'No-Knock' Ordinance Up For A Vote At Tonight's Council Meeting

MAHWAH, NJ — The Township Council will host a public hearing and subsequent vote on a controversial 'no-knock' ordinance Thursday night.

The ordinance would require door-to-door solicitors to get a permit and go through a background check. Individuals seeking public office, working for a charity and the Boys Scouts and Girl Scouts would be exempt.

The ban would create a registry of homes that solicitors could not visit; participating homeowners could post a notice on their doors informing solicitors of their membership on the registry.

The ordinance brings to light a concern that residents have had recently about Orthodox Jews allegedly trying to expand from Rockland County in New York by purchasing real estate. Residents have also complained that Orthodox Jews have taken large groups of children to local parks.

Violators of the ordinance would be subject to a fine between $100 and $750 on their first offense and a maximum of $1,250 and up to 90 days community service on any subsequent offenses.

The Township Council Meeting is at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Mahwah Town Hall, 475 Corporate Drive.

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Patch file photo of Mahwah Town Hall