NJ- Cherry Hill takes sex offender case to top court

8-5-2008 New Jersey:

CHERRY HILL - The township, trying to uphold a restriction on where sex offenders can live here, has taken its case to the New Jersey Supreme Court, Mayor Bernie Platt announced this morning.

A state appeals court on July 15 struck down the Cherry Hill ordinance, which kept registered sex offenders from living within 2,500 feet of any school, playground or house of religious worship. More than 100 other New Jersey municipalities have similar local rules on the books.

But the measure, in place about three years in Cherry Hill, was invalid because it conflicted with the less-restrictive state Megan's Law, according to the appeals court decision last month.

Platt fired back this morning at a press conference outside Cherry Hill Town Hall. He said Megan's Law in New Jersey has a fatal flaw: no residency restrictions.

"And that is the reason we strengthened Cherry Hill's law," Platt said. "I believe this law adds value to our community and provides protection to our children."

The state appeals court last month also struck down a similar residency restriction in Galloway Township, Atlantic County. A call to the township lawyer there was not immediately returned this afternoon. ..News Source.. by ADAM SMELTZ