Plandome Heights seeks to protect history while preserving owner rights

The Village of Plandome Heights is considering a new historic preservation law that would allow property owners to voluntarily designate their homes as landmarks, while giving the village a framework to protect historically significant properties without overriding homeowners' rights. At the Monday, Nov. 2 public hearing, Mayor Kenneth Riscica emphasized that homeowner consent would be mandatory, even if the village initiates a landmark designation. The proposed law, which would establish a new Chapter 71 of the village code, has been discussed and revised by the board of trustees over several months. “There will never under this law be a property landmark because George Washington slept there, or whatever public purpose someone on a commission decided was worthy,” Riscica said. “The homeowner, property owner, always has the right to decide whether they want to participate or not.” The proposal comes amid preservation concerns surrounding the village's historic Duke Houses, bu