Politics & Government

Sex Offender Ordinance To Remain On The Books In Newtown

The state Supreme Court found an Allegheny County ordinance restricting where sex offenders can live to be preempted by state law. Newtown Township has a similar law on the books and will keep it in place.

 

An ordinance that restricts where sex offenders can live will remain on the books in Newtown Township despite the fact that a similar law didn’t stand up court.

The township supervisors’ Wednesday night agenda included consideration of repealing an ordinance that imposes restrictions on how close a sex offender can live to schools and parks, for example.

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Township Manager Joseph Czajkowski said the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled an ordinance in Allegheny County, which is “remarkably similar” to the one in the township, was found to be preempted by state law.

Chairman Rob Ciervo said the issue “is not theoretical, it’s practical.” He noted the current ordinance hasn’t been enforced and puts the township at risk for a lawsuit.

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“That would be the worst-case scenario in my opinion -- paying a settlement to a registered sex offender,” he said.

But board member Jerry Schenkman said it was premature to repeal the local ordinance because the state laws are not in effect.

“It’s an ordinance that’s never been enforced,” Ciervo said, adding if it was repealed, “I don’t see it affecting safety whatsoever.”

Board member Matt Benchener agreed with Schenkman and urged the township to keep the law on the books for the time being. He noted the issue is in the spotlight currently with the Penn State sex abuse scandal making headlines.

“I fundamentally disagree that the state can better protect township residents. I don’t think the state law goes far enough,” Benchener said.

Instead of repealing the law, the board voted unanimously to revisit the issue in six months to assess what progress has been made on the state level.

Other area municipalities, including Yardley Borough, have repealed similar ordinances in light of the Allegheny County ruling.


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