Greece continues hearing on proposed historic preservation law to July 16, staff to produce redlined draft

The Town of Greece on June 18 continued a public hearing on proposed Local Law No. 2 of 2026, which would establish a historic preservation board and outline procedures for landmark designation, certificates of appropriateness and reporting requirements.

Scott Kopi, the town’s director of planning and economic development, briefed the board on research into a model historic preservation law, the state certified local government program, and the policy differences between the model law and the town’s current code — notably whether a local board would have authority to designate historic properties without owner consent (so‑called involuntary designation). Kopi noted that the model law contains mechanisms for designation, hardship relief, and certificates of appropriateness, and that several additions (training requirements, liaison members, recordkeeping and open‑meeting clarifications) would strengthen the town’s proposed law.

At public comment, Gina Dibella, a historic preservation consultant and former chair of the town historic preservation commission, urged the town to give the new board authority to designate without owner approval to better protect historic resources and to pursue a townwide survey recognized by the state for grant eligibility. Dibella also cautioned the board against hasty mass designations and recommended a professional, measured approach.

Board members asked for data on how many New York municipalities have involuntary designation authority; staff estimated roughly 80 communities would qualify for certification and said about 70 are certified statewide. Board members also asked how the certificate‑of‑appropriateness process would operate, how owners would be notified, and whether not granting involuntary designation now would foreclose grant opportunities. Staff said some grants require the model law but others do not, and recommended continuing the hearing to revise language, add inventory and training provisions, and return with a redline for public review.

Councilman Antelli moved and Councilwoman Miller seconded a motion to continue the hearing to July 16 so staff could post and circulate a redline draft; the board approved the continuance by voice vote. Staff will present a revised draft and any additional materials at the July 16 meeting.