§ 76-1. Purpose.

It is hereby declared as a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of historic properties is necessary to promote the economic, cultural, educational and general welfare of the public. Historic properties are defined as buildings, structures, sites, objects, or other features that represent or reflect significant elements of the Town's cultural, social, economic, political and architectural history. The Town is authorized to enact a local law pursuant to Municipal Home Rule Law § 10 and General Municipal Law § 96-a to effect and accomplish the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of such historic properties, in order to safeguard the Town's historic, aesthetic and cultural heritage; to stabilize and improve property values; to ensure the harmonious, orderly and efficient growth in development of the Town; to foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past; to protect and enhance the Town's attractiveness to visitors; and to provide an educational service to the community.