Lynn loitering law lends mixed emotions

LYNN – Some of them think it is unfair; others see the merits in keeping teenagers from hanging out, but all of Linda Chhith’s English High School friends have an opinion on the city’s anti-loitering law.”We actually got into a debate over it in our reading program,” she said.The eight-month-old ordinance bans on-street congregating within 1,000 feet of a school. Police and elected officials say it brings more order to dismissals at schools attended by teenagers and is another tool for police in its ongoing efforts to curb local gang violence.English student Xavier Rosa understands adult fears about teenagers getting into trouble when they hang out together but he said fear of gangs and safety in numbers prompt some students to congregate together outside school.Five teens have been arrested since the ordinance was introduced April 29. Four of the arrests occurred in late November, including a 15-year-old whose mother said he was unfairly targeted for being friends with a gang member.A police report filed on the youth’s Nov. 17 arrest indicated police identified him as one of a group of non-students loitering outside Classical High. Police insist they do not randomly target youth for arrest but Isneldy Grullon said Monday morning students who live near schools cannot congregate outside their homes without being subject to the loitering statute.”It’s not fair to kids who live so close to the school. They’re getting punished,” said fellow English student Sara Alfaro.Marianne Kelleher supports the anti-loitering law and said teenagers should only be on the streets if they are headed for some parent or school-sanctioned activity.”I don’t care if it’s Friday or Saturday night,” the mother of a 15-year-old English student said.Tiffany Drown said most of her friends are too busy to worry about getting stopped and questioned about loitering.”Kids are aware of it but it really doesn’t faze them,” she said.To view video related to this story visit www.itemlive.com.