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ONEIDA, N.Y. -- A new proposal in the City of Oneida that would prohibit sex offenders from moving too close to school buildings is getting some serious criticism from the community.

The law would require sex offenders to live at least 1,000 feet from day cares and schools. Several citizens expressed serious concerns about clustering sex offenders and other unintended consequences. Some people were even worried about the city possibly being sued on constitutional grounds.

The common councilman who proposed the legislation says he worked with Rome, which has a similar law, to make sure that wouldn't be an issue.

Supporters of the proposal say the city needs the law to keep their children safe.

“Nothing's really ever happened. We don't want it to happen. I think it's an excellent idea, I believe in it and I hope it goes through,” Oneida Common Councilman James Chamberlain said.

The proposal was tabled at Tuesday night's meeting and will be revisited on August 21st.