SETTING SEX-OFFENDER LIMIT (Spurred by Mastic residents’ outrage, lawmaker proposes restricting how many can live in same house)

PFMLIT General, LAURA AHEARN AND PARENTS FOR MEGANS LAW, LEGISLATION, LOCAL SUFFOLK COUNTY, LONG ISLAND NEWS, PFML, RESIDENCY RESTRICTION LAWS

Legislator Kate Browning (WFP-Shirley), a Suffolk lawmaker, filed legislation yesterday that would prevent more than one registered sex offender from living at the same residence.  Browning announced the proposed bill in Mastic, down the block from 115 Eleanor Avenue, a small home that houses four registered Level 3 sex offenders, considered to be the most dangerous.  Brookhaven Supervisor Brian Foley said the town is looking into the constitutionality of changing its zoning laws to break up sex offender clusters.  Laura Ahearn, executive director of Parents for Megan's Law, said the Mastic and Gordon Heights areas have seen an influx of sex offenders because of the affordable rents.  These communities need protection from certain landlords who are not invested in child protection or quality of life but are seeking only to benefit financially, Ahearn added.  She said the county has 860 registered sex offenders.

(New York)