Warren city leaders, residents and community organizations gathered on Courthouse Square Wednesday evening in an effort to get the city's law department to include additional recommendations to proposed legislation for recreational massage parlors in the area.
"We would like to add stricter laws and some of those include being able to limit the hours of operation for the massage parlors, as well as asking for additional training for the masseuse or the people who work there," said Warren 6th Ward Councilwoman Cheryl Saffold.
Warren City Council and the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative have been working on new laws for the massage parlors since last spring. They recently met with the law department and asked them to give them a new ordinance similar to one that's in place in Lorain.
"We have come forth. We have put together the info. Please pass these laws and take this seriously," said Emma Motley of the MVOC.
City council and MVOC said it's important for the community to express their concerns about the parlors as well.
"We would want the citizens to know that it's important that they take an active interest in getting laws passed to end this crime," added Motley.
"We need to let our government know that we don't appreciate these establishments. If they're so great, let them go to their neighborhoods. I mean, I live here, and I'm concerned about it," said Joan Sullivan, a city resident.
After the legislation is written by the Warren Law Department, it would have to be passed by Warren City Council.
