BARRE, Vt.—An ordinance being considered that would restrict where sex offenders could live would make the city's homeless shelter off-limits, but a local housing complex that is home to many children would not be.
The proposed ordinance would create a 1,000 foot buffer zone between schools and city owned or maintained recreation facilities.
Police Chief Tim Bombardier questioned Mayor Thomas Lauzon's initial call for a 1,500-foot buffer zone from all schools, recreational facilities and state-registered daycare facilities because it probably couldn't withstand a legal challenge, endorsed the proposal.
"It does not exclude the whole city," Bombardier said. "What's left open I think is reasonable."
The proposal will be subject to a public hearing on July 22 .
A map of the restricted areas would prevent sex offenders from living in the heart of the city. Sex offenders would be able to live on all or parts of approximately 40 streets -- most of them in neighborhoods dominated by single-family homes.
Among the places offenders could live would be the 120-unit Highgate Apartments, home to many children, because the playground isn't owned or maintained by the city.
Bombardier said the ordinance would not immediately affect any of the 45 sex offenders now living in Barre. Sex offenders living now within the limits would be allowed to stay.
But once a sex offender moves or re-offends he would forfeit the right to live within the limit.
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Information from: The Times Argus, http://www.timesargus.com/
