Cary ZPA recommends approval for Cary Apothecary massage services at 20 N. First St.

The Village of Cary Zoning and Planning Appeals recommended approval Thursday of a conditional-use permit that would allow Cary Apothecary to offer massage services at 20 North First Street.

Brian Simmons, the village’s director of community development, told the ZPA that the property is zoned B-3 (fringe business), has a long local history and that the proposed interior renovations would not alter the building exterior. Simmons said the village’s 2021 zoning updates made massage a conditional use in the district and that the business must comply with licensing standards in Chapter 5 of the municipal code and the Unified Development Ordinance. “Staff believes, based on the information provided and the proposed location here, that the proposed use would comply with those standards,” Simmons said, recommending that the ZPA forward a positive recommendation to the Village Board, subject to the conditions listed in the staff report.

Petitioner Tammy Morkezzi said the Cary Apothecary will combine retail sales and wellness services, with one room designated for massage and another for mental-health or wellness services. Morkezzi described the business as community-focused, including a small “digital detox” area highlighting local authors. “This has been a passion of mine,” she said, describing her own experience with Lyme disease and why she pursued natural-wellness services.

Board members asked whether nearby massage businesses would conflict with the 1,000-foot separation requirement; Simmons said the closest existing facilities that prompted the ordinance’s separation standard will be more than 1,000 feet from the proposed location and that two massage operations in a nearby building are relocating. Members also asked about notice responses; Simmons said staff received one resident call raising parking concerns and that the floor plan shows restroom access through the retail tenant space rather than directly from the massage room.

After the applicant’s presentation and board questions, the chair opened and immediately closed the public-comment period when no members of the public came forward. The ZPA then voted to recommend the conditional use. Simmons called the roll: Koester, Graziano, Randell, O’Loughlin, Williams and Corey each voted yes, giving the ZPA a unanimous positive recommendation to the Village Board. The motion’s mover and seconder were not specified on the record.

Simmons told the petitioner staff planned to place the item on the Village Board’s consent agenda; he said it would be scheduled for the March 3 agenda. During subsequent scheduling discussion staff also referenced March 12 in relation to other calendar items. The petitioner said she plans to close her current shop for about two to three weeks to relocate and hopes to reopen the new location in mid to late March.

The ZPA’s action is a recommendation; the Village Board will take the final vote on the conditional use and any license approvals. The ZPA meeting adjourned following the scheduling discussion.