§ 2A-1. Legislative findings and intent.

A. 

From time to time, consent orders are issued by federal, state, or local governmental agencies, including the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Nassau County Department of Health, requiring that the owner or occupant of property whose soils or groundwater thereunder are contaminated by hazardous waste implement a plan for the remediation or monitoring of such waste. It is the finding of this Board that the violation of the terms of such a consent order and related plan endangers the life, health, and safety of Town residents.

B. 

It is also the finding of this Board that vacant and abandoned buildings and structures which are not properly secured at entrances, windows and other openings serve as attractive nuisances for children who are oftentimes injured therein. Such buildings are, in addition, places of congregation by vagrants and transients. Dilapidated buildings and structures are frequently infested with rodents, thereby creating a significant health hazard to the community.

C. 

The Board finds that it is in the best interest of the Town of North Hempstead to establish a method for the identification and registration of vacant, blighted, unsecured and abandoned buildings and structures and to establish the responsibilities of owners of such properties in order to protect the health, safety and welfare of Town residents.

D. 

Accordingly, Chapter 2A of the Code of the Town of North Hempstead is enacted to safeguard against the dangers posed by the violation of government consent orders and plans for the remediation or monitoring of hazardous waste by requiring that such properties be secured, and that such other action as may be necessary be taken to protect the health and safety of occupants of such properties, and other Town residents. Chapter 2A of the Code of the Town of North Hempstead is also enacted to safeguard against the dangers by requiring that unsafe buildings and structures be repaired and secured or demolished and removed.