Chicago Zoning Amendments Passes in “Stealth Vote”
Despite strong opposition from the American Massage Therapy Association, allied organizations including nine local chambers of commerce within the city, and many city officials, the amendment to rezone massage therapy establishments was (regrettably) passed on June 9, 2010.
Using a very clever means to redress a piece of unpopular legislation, the proposed amendment was buried in the section of the council agenda titled “Unfinished Business” near the very end of the meeting. It was brought forth during a very active time in Chicago, from both legislative and cultural vantages (Blackhawks championship game pending that night; summer vacations just starting; the Wal-Mart proposals; the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on Chicago's gun-ban; the Blagojevich trial).
To date, the Chicago Zoning Department has yet to publish the new ordinance language in its entirety, including the requirements for a “special” permit, despite repeated calls to their office.
The AMTA-IL Government Relations Committee is working on a strategic appeals process that is preemptive and proactive in its scope. Our mission, in addition to having this misguided, hostile piece of local legislation overturned, is to lay a firm foundation for fair practice rights. While it may take some time to see tangible progress, we also don't want to jeopardize other pro-massage therapist initiatives underway. In order for it to be most effective, however, the entire massage therapy community must come together as a whole, really get involved and stay focused on strategies that are preemptive and proactive, rather than reactive.
Click here for the AMTA Chapter newsletter, which has all the details regarding the Chicago issue, as well as other issues impacting municipalities around the state. |
