Connellville Considers Revamped Curfew Ordinance
CONNELLSVILLE (KDKA) -- Come spring, some changes may be coming to the city of Connellsville, Fayette County.
With a recent rash of crimes involving juveniles, council members and the police want residents to feel safe again and they believe a new curfew ordinance will do just that.
Council members proposed and talked about the new ordinance at Tuesday night's meeting. The real vote will come April 15.
Connellsville is revamping its old curfew ordinance. It's been on the books for decades, but Police Chief James Capitos told KDKA's Brenda Waters some thought it was unconstitutional.
"It's very similar to a curfew ordinance in Allentown, Pa., that was found to be unconstitutional; so the city solicitor made the deamination that ours was pretty much the same," said Chief Capitos.
The chief says the new version eliminates an extra hour out for juveniles.
"Under the new ordinance, Sunday through Thursday is kicked back to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday is kicked back to 11 p.m.," said Chief Capitos. "We have had a rash of serious juvenile crimes committed around the first of year in and around the city, very violent in nature, home invasions and armed robberies."
Many local residents agree with the proposed curfew.
"I think it's a good thing, good idea to have it revamped because kids are remaining on the streets," Jody Turney says. "Too much crime and crime issues."
If the new ordinance passes at that April 15 vote, and the police chief believes it will, a citation could cost anywhere from $50 to $300 and both a child and or parent could be cited.
Before the ordinance is passed, it will be open for community discussion.
RELATED LINKS:
More Connellsville News
More Fayette County News
More Reports by Brenda Waters
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
