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The Longmont City Council is considering an ordinance to require registered sex offenders to live a certain distance away from schools and parks. The discussion arose as residents raised concerns about a house on Winding Drive that houses five sex offenders, some of whom have been implicated in crimes involving children.
There are 286 registered sex offenders in Longmont. At least six residences in Longmont have three or more registered sex offenders living at the same address. The Longmont Leader reported about the original resident concerns regarding the residence on Winding Drive as well as the response from Mobarez Solutions, which is a for-profit organization that aims to help sex offenders reintegrate into society.
Roohallah Mobarez, the founder and CEO of Mobarez Solutions, is also a sex offender who spoke out at last week’s City Council meeting. While the home on Winding Drive is operated by his company, Mobarez said the other five homes in Longmont are not associated with his company. These homes are located on Shavano Street, Pikes Peak Place, East 8th Avenue, Morgan Avenue, and Sunset Way.
City Council members have acknowledged citizens’ safety concerns as they consider the most effective ordinance, but have also stated that there is no evidence that ordinances of this type have any impact on recidivism rates. As the council discussed various potential distance requirements, Councilman Matthew Popkin said they are trying to find the “most effective level of arbitrary.”
The council members also discussed the fact that the ordinance would not prevent sex offenders from going to the park or walking in areas near the school. Councilman Rodriguez echoed Popkin’s comment. “I do not believe that a predator would stick within the confines of the immediate neighborhood of their residence,” Rodriguez said. “To alleviate fear in the community, going forward with the ordinance I believe is prudent.”
The concept of a for-profit business operating in a residential area was also brought up as a point of concern. Maps were presented with overlays for potential setbacks from public parks, daycares, schools, and private parks. Council members expressed concerns about confining the sex offenders into certain pockets. They also discussed the option of limiting the number of unrelated sex offenders who can reside in the same home. Popkin asked for more data on that topic before making a decision.
Mobarez spoke at the end of the meeting and said his program is helping to protect the community by offering necessary therapy to felony sexual assault convicts after they are released from prison. “We’re criminalizing housing for people that have already completed their sentences,” Mobarez said. “These are individuals that are deemed low risk and safe to be in the community. We are coming in and adding an extra element of protection by housing them together. They are safer together, I want to clarify that. It’s therapeutic. They’re holding each other accountable. My staff is holding them accountable.” He added that regardless of the fact that his program is a for-profit business, the city would still be grappling with these issues.
More data and questions will be gathered before the council moves forward with an ordinance. There has not been a date announced for the next discussion on this issue.
