§ 280-1. Findings and intent.

A. 

The Village Board of Trustees hereby finds that buildings and places being employed for the illegal sale of controlled substances and for the promotion of prostitution and other public nuisances exist within the Village of Sleepy Hollow; and that real estate used for improper purposes can have a devastating effect on the surrounding community; that these public nuisances exist in occupied and vacant buildings and on occupied and vacant developed and undeveloped real estate; that these public nuisances exist as a result of the operation of certain businesses, establishments and use of property in flagrant violation of pertinent provisions of penal laws, health laws, licensing laws, environmental laws and laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages; and that all of these public nuisances interfere with the interest of the public in the quality of life and total community environment, the tone of commerce in the Village, property values and the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of this Village.

B. 

The Board further finds and determines that the existence of real estate with public nuisances that is sold in the Village, together with other public nuisances, is detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Village.

C. 

Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to create one standardized procedure for securing legal and equitable remedies, without prejudice, to the use of procedures available under existing and subsequently enacted laws; to strengthen existing laws so as to assist the Westchester County District Attorney, Westchester County Attorney's office, Westchester County Executive, Westchester County and the Village of Sleepy Hollow as well as all local police departments in preventing buildings, residences, premises and real estate within the Village of Sleepy Hollow from being used in such a way as to constitute a public nuisance.