2006 New York Code - Legislative Finding.

 
    §  2.  Legislative  finding.  It  is  hereby  declared  that intensive
  occupation of multiple dwelling sites, overcrowding of multiple dwelling
  rooms,  inadequate  provision  for  light  and  air,  and   insufficient
  protection  against  the  defective  provision for escape from fire, and
  improper sanitation of multiple dwellings in certain areas of the  state
  are  a  menace  to  the  health, safety, morals, welfare, and reasonable
  comfort of the citizens of the state; and  that  the  establishment  and
  maintenance of proper housing standards requiring sufficient light, air,
  sanitation  and protection from fire hazards are essential to the public
  welfare.  Therefore the provisions hereinafter  prescribed  are  enacted
  and  their  necessity  in  the  public  interest is hereby declared as a
  matter of legislative determination.