new businesses seeking to operate in Town as massage parlors. The Board is also considering a proposed new Town law that would (1) require individuals and establishments practicing and operating in the field of massage therapy to have received a diploma from an institution accredited by a state board of education; (2) a valid license to practice massage therapy from the NYS Education Department’s Division of Professional Licensing Services and (3) a Town massage therapist permit issued by the Town Building Inspector.

The proposed moratorium would take effect almost immediately after adoption and would last for a reasonable period until the new Town law regulating such businesses was discussed and adopted. The proposed new law would require a statement regarding whether the applicant for a massage therapist permit had ever been arrested or convicted of a crime and a statement that the applicant was of good character and reputation in the community, which character and reputation could be determined by a previous arrest record, association with persons known to lack good moral character, open and notorious criminal sexual activity, or other acts of moral turpitude or conduct contrary to good morals. The law would also require an applicant to submit fingerprints and a photograph to Police.

Individuals and/or establishments that violate the new law could receive fines of up to $15,000.

Have a news tip? Email alfred.branch@patch.com. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following these directions. Curious about how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.