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Livonia planners deny waiver for proposed 7 Mile massage spa after neighbors cite prior operation
Summary
The Livonia Planning Commission voted to deny a waiver use to open a massage/head spa at 33607 7 Mile Road after neighbors and a competitor alleged the proposed business appears to be a rebranding of a prior operation with an online footprint tied to illicit‑massage advertising; vote was 4–1.
The Livonia City Planning Commission voted 4–1 on July 7 to deny a waiver application from SASA HeadSpa to operate a massage and scalp‑wellness business at 33607 7 Mile Road. Commissioner Ventura moved the denying resolution, citing failure to meet the general standards in the zoning ordinance, a lack of demonstrated need for the use in the area, incompatibility with surrounding uses, and inconsistency with zoning goals.
The staff report said massage uses require waiver approval in the C‑1 district and that the ordinance defines massage broadly to include manual manipulation of the human body, which triggers the waiver requirement for the proposed head‑spa services. Staff also noted potential parking shortfalls: the commercial center provides 36 spaces, while the general commercial parking standard for all uses would require 46 spaces and the massage use would require eight dedicated spaces.
Opposition centered on the site's prior history and the applicant’s connection to earlier tenants. Staff read a letter from Michael Malecki, president and CEO of Needed Relief Massage and Spa, arguing the petition “appears to be in practical effect a continuation or rebranding of the existing Tai Chi massage operation” and pointing to online advertisements and listings associated with illicit massage activity. Malecki’s letter urged denial, citing reputational and community concerns.
Applicant Zhi Huang Liu told the commission the business would be "brand new," that no phone number or online presence had yet been established and that the operation was not a rebranding of a previous tenant: "We are not—it's brand new. We're just waiting for approval," he said.
Commissioners pressed the applicant about the scope of services after staff and neighbors raised questions. The applicant confirmed the business would include scalp‑focused services and some massage performed on beds, which falls under the zoning definition of "massage." Commissioner Ventura moved to deny, laying out four written reasons in the motion.
The motion passed on a roll call of Ventura, Long, Drozdz and Chair Wilshaw voting aye; Commissioner Dinaro voted nay. The commission’s action is a recommending decision; the petitioner has ten days to appeal the planning commission’s decision in writing to the Livonia City Council.
The commission’s staff file includes department reviews (engineering, fire marshal, police, inspection) that listed no objections provided required plan and permit steps are followed; several departments noted standard plan review and permitting would be required if the project moves forward.
