Despite Ordinance, Lynn Sex Offenders Could Stay In Their Homes

Convicted sex offenders in Lynn may be allowed to stay in their homes, despite a city ordinance that bans them from living near schools, parks or playgrounds.

City Council President Tim Phelan says Lynn's legal department does not believe the ordinance would hold up in court, because it leaves almost no place for sex offenders to live.

"I wish there was no question of the legality of that because I think it's very strong, it's very powerful and it really protects all the children in the city of Lynn. However, the law does offer legal protections to all citizens," Phelan says.

Proposed changes to the ordinance include "grand-fathering" sex offenders living in the city, and reducing the required distance between a sex offender's home and schools, parks or playgrounds.