HOULTON – In coming weeks, town officials plan to erect a sign spelling out tougher charges for drug dealers convicted of peddling within 1,000 feet of Community Park. The park, containing a children’s playground, skate park and athletic fields, has been declared a “safe zone” under state law.

In recent months, town councilors voted unanimously to designate Community Park a “safe zone” in response to state legislation enacted during the first regular session and the first special session.

The law enables a municipality to designate athletic fields, parks, playgrounds or recreational facilities as “safe zones.”

Houlton Police Chief Daniel Soucy urged the council to proclaim the park a safe zone. He told councilors that an informational sign, with wording approved by the commissioner of public safety, would have to be erected in the Park.