MANVILLE: Continuing curfew law is repealed

By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
Manville Borough Council at Monday night’s meeting lifted the continuing curfew for those under the age of 16. The resolution repeals previous ones and was adopted unanimously.
Borough Police Lt. Mark Sniczak said the borough won’t have a curfew per se on Mischief Night (Thursday, Oct. 30) and police are asking people to stop trick or treating at 9 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31, which is a Friday night. Officers will encourage people to move along after 9, he said.
Borough attorneys advised mayor and council that ordinances adopted in 1931, 1953 and 1981 predated a state law that authorizes municipalities to enact ordinances making it unlawful for juveniles under the age of 18 to be on public streets or in public places between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. except in specific circumstances. Exceptions included a juvenile "engaged in an errand involving a medical emergency" or "attending religious services, extra-curricular school activities, activities sponsored by a religious or community organization or other cultural, educational or social events."
When an open question was asked on social media, Manville residents expressed dissatisfaction that the curfew was lifted.
"With the drug problems and abundance of bars in this town, children need to be protected," said Christy Seccamanie. "It is my opinion that parents should be more vigilant. Since they are not, it is the responsibility of the town to protect our children.
"Do you know how many kids I see out late at night. It’s ridiculous. My children are never unsupervised while I see 8-year-olds riding their bikes late at night. My kids are in bed by 8 and if I go outside for something later and I always see at least a couple."
Melissa Schimes wrote that it was after 10 p.m. and there were kids outside her house screaming, cursing and laughing.
"Shouldn’t they be doing what I was — either one sleeping, studying or reading a book? It’s ridiculous that we don’t have a curfew just because kids can get away with anything and it’s not fair our young children have to live like this. This is why I moved out of a city so we can live in peace and quiet. We didn’t feel like we have to live in an area with loud noise and I’m beginning to wonder why I moved back to this town."
Terry Hahn said, "I think it’s crazy to not have a curfew it is hard at times for single moms and we need the help from having curfews."