Recently, on a trip to our favorite neighborhood store, we saw that a sign was going up, across the way advertising a new spa. We were intrigued...

Since the signage on the storefront; is nondescript; we gave it a little search, and well, the online marketing campaigns and service menus provide a much more clear perspective as to what you can get here. Imagine our surprise when our quick little internet search; brought us;

“Hot Asian Girls!”, #freeshowermassagevancouver”, “pleasure massage”, “100% young Asian girls; scantily clad models and all. Everything poised to entice a very specific clientele, to the location. (Young girls is emphasized in almost every ad) According to the menu, these “girls” rotate every 2 weeks, and provide services, morning to late evening, 9am-1030pm. Turns out, its a “spa”. 

The problem is though; the business owners obtained their license to perform “Foot Reflexology”. That is the ONLY licensed service they are lawfully permitted to provide at this location according to public records. Foot reflexology is very specific, literally “feet only”. 

In the state of Washington we have very clear and specific requirements for performing  massage IE: RCW18.108.030/RCW18.108.070.

Conversely, there are also very specific guidelines for adult entertainment businesses. Some of which include; how close in proximity to: schools, childcare facilities, preschools, early learning centers, residential areas and churches; they’re allowed to operate.

This poses an additional problem, because Truman Elementary School is 0.6 miles away. There are multiple childcare/early learning centers even closer; and this is primarily a residential area.

So again, this is important because when the business owners applied for their license and they failed to mention the full scope of their business practices; they left out significant information that would have impacted not just the license, but their ability to occupy the building.

In just a few minutes of research, it becomes very clear that a much different business than “foot reflexology “ is operating here. Whatever it is, it definitely isn’t foot reflexology. Plainly put, its an illegal operation. Turning a blind eye to illegal businesses operating in the area, is simply an invitation for more, and everything that comes with them.

There is no need for this neighborhood to backslide and take our property values with it. However, that is exactly what will happen if we ignore criminal activity. It wont improve on its own. Its up to those of us that own the houses in this area, to step in and advocate for our neighborhood.

If we are hoping to grow this neighborhood forward, to continue to see our property values increase, and to build upon the hardworking efforts of the businesses in the area that got here with integrity; its important that we get involved when we become aware of illegal activities around here. I know it matters to me what businesses we support. We believe in supporting local, but we cannot support crime. 

At the very least, we are asking for this “spa“ to be investigated. It begs the question; what is going on inside the building? The first ads they put out, make it clear enough that they are operating far enough outside of their scope, that it warrants a closer look. 

If the owners of this business want to run an adult establishment, so be it, there are plenty of reasonable commercial locations for legally licensed adult-oriented businesses to operate. But, they’ve got to take the steps required to. Beginning with; stating the true nature of their business, and then applying for and obtaining the correct licenses. 

Until then, we believe that our community leaders need to strongly evaluate what exactly is taking place within this business, and do their jobs accordingly.

Thank you in advance for your help.