The presence of a violent sexual predator in the area has prompted a local community to draft a new ordinance in hopes of keeping residents safe.

The ordinance has been on the fast track in East Wheatfield Township since a convicted sex predator moved into neighboring Armagh last month.

Friday, residents learned that the proposed ordinance won't do much about the man who is already living there, but if passed, it could ensure that he's the only one.

Residents packed the East Wheatfield Township Municipal Building to hear about what township officials said is everything they can do legally.

The draft ordinance is one of the most restrictive in Pennsylvania and would ensure residents know if a sex predator wants to move to the community.

Township officials also plan to hire a codes officer to enforce the ordinance, and they're starting a community crime watch. The township has also changed trick-or-treating for Halloween to daylight hours, and said Armagh is planning a similar approach.

The public can review the draft ordinance at the municipal building. Township officials are scheduled to vote on it on Oct. 24.

Stay with WJAC-TV News and WJACTV.com for continuing coverage.