City to consider change in sex offender restrictions

A public hearing will be called for Wednesday on the City of Lockport’s possible decision to repeal a local law on sex offender restrictions.

City attorney John Ottaviano recommended this decision and said currently Chapter 151 of the code, which was adopted in 2006, states Level II and Level III sex offenders can not live or be within a 1,000 feet radius of a school, park, nursery school, child care facility or playground.

Recently, Niagara County Judge Matthew Murphy overturned a similar law in the Town of Newfane after a convicted sex offender challenged it. Other municipalities across the state are also facing suits because state law supercedes local laws.

The New York State Penal Law requires that the 1,000 feet restriction pertain only to a Level III sex offender who is on probation or parole.

Ottaviano said he wants to be “proactive,” repealing the law before a civil liability or possible court case arises against the city. This would mean the city would now follow the state guidelines for sex offenders seeking residency in Lockport.

“There is nothing we can do,” said Ottaviano.

In other city news:

• A special meeting was called Wednesday to approve a resolution in support of the YWCA of Niagara and their wish to pursue grant funding from the state.

Director of planning and development for the city, Chuck Bell said Monday is the deadline for the YWCA to submit an application through the Urban Initiatives program. With the funds, they would like to construct a culinary training center, allowing the YWCA to expand their vocational culinary training program and social enterprise model.

The YWCA will seek no more than $200,000 for the project, which will be located on site.

As part of the application, the YWCA of Niagara has to have a resolution of support from the City of Lockport.

• According the City Clerk Richelle Pasceri, the first electronic waste drop off was a success.

The city collected seven pallets of electronics and will receive 8.6 cents per pound, which will go back into the refuse fund and help maintain the program.

“We were very pleased for the first one,” said Pasceri.

The electronic waste drop off will take place on the first and third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon. The next drop off will be on July 21, at Harrison Place — the South Street entrance.

Electronics such as computers, televisions/monitors, gaming consoles, VCR/DVD and personal devices will be collected.

Unacceptable items include large and small appliances, air conditioners, microwaves, dehumidifiers and fluorescent light bulbs.

For more information contact the clerk’s office at 439-6676 or visit www.curbsidelockport.com.