An overflow crowd spilled out into the hallway at Atkinson Town Hall as residents listened to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, which rejected a permit for a so-called diaper spa. (Angelina Berube photo)
Spa owner Colleen Ann Murphy presented her business application to the Board at a public hearing Wednesday night.
The Diaper Spa, at 23 Pope Road, catered to adults aged 21 and older, serving “all diaper-wearing individuals who seek acceptance, respite, and care” in a nursery-like atmosphere.
Public concern over the nature of the business arose on Jan. 24 and escalated in the days and weeks after as a national spotlight shone not only on the Diaper Spa, but the quiet town of 7,000 people.
There were 115 people in attendance at the time that the meeting got underway. Residents of all ages, town officials and emergency personnel began filtering into the Selectmen’s Office around 6:30 p.m. – an hour before the hearing began.
ZBA Chair Glenn Saba pressed Murphy on her intention, credentials to offer the services and gross inconsistencies throughout her application – as well as the illegal nature of general contact with adults according to New Hampshire law.
Police presence, traffic increases, safety concerns and lack of a medical license or therapy credentials echoed through the concerns of the board members and residents present.
Board members said the neighborhood’s character has already changed because of the business.
“Some of this other stuff is going to be hard to convince us because of those concerns,” Saba said. “It’s a problem. The whole business model is changing by the minute.”
The board chair addressed her frequently changing website and raised concerns of language discussing “boundaries of consent,” after he asked her if she wanted to proceed with the meeting or continue talks to another day to better prepare her application.
Murphy decided to proceed.
“I wanted people to feel more comfortable,” Murphy said about changing her website as terminology first catered to the adult-diaper community.
She added, “I believe in civil rights for people to pursue the services they want from me.”
Her credentials to offer any medical services or massage therapy to her clients was discussed.
She said she is not a license therapist, but rather a life therapist and sex and relationship coach.
“I provide mental health support services,” Murphy said.
“People are not comfortable with it,” added ZBA Vice Chair Bob Connors.
Murphy had operated without a license from the state or town for four to six weeks before the town’s building inspector came out. She has not had clients come to her home since the building inspector went into the home. After that, she stopped.
Murphy was scheduled to appear at a state hearing on the matter. It is unclear when that will take place.
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