Pedophile-free zone approved in West Amwell

Police Department applauds measure.

By: Linda Seida
   WEST AMWELL — With thanks from the Police Department, the Township Committee unanimously passed a law that regulates where convicted sex offenders may live and bans them from mingling with children on Halloween, even their own.
   In a letter to officials, West Amwell Township police Lt. Stephen Bartzak said he believed the new law is well thought out, and he is pleased by the ordinance.
   But not everyone is pleased with the new law, according to Committeeman Gary Bleacher. He said the comments he’s heard from residents are split about 50-50.
   "I’ve gotten a whole range, from one end of the spectrum to the other," Mr. Bleacher said. "There were a few people who didn’t think it was necessary."
   Mr. Bleacher added, "I think there still are some constitutional issues."
   However, he noted Lt. Bartzak’s reaction and said, "If he’s pleased, I’m pleased."
   A state law does not exist to govern where convicted sex offenders may live after they’ve served their sentence. Around the state, a number of municipalities are writing their own ordinances, often borrowed from each other, to try to protect children. West Amwell modeled its new law on one passed by Raritan Township.
   The state police maintain an Internet registry of convicted sex offenders. The registry does not list any offender in West Amwell. However, the registry does not list all offenders.
   Offenders are classified as Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3. Those designated as Tier 1 carry the least risk of reoffending and are not included in the registry. Those designated Tier 2 pose a moderate risk and are included in the registry except for "certain exceptions," according to the state police Web site. Tier 3 carries the highest risk.
   Mayor Tom Molnar is glad to have an extra layer of protection for the township’s children.
   "It’s like the airbag in your car," he said. "It’s there if you need it."
   The law became effective immediately upon its passage April 5.
   Violations carry a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 90 days imprisonment or community service or a combination of these.
   Convicted sex offenders are prohibited from residing within 2,500 feet of any park, playground or day care center within the township.
   A convicted sex offender must be inside his or her residence no later than 6 p.m. Halloween and may not answer the door when trick-or-treaters knock. For the entire 24 hours of Oct. 31, they may not attend parties held in West Amwell if there are children present. They also are banned from taking any child trick-or-treating, including their own.
   A convicted offender who already rents within the restricted areas would be given 60 days after a written notice to move to a new location that does not violate the ordinance.