Local law targeting illegal massage parlors passes in Cicero - CNYcentral.com

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CICERO, N.Y. — The Town of Cicero adopted a new local law on Wednesday, October 23 which forces new businesses offering massage services to go through a special permit process.

The proposed law went before the town board following several raids of illegal massage parlors in Onondaga County this past year. Those businesses were allegedly using the massage services as a front for prostitution and human trafficking.

"This establishes a special use permit for any business holding itself out to offer massage services," Councilor Jonathan Karp said. "The purpose of this is, as I am sure we are all aware, there have been a number of raids or busts of massage parlors in the Town of Cicero and surrounding areas that reportedly offer reflexology, massages, foot massages but in reality are fronts for prostitution. Human trafficking is often involved. So, the purpose of this is just to ensure any business holding itself out to offer massage services have to have a special use permit. Have to have, licensed massage therapist on staff. They have to provide copies of licenses. Really the burden is minimal.

Neighbors during the public hearing portion of the evening, questioned how businesses running illegally would be found and prevented. The Town Councilors said the new permit system would be able to identify which new businesses opened and did not apply for a permit. One councilor said it would raise red flags if a business did so, and it could be remedied quicker.

A councilor at Wednesday nights public hearing also said the Onondaga County Department of Planning reviewed the special permit policy and determined the referral has no severe community wide implications or impacts.