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 It's only been in effect for two weeks but East Rochester village leaders say they may change a new law banning registered sex offenders from certain neighborhoods. Officials say it was the stories done by News 10NBC that brought the law into question.
The village of East Rochester has decided to take a second look at its new law banning registered sex offenders from certain neighborhoods.
Village Administrator Martin Ambrose says the stories News 10NBC has done and questions by the local chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union brought about this change.
Ambrose said, “We took a look at it and said if we've been more restrictive than we should have been we're going to make an adjustment to that.”
The law prohibits sex offenders from living within 2,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, parks, rec and community centers and daycare centers. East Rochester is only 1.3 miles so the law essentially prohibits sex offenders from living in the village.
“So, just how far is 2,000 feet. Well you can use this football field as a guide, so imagine six of these football fields.”
Gary Pudup is the director for the local chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union. “There's a lot of problems with these types of laws. First and foremost many of them are being struck down by higher courts primarily because there's no correlation between an offense that somebody commits and where they live.”
Four registered sex offenders live in East Rochester and all of them are currently violating the law.
Village Trustee Mark Florack says the board will take another look at the law at its next meeting. “I’m not so sure if it's going to protect our kids. Ultimately I know that's what a lot of the community wants. So we're here. We're the elected officials and we represent their concerns. Myself I don't know, I guess I have to take a wait and see attitude.”
This matter has been scheduled for the village board meeting March 9 and a public hearing could be held in April. For now, the law will remain in effect.
Related articles:
Update on East Rochester sex offender law
New sex offender law for East Rochester
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