The Troy City Council passed a loitering law last Thursday that had been called for by city leaders and school administration. Under the ordinance, it is illegal for students under age 18 to loiter within 2,000 feet of a school between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm.
The law was rallied for by several school administrators in hopes it will reduce fighting, but many students harshly criticized the proposal. Currently, many students stand across from the high schools during the day and lawmakers have received complaints from residents about it. Lansingburgh High is located across from residential houses while Troy High is right across the street from many of RPI’s dorms.
A student who breaks the new law will be held by police and turned over to his or her parent or guardian. The next time the student is in violation, he or she will have to serve 25 hours of community service and the parents will be fined $100.
