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City council asks solicitor to draft ordinance limiting on‑street syringe distribution near schools and parks
Summary
After councilors and public speakers described hundreds of discarded syringes in several neighborhoods, the City Council voted to ask the city solicitor to draft an ordinance banning on‑site syringe distribution within 1,000 feet of schools (and near parks) and to return with a draft for committee review.
The Lowell City Council on Tuesday voted to direct the city solicitor to draft an ordinance prohibiting on‑street syringe distribution within 1,000 feet of schools and near city parks, after members and residents described repeated finds of discarded syringes in public places.
Councilors raised the issue during a lengthy public discussion that included data and comments from public‑health staff and neighborhood leaders. Councilor Mesha Mercia, who said she and Councilor Dakota co‑authored the motion, told the council the intent was to keep syringe distribution away from playgrounds and schools.
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