Public hearings scheduled for June 10, 2025, at 7:00 P.M at City Hall
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (May 28, 2025) — Over the past decade, New Rochelle has been described by federal law enforcement as a major hub for international sex trafficking. The New Rochelle City Council is now taking decisive steps to regulate massage establishments, aiming to curb illegal activities such as human trafficking and prostitution while supporting legitimate massage therapy.
At its May 13, 2025, meeting, the council unanimously adopted resolutions to amend the city’s zoning code and introduce a new local law, setting the stage for stricter oversight and licensing requirements.
For years, New Rochelle has been drawing attention from federal authorities. In 2024, following a years-long investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. State Department, the Diplomatic Security Service, the New Jersey State Police, the New Rochelle Police Department and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, four individuals — Zhejun Piao, 37, a Chinese national, Miyeon Choi, 37, a South Korean national, Shangxian Cui, 36, Chinese national, and Meixiang Jin, 34, of Palisades Park, New Jersey — were arrested on Aug. 8, 2024 and charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with crimes related to operating a series of illicit massage parlors in New Jersey and New York, including New Rochelle. In 2015, James Hayes, special agent in charge of New York’s Homeland Security Investigations at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, noted that 60 percent of his unit’s 147 human trafficking arrests over two fiscal years were related to sex trafficking, with operations primarily based in Tenancingo and Tlaxcala, Mexico, and active in Queens, Long Island, and New Rochelle. Hayes identified New Rochelle as a major hub for international sex trafficking,
The proposed amendments to Chapter 331 of the Zoning Code, presented by Commissioner of Buildings Paul Vacca, designate massage establishments as special permit uses across multiple zoning districts, including Downtown Mixed Use, Waterfront Development, and Neighborhood Business zones. This change requires establishments to undergo Planning Board review and adhere to a new licensing process. A key addition, Section 331-113.14, mandates a 500-foot minimum distance between massage establishments, requires all therapists to hold valid New York State licenses, and sets a three-year special permit renewal cycle with annual city licenses.
“We’ve reviewed the existing code to improve licensing provisions for better oversight,” Vacca said, emphasizing the need to address illicit activities. The amendments include provisions for hearings before closing an establishment and special hearings for license revocation.
Council Member Albert Tarantino Jr. highlighted the severity of issues, citing specific incidents linked to some massage establishments. “We need the Police Department to have tools to shut down problematic operations,” he said, noting concerns in areas near high-rent apartments.
The council also introduced Local Law No. 3, which would establish Chapter 121 in the City Charter to regulate massage establishments. The law aims to protect public health, safety, and welfare by setting standards for legitimate massage therapy while prohibiting unlicensed “massage parlors.” It requires detailed applications, including criminal history checks, and mandates that licenses be conspicuously posted. Operational rules prohibit sexual activities, ensure hygiene standards, and restrict services to minors without parental consent.
Council Member Matthew Stern raised concerns about clarity in penalties, particularly for serious violations like human trafficking. “Victims of trafficking should not be penalized,” he said, urging clear definitions for fines and responsible parties. Commissioner Vacca clarified that human trafficking cases would involve the District Attorney’s Office or the Department of Homeland Security, with fines assessed by courts.
Council Member Martha Lopez emphasized proper enforcement channels, especially for cases involving children, while Council Member Shane Osinloye sought clarification on the roles of licensees, owners, and operators. Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert stressed the need to address penalties associated with violations.
The council agreed to further review both the zoning amendments and the proposed local law for potential revisions. Public hearings for both measures are scheduled for June 10, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. in Council Chambers at City Hall, 515 North Avenue. The City Clerk will publish notices at least ten days prior, and the proposals have been referred to the New Rochelle Planning Board and Westchester County Planning Department for review.
A Short Environmental Assessment Form determined that the proposed changes will have no adverse environmental impacts and may enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. The City Council, as the lead agency, approved this finding on May 8, 2025.
New Rochelle’s efforts to regulate massage establishments follow a history of local law enforcement actions against illicit massage parlors, as documented by Talk of the Sound.
The first reported case, in 2011, stemmed from a complaint by Mayor Noam Bramson’s mother, leading to the arrests of two women at Renue Spa on charges of prostitution and unlicensed massage practice. Since then, Talk of the Sound has reported multiple incidents, including a 2021 sting at Green Rivage Spa, a 2022 prostitution sting at Rivage Spa resulting in five arrests, and a 2024 case involving a man posing as a masseuse committing a criminal sex act. In August 2024, federal authorities busted an interstate prostitution ring operating out of New Soothing Day Spa at 271 North Avenue.
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, whose district includes New Rochelle, has been a vocal advocate for anti-human trafficking measures, authoring the 2015 Trafficking Victims Protection and Justice Act to increase penalties for traffickers and improve victim services.
The regulations aim to support legitimate massage therapy while cracking down on unlawful activities, with community input sought before final adoption.
RELATED:
Feds Bust Interstate Prostitution Ring Operating in New Rochelle (8/11/2024)/
New Rochelle Police Seek Potential Victims of Fake Masseuse (3/13/2024)
Prostitution Sting in New Rochelle, 5 Arrests Made (10/17/2022)
FBI Seeks Hundreds of Possible Victims in Westchester-Based Human Trafficking Investigation (8/30/2022)
Prostitution Arrests Made in New Rochelle (9/9/2021)
Amy Paulin’s Anti-Human Trafficking Bill Signed into Law by Gov. Cuomo (1/11/2014)
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.