Town of Ossining, NY Purpose; Title

The Town of Ossining finds that the development of cable television and communications systems has the potential of having great benefit and impact upon the people of Ossining. Because of the complex and rapidly changing technology associated with cable television, the town further finds that the public convenience, safety and general welfare can best be served by establishing regulatory powers which should be vested in the town or such persons as the town shall designate. It is the intent of this chapter and subsequent amendments to provide for and specify the means to attain the best possible public interest and public purpose in these matters, and any franchise issued pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed to include this finding as an integral part thereof. Further, it is recognized that cable communications systems have the capacity to provide not only entertainment and information services to the town's residents, but can provide a variety of broadband, interactive communications services to institutions and individuals. Many of these services involve town agencies and other public institutions, by providing governmental, educational or health care communications. For these purposes, the following goals underlie the regulations contained herein:

Communications services should be provided to the maximum number of town residents.

The system should be capable of accommodating both the present and reasonably foreseeable future communications needs of the town.

The system should be improved and upgraded during the franchise term so that the new facilities necessary for the operation of this system shall be integrated to the maximum extent possible with existing facilities as specified in the franchise.

The communications system authorized by this chapter shall be responsive to the needs and interests of the local community and shall provide the widest possible diversity of information sources and services to the public.