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Council hears request to transfer massage spa waiver; council asks about trafficking risks
Summary
A request to transfer a 2019 waiver for Elite Foot and Body Spa at 16345 Middle Belt Road was presented; council members pressed about prior complaints and human-trafficking concerns, and the item was placed on the regular agenda for a Sept. 8 vote.
The council considered a petition to transfer a 2019 waiver for a massage establishment at 16345 Middle Belt Road from current operator Haiyan Pai to prospective owner Xiao Ping Shen (also referenced as Xiaoping/Xiaoping Chen). City staff explained the waiver had been approved on appeal in 2019 and was historically limited to the approved user.
Doug Rands, who identified himself as Haiyan Pai's husband, explained the current owner has health issues and may not be able to continue operating. Sherry Liu, representing the prospective owner, described the existing business model and said the current location has operated without complaints. "We have no complaints, no problem," she said. Council members asked about human-trafficking risks often associated with massage businesses; a councilmember said there is "always a high suspicion" and sought reassurance the operation complies with city rules. Speakers replied the business follows regulations and has been a lawful neighborhood service.
The council moved the item to the regular agenda so the transfer can be formally voted on at the Sept. 8 meeting.
Why it matters: The transfer maintains services for local customers and preserves jobs; council scrutiny highlights concerns about compliance and public safety in regulated massage establishments.
What happens next: The council placed the waiver-transfer request on the regular agenda for formal consideration on Sept. 8.
