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Council OKs sex-offender restrictions

Proposed ordinance goes to Fitchburg mayor

FITCHBURG— A city ordinance prohibiting those convicted of sex offenses against minors from living within 1,000 feet of schools, parks or day care centers, is a signature away from becoming law.

The City Council voted Thursday night to approve the final reading the residency prohibition.

City Councilor Dean A. Tran, who proposed the measure, said he was ready to debate the ordinance with any critics, but none ever addressed the council.

“We have had many parents showing support for the ordinance throughout the process,” he said yesterday an interview conducted via e-mail.

The proposed ordinance was amended as it worked its way through the legislative process, including a change that has it apply only to offenders whose crimes were committed against minors. The original wording would have included all level 2 and level 3 sex offenders, he said.

The amended version also includes fines for individuals who harbor or provide housing to sex offenders in violation of the ordinance, Mr. Tran said.

Mayor Dan H. Mylott said he supports the intent of the ordinance, but did not sign it yesterday. He said he expects to read the measure over the weekend.

“More than likely, I’m going to sign it,” he said.

Critics of the measure, including the local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, say residency restrictions can drive offenders underground and keep them from registering their whereabouts.

Mr. Tran has replied that offenders can go underground regardless of his proposed ordinance.

Another of Mr. Tran’s petitions concerning sex offenders is still pending before the council. The proposal would have information about sex offenders and their addresses sent to residents.

That issue was put on hold until the residency prohibition takes effect, Mr. Tran said. He added he was optimistic his colleagues will support the notification ordinance as well.

“One measure is not enough to provide protection to our children,” Mr. Tran said. “I believe the ordinance, coupled with notifying the citizens of the whereabouts of sex offenders, will be very effective in preventing a heinous crime from occurring.”

He added he expects to see other communities adopting such legislation until the state enacts a broader law.

“As an elected official, my obligation is to protect the innocent and not the criminals,” he said.