Mount Kisco adopts parkland-preservation law, limiting alienation of specified parks

The Mount Kisco Village Board adopted a parkland-preservation local law on Aug. 5 that codifies protections for deeded parks and requires a supermajority of trustees before the village may alienate specified parkland.

Mayor J. Michael Cindrich opened a public hearing on the draft law, which would add Chapter 31 to the Village Code to define "Parkland" and prohibit any sale, lease or change of use of that land without a supermajority vote and prior legislative authorization. The proposed statute as drafted explicitly identifies Leonard Park (Tax Map Section 80.66 Block 1 Lot 1) and Flewellyn Park (Section 80.33 Block 4 Lot 2) as protected parkland.

Public commenters asked for clarity on "reversion" clauses associated with earlier deeds; the Conservation Advisory Council’s John Rhodes referenced historical deed correspondence and recommended protections be considered for other parks. Resident Louis Terlizzi urged limiting the law to deeded parks and suggested stronger protections such as a voter referendum or involvement of the Leonard Park Committee. Trustee Lisa C. Abzun asked that other village parks (including Kirby Plaza, Maple Avenue Park, and Fox Park) be considered for inclusion and requested reasons if they remain excluded.

The Board closed the hearing and voted to adopt Local Law No. 2 of 2024. The roll call showed Mayor Cindrich, Deputy Mayor Theresa Flora and Trustee Angie Guerra voted in favor; Trustees Karen B. Schleimer and Lisa C. Abzun voted against the measure. After the vote, resident Kim Terlizzi publicly criticized trustees who opposed expanding protections to additional parks.

The law becomes effective upon filing with the New York State Secretary of State. The Board discussed holding a work session and directed staff and counsel to research deed histories and resolutions for parks not currently listed in the chapter.