Sex | Sex Offenders May Be Restricted In Newville

Concern over the high number of rental units in Newville hasprompted council to consider an ordinance restricting whereregistered sex offenders could live within the borough.

If enacted, the proposed ordinance would prohibit sex offendersregistered under Megan's Law from living within 500 feet of anyschool, church, after school program facility, child care facility,public park, recreation facility or library.

Council agreed Tuesday to advertise the ordinance for possibleadoption at its June 28 public meeting.

The ordinance would only apply to sex offenders who move into theborough after the new restrictions take effect, solicitor MarcusMcKnight III said. He explained how the ordinance would not applyto sex offenders already living within borough limits as they wouldbe grandfathered in and not required to move.

There are two registered sex offenders currently living within theborough, Newville police Cpl. Jim Swartz said.

At one point, there were as many as 13 registered offenders livingin 17241 zip code, he added, which includes not only the boroughbut parts of the surrounding townships. That number is now down tonine, Swartz said.

Being proactive

Because many pedophiles are repeat offenders, the ordinance wouldrestrict their ability to live in close proximity to where childrengather, McKnight said. The hope is this would reduce temptationwhile protecting the public.

McKnight compared the behavior of sex offenders to an addictionwhere they have to be constantly vigilant of their behavior anddedicated towards reforming their character.

Talk of an ordinance was not triggered by an individual orincident, but concern that 300 of the 650 housing units within theborough are rental properties, Borough Manager Fred Potzer said."That's almost 50 percent of our housing stock."

For months, the borough planning commission has been working withthe solicitor on drafting the language of the ordinance, Potzersaid. "The commission is trying to be proactive in its concern forthe children."

By adopting the ordinance, council is sending a clear message tosex offenders considering a move into Newville that crimes againstchildren will not be tolerated within the borough, McKnight said.He urged caution on how the ordinance is enforced.

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania recently struck down an AlleghenyCounty ordinance as too restrictive and in violation of state law,McKnight said. That ordinance barred registered sex offenders fromliving within 2,500 feet of any location where children tend togather.