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Saratoga Springs Design Review Meeting (5/28/2025)
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Saratoga Springs Design Review Meeting (5/28/2025)

Summary Podcast

This podcast was created entirely using AI and other software technologies, including AI-generated voices. The content is drawn from actual video and audio of the Planning Board meeting, which has been summarized to highlight key points.

The goal of this podcast is to help busy citizens of Saratoga Springs stay informed and engaged in our democratic process by providing accessible meeting summaries.

You can view the full video of the meeting here: https://saratogaspringsny.new.swagit.com/videos/344226

In addition to the audio podcast, we’ve added a new feature, aided by AI, to provide the following text summary of the meeting:

  • 30 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
    Sidewalk cafe architectural review in the Urban Core U-C District.
    Status: Approved.
    Public Comment: No public comments.

  • 551 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
    Rooftop solar array architectural review in the Residential World District (RR).
    Status: Approved.
    Public Comment: No public comments.

  • 4 Oakland Drive, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
    Installation of a residential standby generator architectural review in the Urban Residential (UR-1) District.
    Status: Approved.
    Public Comment: No public comments.

  • 19 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
    Exterior modifications to a third-floor condo balcony architectural review in the Urban Core District.
    Status: Approved with conditions: HOA to submit a letter acknowledging that this shade system will become the standard make model color and installation for all future balcony shade systems.
    Public Comment: No public comments.

  • 30/30.5 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
    Mixed-use building architectural review in the Urban Core T6 District. Two options presented with different floor setbacks.
    Status: Approved option a with conditions: applicant is to return for full discussion regarding Window configuration materials and any other additional details.
    Public Comment: Simeon with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation stated that the 60 Public comments that were received were a result of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation being an effective Preservation advocacy organization. Public comment is open for the next meeting.

  • 3/26 Finley Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
    Determination of significance and discussion of demolition of an existing structure. Discussion of materials, mass, and scale for new construction of a three-story residential building and a one-story commercial structure in the Urban Neighborhood (UN) District.
    Status: The design review board determines on this state that the structure noted does not have architectural and or historic significance.
    Public Comment: Vicki Feldman (10 Livingston Street) expressed concerns about the height of the building, the loss of the wooded area, and the design. Don Hughes (8 Livingston Street) expressed concerns about the elevation issues, the sinkhole, and the setback. Fran Whit e stated that the building is not compatible with the residential side of the neighborhood. Sarah Brockway (Prospect Drive) requested plans from the other sides of the building and expressed concerns about traffic patterns. Alex White (14 Livingston Street) stated that the building could impact property values by 10-20%. Mike General Eats (Spa Drive) expressed concerns about the stability of the trees and the building's design. Matt Gilmort on (29 Spa Drive) stated that the building is massive and will destroy the neighborhood. Holly (14 Pleasant Drive) expressed concerns about another 125-bed facility and the removal of the berm. Jan Main stated that the density of the neighborhood has increased significantly. Mickey Mahoney (55 White Street) stated that the building is too large and does not fit in the neighborhood. Ali Dockham (48 White Street) stated that the building is t oo large and that it is not the right project for the space. Sue Rodham (84 White Street) stated that the building looks like a hotel and does not f it in the neighborhood. Dave Carina (21 Park Place) stated that the building is too big and covers most of the lot. Samantha Bosshart (Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation) stated that the foundation does not think that the building is incompatible. Public comment is open for the next meeting.

  • Park Place and Cottage Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
    Advisory opinion to the Planning Board regarding mass, scale, height, and compatibility with the neighborhood.
    Status: No Decision.
    Public Comment: Barbara Lombardo (35 Park Place) stated that the building does not fit in the middle of the street and that it is too wide, tall, and deep. Susan (23 Park Place) stated that the building is too close to her house and will impact the way she lives. Derrick Olson (8 South Street) stated that the building does not fit in the area. Jan Main stated that the density of the neighborhood has increased significantly. Mickey Mahoney (55 White Street) stated that the building is too large and does not fit in the neighborhood. Ali Dockham (48 White Street) stated that the building is too large and that it is not the right project for the space. Sue Rodham (84 White Street) stated that the building look s like a hotel and does not fit in the neighborhood. Dave Carina (21 Park Place) stated that the building is too big and covers most of the lot. Samantha Bosshart (Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation) stated that the foundation does not think that the building is incompatible. Public comment is open for the next meeting.

  • 154 Regent Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
    Exterior modifications, including ductless air conditioning.
    Status: Approved with conditions: existing garage windows, doors, and siding be reused wherever possible in the construction of the new garage; columns, steps, and decking are to be made of wood; applicant will return to the design review board for driveway review when the timing is appropriate.
    Public Comment: No public comments.

  • 179 Nelson Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
    Exterior modifications, including ductless air conditioning.
    Status: No Decision.
    Public Comment: No public comments. Public comment is open for the next meeting.

  • 115 Circular Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
    Executive Session related to pending litigation
    Status: No Decision.
    Public Comment: No public comments. Public comment is open for the next meeting.

These updates have also been added to the Saratoga Civic Pulse “Shaping Our City” Interactive Map, which gives you real-time insight into projects reviewed by the Saratoga Springs Planning Board, Design Review Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.

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