Newton approves curfew for minors: What to know before it starts in September
NEWTON − A formal curfew for the town goes into effect Sept. 14 after the Town Council approved an ordinance which sets up formal hours as well as allows police to write tickets for being out "after hours."
The curfew ordinance does allow exceptions for school/athletic events, employment and being accompanied by an adult other than an older sibling. The curfew is in effect from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. "whether on foot, bicycle, scooter, skateboard and/or motor vehicle" and is for those under the age 18.
The adoption came at Monday's council meeting with the public filling most of the seating in the council's chambers. Several people didn't want to wait for the formal public hearing on the ordinance and took advantage of the first opportunity for "public comment" and simply urged the council to approve the action.
The full ordinance is part of the Aug. 21 meeting agenda which is available on the town's website.
During the formal public hearing, only three people spoke, including residents of Newton Town Centre, an apartment building for mostly senior citizens and whose parking area is an "open air space" in the buildings ground level.
One resident said, "Good kids won't be out that time of night."
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At other recent council meetings, other residents of the State Street building had spoken of being accosted in the garage by youths and one woman said some of them have gotten into the hallways.
Before the council's vote, Police Chief Steven VanNieuwland said that without the curfew ordinance "our hands are tied to some regard."
He noted that often officers encountered youth who were "out" without their parents knowing. And, he noted, on some occasions when a youth is returned home, the officer is told "(You) don't have a curfew. What are you going to want me to do?"
Informally, the department had what it called "curbside adjustments" in which the officer would get name and address and give a lecture. Further incidents could escalate to a "stationhouse adjustment" which involved the officer, his supervisor, the parent/guardian and the youth.
The ordinance does allow for officers to refer the juvenile and their parent/guardian to Family Court. The ordinance also allows for the Family Court judge to include the parent or guardian to be included in the sentencing, so if a youth is sentenced to pick up litter, the responsible adult is also sentenced.
The chief noted that there was a late night fight recently and "someone ended up getting hurt."
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He noted there are many towns, "especially along the Shore towns'" with curfews and ended: "Keeping them home, keeps them out of trouble."
After the 6-0 vote, Town Manager Thomas S Russo Jr. said the mid-September effective date is to comply with state law about advertising the new ordinance as a way to notify the public.
Redevelopment area
The council also approved a redevelopment plan for two lots on the northeast corner of Water and South Park Drive. ShopRite currently occupies one of the lots while the other lot is site of the former Newton Armory.
The state has certified that the site is safe and Shoprite has purchased the lot with plans to upgrade and expand its store and make use of the armory site as part of the nearly 11-acre redevelopment effort.
This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Newton NJ curfew for minors: What to know, when it starts
