The plan commission held a public hearing regarding a temporary moratorium on massage establishments yesterday evening.
The plan commission held a public hearing regarding a temporary moratorium on massage establishments yesterday evening.
The Wheeling Plan Commission held a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, to discuss a moratorium on permits for massage facilities.
The public hearing was held in the Village Hall Board Room at 2 Community Blvd. Residents could view the live stream of the meeting on Wheeling's cable channels 17 and 99.
After hearing citizen comments and concerns, and dispensing with the Consent Items, the commission reviewed Docket No. 2016-4. The village has planned to initiate a nine-month moratorium on zoning applications and business licenses regarding massage establishments.
Village staff has suggested a six-month moratorium to allow time to research and make changes to the municipal code regarding massage establishments. While minor modifications were made to the code in 2007, the rapid expansion of the internet and internet advertising have changed the nature of the business, including businesses with private rooms, no need for signage for drive-by visibility and the increase in massage therapy.
The moratorium gives the village time to review and update the municipal code. Possible changes include restricting massage establishments to certain zoning districts and special use approvals. Massage therapists are regulated directly by the state, so new therapists will be able to find employment at existing businesses during the moratorium.
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