Curbing Bad Actors

by Kathy Savolt -

One of the many things that make our Village so special is the small businesses call Mamaroneck home.  Their presence along the Avenue and throughout the community gives the Village the small-town feel so many of us value.

While most of these businesses operate honestly and provide good service and positive experiences for their customers, there are some bad actors who flaunt our laws and regulations.  To address this, Police Chief PJ Trujillo asked that the Village Code be strengthened for massage and tobacco establishments.  On March 23, 2026, the Board of Trustees (BOT) passed two new laws aimed at curbing those activities.

Massage Establishments

Recent police raids resulted in the closure of several local massage businesses for prostitution and potential human trafficking and are stark indications that changes needed to be made.  Additionally, a new massage establishment, connected to one that was recently closed is being considered by the Zoning Board (see articles HERE and HERE.

In addition to the Village requirements, massage therapists must have a valid massage license from New York State and adhere follow all their requirements.

The changes to the law include prohibiting massage establishments in residential districts.  They are also prohibited within 1,000 feet of any residential district, any other massage establishment and any school, public park or public library.  In addition, allowed hours of operation have been changed to 8 am – 8pm (cut from 10 pm).  See copy of Law HERE.

In order to keep close watch, each establishment requires a special permit that must be renewed annually and a police inspection is required for renewal.  Additionally, representatives of the Village Police and Fire Departments, along with the Code Enforcement Office and other Village departments must be allowed to inspect the premises at any time during business hours.

At the BOT meeting, the Board was asked why massage establishments were even allowed and it was pointed out there are legitimate massage services offered by licensed massage therapists who should be allowed to provide services.

Tobacco Retail Establishments

Similarly to massage businesses, some tobacco establishments have been flouting the laws and been caught selling illicit drugs or regulated substances without the required permits.

The new law requires such establishments to operate under a special permit issued by the Zoning Board and renewed annually.  Locations are restricted the same as massage establishment – no residential districts and 1,000 foot boundaries as listed above.  Other changes such as inspections, are also the same as above.

Applicants for said businesses or permit renewals must present a valid certificate of registration as a tobacco establishment from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, provide a register of addresses, phone numbers and social security numbers of the owners and employees.  Visible signage, in strict accordance with Village Code, must also be installed at the business.

Applicants must also submit fingerprints and a complete statement of all convictions of the applicant and all employees for any felony, misdemeanor or violation except summary traffic violations.  Permits will be denied for any such conviction within five years.

The full text of the law can be found HERE.