CITY STEPS UP EFFORT TO KEEP AREAS DRUG-FREE

The number of drug-free zones in Breckenridge Hills could increase sharply
under an ordinance approved by the City Council.

Included in the measure are public and private schools and colleges, youth
centers, video arcades, playgrounds, swimming pools, public parks, churches
and synagogues, public housing properties and school bus loading zones. In
addition, the parking lots of those facilities would also be drug-free
zones. All the areas would be marked by signs.

The measure would create a 2,000-foot buffer around each property in which
the possession, distribution or use of controlled substances or
drug-related paraphernalia would subject offenders to harsher legal
penalties than would be the case outside the zones.

In naming so many institutions, the municipality would set tougher
standards than either federal or state law.

The council approved the measure unanimously and when it was pointed out
that the new zones would cover most of Breckenridge Hills, several council
members said they favored including as much land as possible.

City Attorney Paul Martin, who took part in drafting the legislation,
agreed that the square footage covered by the zones might need to be
reduced. He said he would investigate the matter and, if necessary, write
an amendment.