MANLIUS, N.Y. – After two day spas in the village were closed and five employees were taken into custody, the Village of Manlius is proposing a new licensing requirement for all massage parlors. At a public hearing on Tuesday, officials outlined a plan that would require each spa to apply for a special use permit and appear before the Village Board each year.
Proposed permit process
The proposal adopts New York State’s definition of massage therapy – “applying a scientific system of activity to the muscular structure of the human body through stroking, kneading, tapping, and vibrating with the hands or vibrators, for the purpose of improving muscle tone and circulation.” Under the new rule, any business that offers such services would need to submit a special use permit application, be reviewed by a code‑enforcement officer, and then appear before the Village Board for annual renewal.
Mayor Chapman’s rationale
Mayor Hank Chapman explained that the measure is intended to give neighbors a voice and ensure that spas operate safely and in compliance with building and fire codes. “When we hear concerns from residents about what’s happening in these buildings, it alerts our police and code‑enforcement teams,” Chapman said. He added that the annual review will help the village catch violations before they become serious problems.
Recent enforcement actions
On October 14, two local spas – Eva’s Relaxation Spa and Yuki’s Day Spa – were shut down after multiple building and fire‑code violations were cited. The same day, five employees were arrested. While the exact reasons for the arrests have not been disclosed, officials noted that code violations alone do not typically result in criminal charges.
Both spas remain closed, and the five individuals are scheduled to appear in Village Court on Thursday evening. The Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office indicated the hearing could be rescheduled.
Community response
Although the public hearing attracted a number of attendees, none commented directly on the special‑use permit agenda item. Residents who have expressed concerns about safety and neighborhood character have been cited by the mayor as a key factor prompting the village’s action.
Next steps
If adopted, the special use permit requirement would become part of the village’s zoning code. Business owners would need to submit applications, undergo inspections, and attend an annual board meeting to retain their permit. Village officials say the process is designed to be transparent and to give the community a clear avenue for oversight.
The proposal reflects a broader effort by local governments to balance economic activity with public safety and family‑friendly neighborhoods. By requiring regular review of massage businesses, Manlius hopes to deter illegal activity, protect property values, and uphold the standards that residents expect in their community.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
