Russian Estate On LI Investigated Over Possible Commercial Use

GLEN COVE, NY — The U.S. State Department is investigating whether a Russian compound in Glen Cove has been used for commercial purposes, which could jeopardize the property's tax-exempt and diplomatic status, Newsday reported.

Killenworth Estate, originally the home of late industrialist George du Pont Pratt, was purchased by the Soviet Union in the 1940s. For years, Russian diplomats used the Dosoris Lane estate as a holiday retreat.

Lyuks Express Inc., a trucking company, appears on databases maintained by Dun & Bradstreet and LexisNexis with addresses at Russian-owned properties, including Killenworth Estate, according to Newsday.

Lisette Kwong, spokeswoman for Dun & Bradstreet, told Newsday that the service did not know the "specific data source" that led Lyuks Express Inc. to be listed in their database, saying the record was created a long time ago. Dun & Bradstreet also told the publication that it was "was unable to verify that the company has active operations with current business activity."

Any property that is bought or leased by foreign missions cannot be used for commercial purposes, according to the U.S. State Department's website. If it is, "the mission understands that such use deprives the area used for such purposes of both its inviolability status and eligibility for exemption from property taxation."

According to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the jurisdiction loses about $50,000 a year in tax revenue. And there is reportedly a long-standing conflict with the City of Glen Cove over the property's tax status.

SEE ALSO:

• Officials Call For Shutdown Of Russian Estate On Long Island