Plano discusses policy for massage businesses - Chicago Tribune

[massage]

The subject of massage parlors seems to rub some people the wrong way in Plano.

Tushar Shah, who is a physical therapist, owns a four-unit property at 901 W. Route 34 and has three units vacant. A prospective tenant would like to open a massage therapy business in one of the units.

The city does not have a policy in place to regulate massage businesses. Shah has approached the city for a special-use permit for his prospective tenant.

Ald. Scott Mullner said he had some issues with the nature of the proposed business.


"I am concerned about the stigma of the potential for multiple massage parlors along Route 34 in Plano," he said.

Individual massage therapists are regulated by the Illinois Massage Licensing Act, but some city officials want to write a licensing policy for the massage businesses in the city.

Ald. Mike Rennels said, "We want to license the massage establishment as opposed to licensing the person."

He said any change needs to take future development into account.

"We do not have a crystal ball to know how many massage parlors will want to come to town," he said.

Shah said that he wanted an answer from the city.

"I will be the biggest loser if the city does not come up with a reasonable solution for this," he said. "I need to get a tenant in my building and want to see the business flourish in Plano. Let's reward the people who are working to bring more jobs to Plano. There are so many vacant businesses here. We need to fill the businesses."

He said the issue should be a straightforward one.

"I want a simple permit for a simple business," he said.

Mullner said he sympathized with Shah's position.

"Is it right to hold this guy hostage for something like this?" he asked.

Aldermen agreed that Shah's prospective tenant should be able to run the business, which could be subject to later regulation.

Susan Thanepohn is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.


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