Mount Pleasant, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 98 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 98-1
Policy
Operative Text
A. In the Town of Mount Pleasant, with its population consisting of people of various races, creeds, colors, sexes and national origins, there is no greater danger to the health, morals, safety and welfare of the town and its inhabitants than the existence of groups and individuals reflecting prejudice against one another and antagonistic to each other because of difference of race, creed, color, sex or national origin. The Town Board hereby finds and declares that acts of prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and discrimination deny a person the opportunity to sell, purchase, lease, rent or obtain financing for the purchase or lease of housing accommodations because of race, creed, color, sex or national origin, threatens the fundamental rights and privileges of the inhabitants of the Town of Mount Pleasant and undermines the foundations of a free democratic state. The Town Board further declares it to be the public policy of the Town of Mount Pleasant to eliminate and prevent discrimination and involuntary segregation based on race, creed, color, sex or national origin and to safeguard the right of every person to sell, purchase, lease or rent or obtain financing for the purchase or lease of housing accommodations without regard to race, creed, color, sex or national origin. B. The Town Board further declares it to be the public policy of the Town of Mount Pleasant to require that every department or other subdivision of said town which may be involved in any construction programs for road building or recreational construction programs which could involve the removal or replacement of persons from their present living accommodations and their resettlement elsewhere (or which endeavor to implement any public or publicly assisted or public-approved housing or relocation plan) notify the Town Board of such action planned so that it may receive from the Town Board such recommendations as, in the judgment of the Board, will aid in effectuating the purpose of this chapter, including the elimination or minimization of involuntary segregation in housing within the town. C. In accordance with this policy, it shall be the duty of all town officers, officials and employees to exercise any governmental function relating to the use, sale or occupancy of land, real property or housing accommodations in such a manner, consistent with law, that all patterns of involuntary racially segregated housing existing in this town be eliminated and that the creation of any such patterns be prevented to the maximum extent that such a result can be achieved by such action.
Section 98-1 of Mount Pleasant, N.Y., Code of Ordinances Chapter 98 establishes the town's foundational fair-housing policy, declaring that discrimination in the sale, purchase, lease, rental, or financing of housing based on race, creed, color, sex, or national origin is contrary to the public welfare. The provision identifies such discrimination as a threat to the fundamental rights of town residents and directs all town officers, officials, and employees to exercise their governmental functions in ways that eliminate and prevent involuntary segregated housing patterns. It also requires town departments involved in construction, relocation, or publicly assisted housing programs to notify the Town Board so that recommendations can be made to minimize involuntary segregation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Chapter 98, § 98-1 reflects the overarching public policy framework within which all housing transactions in Mount Pleasant are expected to occur. Operators who comply with this policy generally ensure that their practices in listing, showing, leasing, and financing housing do not differentiate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, or national origin. Understanding this foundational policy section helps property owners recognize that subsequent provisions in Chapter 98 are designed to give enforceable effect to these declared principles.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 98-1 of Mount Pleasant's Code of Ordinances, Chapter 98, affirms that every person has the right to seek housing — whether by sale, lease, rental, or financing — free from discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, or national origin. Tenants who believe they have encountered discriminatory treatment in a housing transaction may find this policy declaration relevant as background context when raising a fair-housing concern with the appropriate town or state authority. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid resources can help individuals understand how this policy connects to specific enforceable protections elsewhere in the code or under state and federal law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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