WEYMOUTH - February 17, 2026 - The Weymouth Town Council took a decisive step toward public safety February 17, unanimously passing three new ordinances, introduced at the prior meeting, aimed at regulating bodywork, massage, and mobility establishments. The move follows a 2025 moratorium and a series of joint inspections by health and police officials that uncovered “egregious violations,” including concerns regarding human trafficking and prostitution within the town.
The Full Story
The new regulations—Measures 25-107, 25-108, and 25-109—represent a major overhaul of how these businesses operate in Weymouth. Councilor Kenneth DiFazio, Chair of the Ordinance Committee, explained that while the town was an early adopter of Board of Health regulations for bodywork in 2015, the industry has since seen a “significant shift,” characterized by an increase in illicit activities and a lack of professional standards.
According to DiFazio, inspections conducted in 2025 by the health and police departments already led to a reduction in the number of these establishments, but serious concerns remained. “The health department continues to see ongoing egregious violations, including concerns over human trafficking, prostitution, and other criminal activity,” DiFazio told the Council.
“The health director had concluded that in order to provide basic safety, sanitary, and lawful operations... the town must establish oversight, enforcement authority, and regulatory control over these establishments.” — Councilor Kenneth DiFazio (20:56)
The ordinances mandate that all massage, bodywork, and mobility studio establishments be licensed through the Board of Licensing Commissioners. This shift is intended to give the town the necessary oversight and enforcement authority to ensure compliance with health, fire, and safety codes. Furthermore, the regulations address a previous lack of educational requirements, ensuring that practitioners are properly trained and certified.
Historical Restorations and Public Safety Funding
Beyond the new business regulations, the Council approved Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for two prominent local landmarks.
Abigail Adams Birthplace: $116,000 was approved for a new cedar shingle roof and exterior restoration. Michael Achille, President of the Abigail Adams Historical Society, noted the roof is 25 years old and at the end of its lifespan. The project also includes ADA-accessible ramp enhancements and moisture mitigation in the basement.
Old South Union Church Bell: $17,860 was allocated to repair a bell that has served the community since 1865. Jared Berman of the Board of Deacons explained that the bell’s clapper and head bolts are in such a state of disrepair that they risk damaging the historic bell.
In other business, the Council approved a $31,000 reserve fund transfer for the Weymouth Fire Department. The funds will be used to purchase turnout gear and helmets, primarily to equip seven new firefighters joining the force.
Why It Matters
For residents, the new business ordinances signal a zero-tolerance policy toward illicit activity masquerading as legitimate health services, aiming to improve neighborhood safety and professional standards. On the fiscal side, the use of CPA funds ensures that Weymouth’s historic character is preserved—specifically at the Abigail Adams birthplace and Columbian Square—without directly impacting the general tax levy.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve Measure 25-107, adding Section 6-1500 (Massage Establishments) to the town ordinances.
Vote: 9-0 (24:49)
Motion: To approve Measure 25-108, adding Section 6-1600 (Mobility Studio Establishments).
Vote: 9-0 (25:30)
Motion: To approve Measure 25-109, adding Section 6-1400 (Bodywork Establishments).
Vote: 9-0 (26:15)
Motion: To approve Measure 26-003, $116,000 in CPA funding for Abigail Adams Birthplace.
Vote: 9-0 (28:21)
Motion: To approve Measure 26-004, $17,860 in CPA funding for Old South Union Church Bell.
Vote: 9-0 (29:33)
Motion: To approve Measure 26-005, $31,000 transfer from the Reserve Fund for Fire Department equipment.
Vote: 9-0 (31:45)
Public Comment
Public hearings were opened for both CPA funding requests (Abigail Adams Birthplace and Old South Union Church Bell). No members of the public rose to speak during either hearing.
What’s Next
The Council referred two new appointments—Joe Bronkse to the Memorial Committee and Gregory LaBella to the Construction Steering Committee—to the Budget Management Committee for further review. The next regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Source Video: Weymouth Educational Telecommunications Corporation (WETC)