As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the following
meanings, unless the context clearly indicates that a different meaning is
intended:
LOITER
To sit, stand, loaf, lounge, wander or stroll in an aimless manner
or to stop, pause or remain in an area for no obvious reason.
NUISANCE
Unnecessary conduct which may tend to annoy, intimidate, threaten
or otherwise disturb another in or about any public street, sidewalk, bridge
or public ground which is offensive to the public morals or decency of the
citizens of the City of Hudson.
PUBLIC PLACE
An area generally visible to public view and includes streets, sidewalks,
bridges, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, parking lots, automobiles, whether
moving or not, and buildings open to the general public, including those which
serve food or drink or provide entertainment, and the doorway and entrance
to buildings or dwellings and the grounds enclosing them.
No person shall loiter or prowl in a place, at a time or in a manner
not usual for law-abiding individuals under circumstances that warrant alarm
for the safety of persons or property in the vicinity. Among the circumstances
which may be considered in determining whether such alarm is warranted is
the fact that the person takes flight upon appearance of a police or peace
officer, refuses to identify himself or manifestly endeavors to conceal himself
or any object. Unless flight by the person or other circumstances make it
impracticable, a police or peace officer shall, prior to any arrest for an
offense under this chapter, afford the person an opportunity to dispel any
alarm which would otherwise be warranted by requesting him to identify himself
and explain his presence and conduct. No person shall be convicted of an offense
under this section if the police officer did not comply with the preceding
sentence or if it appears at trial that the explanation given by the person
was true and, if believed by the police or peace officer at the time, would
have dispelled the alarm.
Any person who shall violate any provision of this chapter shall be subject to a penalty as provided in Chapter
1, §
1-18 of this Municipal Code. In addition to any penalty imposed for violation of this chapter, any person who shall cause physical damage to or destroy any public property shall be liable for the costs of replacing or repairing such damaged or destroyed property.