Local businesses are worried a massage parlour recently given a development permit will hurt revitalization efforts on Fort Road. (CBC)Some business owners in the Fort Road area of northeast Edmonton want the city to withdraw a development permit for a massage parlour that they believe will offer sexual services.

"It was [the] last thing we need in our neighbourhood, because of what we already have here," said Vanda Kydd, co-owner of an appliance store two doors away from the proposed new business.

"With the redevelopment that's going on, that's taking place, the area will change," she said. "A massage parlour does not belong. Not in this neighbourhood."

The city has spent $75 million on revitalizing the area, which includes an award-winning condominium and commercial development.

"They're putting all this money into the sidewalks and into the roads," said Devon Murray, who ran a short-lived martial arts business in the area. "But nobody's going to want to live in an area where there's [an illicit massage parlour]."

A petition is being circulated against the new enterprise. However, the owner of a nearby electronics repair store, Azim Bandali, refused to sign it.

"We've got other stores, liquor stores and other stuff, tattoo parlours, so it makes no difference to me," said Bandali, pointing out that the building where the massage parlour's development permit has been approved likely won't be standing much longer.

"Even though the city may licence them, it's just going to be a couple of years before they'll tear this side down," he said.

A weakness in city bylaws

The controversy points out a weakness in city bylaws when it comes to areas zoned for personal services, said Coun. Tony Caterina, who represents the area.

"Personal services, that's one of our problems. I think from our end of things, is that it's so generic that that could apply to virtually anything."

Caterina said it's doubtful the new business could be a legitimate massage parlour.

"Given the location that's being chosen and given the demographics of the area, given the problems that we have already with the liquor store and the transit hotel and that particular type of clientele in the general area, I don't believe that a shrewd business person would think that that would be an ideal location for a legitimate massage parlour," he said.

If the business does get a licence, Caterina said, he will ask police to keep a close eye on it.

"There really isn't a lot of recourse from our end at this point in time, unless we make those adjustments to the bylaws and zoning provisions," Caterina said.

The owners of the massage parlour couldn't be reached for comment.

Residents will appeal the development permit at a city hearing Mar. 4.