Concerns Surround Proposed Pennsylvania Avenue Massage Parlor

A proposed massage parlor at 428 Pennsylvania Ave., Whitemarsh Township, has residents on both sides of the municipal border concerned over links to a similar establishment with an unsavory reputation in Emmaus, Pa.

According to Whitemarsh Township documents, the parlor's applicant, Mi Kyong Park, is interested in leasing the second floor of a property at that Fort Washington address for a "massage therapy facility." Park lists his residence as 2701 Elroy Road, Apt. A16, Hatfield, Pa., on the application, Whitemarsh officials said.

According to an Emmaus Borough document obtained by Patch, a "Young Ki Min," also of 2701 Elroy Road, Apt. A16, Hatfield, applied for a maintenance permit for a "Day Cation" spa, of 616 State Ave., Emmaus, last November.

An Emmaus Patch article details the unsavory reputation of Day Cation, which opened in early December 2011, citing an ad in philadelphia.backpage.com's adult entertainment category, which touted a “pretty Asian masseuse with soft hands and gentle touch."

In addition, the article investigates several review websites, including rubmaps.com, eroticmp.com, and premiummassage.com. One reviewer, "rustyzipper," claimed that he received manual sex from two Day Cation employees, with one entering the room after the first became tired. At least one other reviewer also claimed that he had engaged in sexual activities with staff members at Day Cation.

Peter Blood, chairman of the Fort Washington Rescape Committee, raised concerns about the proposed parlor during a presentation to the Upper Dublin Board of Commissioners about his organization on Tuesday. Although the property lies in Whitemarsh Township, and thus is beyond any control or jurisdiction of Upper Dublin, Blood stated that Fort Washington residents are concerned on both sides of the border.

"We're not in favor of this massage parlor… [and] we have an attorney representing us," said Blood, adding that the attorney was simultaneously attending a Whitemarsh Planning Commission meeting the same night.

According to Whitemarsh Township documents, the location at 428 Pennsylvania Ave. is zoned CR-L, or Commercial Retail District-Low, with no provisions for this specific use. Therefore, Park is requesting a special exception as a lawful customer service not specifically recognized by the provisions. In addition, Park is seeking a variance to provide for 17 on-site parking spaces.

Patch has made attempts to contact the property's owner to inquire whether he had any knowledge of the connection to "Day Cation," but he was not immediately available for comment.

According to Whitemarsh Township documents, the application will be officially considered by the Zoning Hearing Board at its meeting on Wednesday, March 7 at 7 p.m., and public input will be encouraged. In addition, the Whitemarsh Board of Commissioners will also discuss the application at a meeting on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.