CONGERS – A loophole in state law that prohibits sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school building or traveling within 1,000 feet of school buildings, does not include daycare and pre-kindergarten facilities.
On Tuesday, State Senator David Carlucci (D, New City) and Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski (D, New City), along with Clarkstown Town Supervisor Alexander Gromack and local Clarkstown residents called for that loophole to be plugged.
Their concern is that a level three sex offender is currently legally living some 175 feet from Nella Di Nuovo Daycare on Lenox Avenue in a residential area of Congers.
Carlucci and Zebrowski introduced legislation in their respective houses
of the legislature that would prohibit sex offenders from moving within
1,000 feet of any school building used for instructional purposes in which
day care is provided.
“As a new father, it’s unsettling to know that current law leaves our youngest children unprotected from some of the most violent and perverse criminals,” Carlucci said. “Unfortunately within eight years of their release, level three sex offenders were rearrested almost 50 percent of the time. Our children are our most precious asset and we need to do everything we can to keep them safe. We must close this loophole immediately.”
“When sex offenders are placed in our community there needs to be vigilant enforcement, transparency and communication to ensure that residents can better educate their children to the dangers of these individuals,” said Zebrowski.
Gromack said he is “outraged that known sex offenders can live in such close proximity to schools, daycare facilities, and playgrounds were our precious children learn and play.”
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