§ 12A-1. Legislative policy, purpose and findings.

The Town Board of the Town of North Hempstead recognizes the constitutional right of any person to disseminate information, including advertising or commercial matter. At the same time, the Town Board must address the concerns of private property owners that distribution of commercial handbills on private property may be injurious to public health, safety and welfare and may constitute a nuisance. The accumulation of unsolicited commercial handbills on private property can be regulated as a matter of public health and safety. The proliferation of such handbills indicates that a dwelling is unoccupied, thereby making it a potential target for vandalism, burglary or other violations and crimes. This provision seeks to promote and preserve the right of any person to distribute such information and at the same time protect the interests of the residents of the Town of North Hempstead.