A.    The council finds and declares that minors and young adults are meeting in large groups on foot or by automobile in the municipal parking lots and remaining there to use the parking lots for purposes other than for what they are intended (i.e., parking while shopping or patronizing local businesses). The number of persons entering and exiting the parking lots and milling around automobiles, creates a safety hazard to pedestrians and drivers alike in the lots and on adjoining streets and prevents or interferes with parking by customers. Litter from broken bottles, empty beverage cans, discarded food wrappers and cigarette butts quickly accumulate on the lot creating a health hazard. Nearby stores and buildings are vandalized. Confrontation and fights develop and younger children and customers of local businesses are intimidated and frightened. These problems are particularly difficult to regulate or prevent.

    B.    The council declares that the use of municipal parking lots in this manner is a public nuisance and requires urgent regulation. (Ord. 514 § 2 (part), 1994)