Springfield fines building owner for violations at massage parlor - FOX Illinois

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill (WICS) — The city of Springfield passed an ordinance in June requiring massage parlors to register with the city. The ordinance also enables city leadership to shut down massage parlors in violation of the ordinance.

But citizens said this is only the start of cracking down on illegal conduct at Springfield massage parlors.

The city is fining the building owner of 526 South Grand Avenue W for 14 building violations, the courts ruled Wednesday. That adds up to a fine worth $10,500.

That address is where 88 Relaxing Massage is located.

Hawthorne Place Neighborhood Association said they've been complaining about the business for the past two years--and now things are starting to move forward.

"We're very happy because we are concerned about the security and safety of our neighborhood, and we're excited that the city is taking steps to make our neighborhood safer and to eliminate this illegal business,” Stacey Hays, President of the Hawthorne Place Neighborhood Association said.

The massage parlor has been shut down by the city. But neighbors testify the business is still operating.

Hays said they just want their neighborhood to be a safe place.

Ken Pacha, another concerned citizen, said the city could still step up enforcement of the ordinance.

"And then looking at the ordinance itself and taking a more aggressive approach to this. And I think this might sound a little reckless but at some point as a city you have to stop worrying about liability and worry more about the harm being inflicted upon the citizens of your city,” Pacha said.

Pacha said it's a symptom of a larger issue in Springfield. Pacha said the ordinance allows businesses to be shut down without police.

"Because they can only act if a crime's been committed. But the city just needs you to violate the ordinance. And these are very clear ordinance violations. I mean, these ads are egregious. They're not just hinting at anything,” Pacha said.

Hays agrees this isn't the end. She said speaking up in the first place is how 88 Relaxing Massage was shut down.

"If it's just one or two people that are trying to make a change, then change doesn't happen. But when people band together to try and make our society a better place, then change will occur. Try to always do the right thing and fight for what is right,” Hays said.

No criminal charges or arrests have been made against 88 Relaxing Massage.

Corporation Counsel Greg Moredock said the violations included fire codes, improper lighting, and mixed use of the space. Moredock said the massage parlor was being used as a dwelling--which directly violates the massage parlor ordinance.

Moredock said it's been a complicated process--but he said his office is doing its best to crack down on illegal activities.

"We wanna make sure we're doing everything right as this gets established. So that we can address the problem that's meant to be addressed. Respects due process but also completes the objective and provides the city with another tool to address human trafficking,” Moredock said.

Moredock said the city shut the business down in December. He said if the parlor continues to operate, the city can take both the building owner and the business owner to court.

No licenses have been issued by the city yet. Moredock said last call for applications was sent out last week.

About 48 applications have been collected by the city.