Proposed Spa Owner Also Owns Suspicious NJ Massage Business
- Mamaroneck Observer
- 9 minutes ago
- 3 min read
by Meg Yergin -
The public hearing for a new massage establishment at 397 Palmer Avenue continued at the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting on February 5, 2026. As previously reported, the ZBA voted to re-open the special use permit hearing at its November meeting so they could consider an email from Village of Mamaroneck (VOM) Police Chief PJ Trujillo which described his concerns with the application. See HERE.
The proposed location of the new spa was formerly the site of Crown Spa, which was closed due to criminal activity and operating without a special use permit. In his email, Trujillo urged the ZBA to carefully consider all relevant Code provisions and reminded them that VOM police have closed numerous illegal massage businesses in the Village in the last five years. He added: “It is well known that many of these massage establishments engage in human trafficking and the exploitation of a person for labor, services, and commercial sex.” See HERE.
Police Sting
The ZBA hearing came on the heels of an operation conducted by a joint task force led by VOM police on January 26, 2026. That operation closed three illegal massage parlors in the Village, including one at 437 Ward Avenue, and the police made numerous prostitution-related arrests. See HERE.
Illicit Services at Applicant’s NJ Business
Through an interpreter, the applicant was asked by ZBA members if he has operated any other massage businesses. The interpreter said the applicant currently owns Sesame Spa in Lumberton, NJ. An online search by TMO found numerous reviews of Sesame Spa in Lumberton, NJ on “AMP Reviews” and “RubMaps” dating from 2022 through January 2026.
The reviews for Sesame Spa on these illicit massage business online forums include explicit details describing the shape and size of the body parts of the women providing services, a description of the illicit services they are willing to perform, satisfaction ratings of services provided, and the additional price required for those services above the standard massage rate. These additional prices range from $80 - $140 on top of the $60 cost of a standard massage.
ZBA Questions 437 Ward Avenue Association
Citing the recent police sting operation, the ZBA also asked the applicant why the name of the corporation he created in NYS and submitted in the special use permit application lists 437 Ward Avenue - the address of one of the spas closed in last week’s police sting - as its physical and mailing location.
Through the interpreter, the applicant explained he planned to open a business at the Ward Avenue address a couple of years ago but never signed the lease. Afterwards, he said he forgot to change the corporation’s address with the NYS Department of State. The interpreter also told the ZBA that the applicant confirmed he has never been indicted on a felony charge.
Massage License Holder
One of the two women who submitted a NYS massage therapist license as part of the special permit application was present at the meeting and invited to the podium. She too said that she does not speak English and indicated that she required the interpreter. The interpreter told the ZBA that the therapist confirmed she has never been indicted on a felony charge.
Proficiency in English is a requirement for a NYS massage therapist license. See HERE. The ZBA did not inquire how the individual obtained her license if she doesn’t speak English.
State Efforts to Deter Human Trafficking at Illicit Massage Businesses
Currently, there are no state licenses required for massage businesses in New York State, only licenses for individual therapists. However, bills have been introduced to amend NYS General Business Law for licensing and inspecting massage establishments in the NYS House and Senate. NY State Assembly Bill 2025-A7564 (see HERE) and NY State Senate Bill 2023-S8548A (see HERE). The stated legislative purpose of these bills is to develop requirements for businesses that offer massage therapy services to ensure:
“…the health, safety, and welfare of the public, the establishment’s employees, the proper professional growth and development of the massage therapy profession and to serve to deter human trafficking, unlicensed providers and other illegal activity.” [Emphasis added.]
The Mamaroneck Village Board of Trustees is currently considering amending the local law to restrict the location and operating hours of massage establishments. Special Permits would be required to be renewed annually, and the Village Police Department would inspect the premises prior to issuance. See HERE.
Next Steps
The ZBA adjourned the public hearing until its March meeting while waiting for clarification from the police department whether any of the individuals involved in the proposed new business had ties to the one that was closed at 437 Ward Avenue.