Owner tells Livonia council his massage business will comply after operating without required waiver

The Livonia City Council reviewed a waiver petition for Needed Relief Massage and Spa to operate at 32003 Plymouth Road and accepted planning staff’s recommendation to limit any waiver to the current proprietor.

Planning staff told the council the proposed business meets local separation requirements — 400 feet from other massage establishments, schools, parks, daycares, libraries and places of worship — and that the planning commission recommended approval with a stipulation that a change in ownership would require a return to council. “There are none of those facilities within 400 feet,” planning staff said.

Owner Michael Malekie, who said he has operated the flagship business in Southgate since 2006 and opened the Livonia location in September 2023, told the council the business employs local, licensed therapists on payroll with benefits and conducts background checks. “I’m the owner of Needed Relief Massage and Spa,” Malekie said, and later told the council, “There is no excuse for ignorance, and I do take full responsibility for that,” referring to operating without the required waiver.

Malekie said the business submitted a packet of documentation for council review, including licensing and staff records, and noted the practice has been involved in community events such as the city’s Tour de Livonia. Council members thanked the owner for supplying materials and indicated the materials reassured them about staffing and oversight.

Council placed the petition on the consent agenda for the Sept. 9 voting meeting with the planning commission’s recommended condition that the waiver apply only to the current proprietor.

Next steps: The item will be voted at the regular council meeting on Sept. 9 per the council’s schedule.