County Will Appeal Ruling On Sex Offenders

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato this afternoon said the county will appeal a federal court ruling that struck down an ordinance banning sex offenders from living within 2,500 feet of a child care facility, recreational facility, community center, public park or school.

U.S. District Judge Gary L. Lancaster said the ordinance, which was introduced and unanimously approved by County Council in October 2007, undermined state law. The ordinance, which was initially sponsored by County Councilman Vince Gastgeb, R-Bethel Park, was challenged last year by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of six sex offenders.

Link: www.postgazette.com/pg/09083/957951-100.stm

Residency Restrictions For Sex Offenders Popular, But Ineffective

County Councilman Vince Gastgeb and Mt. Lebanon resident Kathy Graziano are mentioned in this article from today's Post-Gazette:

The decision by Mr. Gastgeb to write the local law was influenced by listening to many parents in Mt. Lebanon speak at community meetings. They were outraged last year to learn that a convicted sex offender was living near Howe Elementary School in the Sunset Hills neighborhood.

Last week, parents there continued to support the residency restriction law. "It would be very difficult to have a whole lot of sympathy for sex offenders at all, having three children," said Kathy Graziano, who lives in the community.

One of the reasons she feels so strongly about the restriction is that the Mt. Lebanon School District does not have a busing system. Many students walk to and from school, she said, which makes them more vulnerable. "There were children passing his residence at any time of the day," Ms. Graziano said. "We don't have buses . . . or designated adults that would be one more set of eyes."

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/08300/922948-85.stm

County Bans Sex Offenders From Living Too Close To Schools, Parks

Allegheny County Council yesterday passed a law prohibiting registered sexual offenders from living within 2,500 feet of a school or child care center, public park or playground.

Council unanimously approved the ordinance that was introduced in June by Councilman Vince Gastgeb, R-Bethel Park, after a group of Mt. Lebanon residents, angered to learn that a registered sex offender was living near an elementary school in the Sunset Hills neighborhood, pressed for more restrictions.

Link: www.post-gazette.com/pg/07297/827964-85.stm