Saratoga Springs
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Saratoga Springs Design Review Board Advances Major Redevelopment Projects
The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board met on August 5, 2026, to review several redevelopment and preservation projects. The board advanced the plans for a 76-unit mixed-use development at 17 West Avenue, which includes ground-floor commercial space and basement parking. Commissioners supported the project's concept but requested further refinements before final approval. Additionally, the Board granted final architectural approval for a 27-unit mixed-use building at 64 Washington Street, marking another milestone in downtown redevelopment efforts. The board also approved modifications to the Excelsior Park/Whistler Court development but declined to approve wire-mesh balcony railings, directing the applicant to submit alternative designs.
Small Business Owners Urge Council to Consider Amazon Delivery Model Regulations
In Saratoga Springs, NY, small business owners and associations are urging the City Council to carefully consider the potential real-world impacts of regulating Amazon's delivery model. The concerns raised by these stakeholders highlight the need for a balanced approach that takes into account both the benefits and challenges associated with such regulations. This discussion is part of broader conversations about local economic development and the role of major corporations like Amazon in shaping community dynamics.
Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Addresses UDO Amendments and Budget Concerns
During the Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on August 4, 2026, community members and preservation organizations expressed strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). They raised concerns about reducing demolition reviews in architectural districts, diminishing the Design Review Board's authority, and risking the city’s Certified Local Government status. Mayor Stafford defended the process, stating that it aims to protect property owners from arbitrary decisions while distinguishing between historic and architectural districts. Additionally, the meeting discussed municipal finances, including a structural deficit and high overtime costs.
Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Agenda Includes Multiple Site Plan Approvals
The Saratoga Springs City Council is scheduled to meet on August 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the City of Saratoga Springs Council Chambers. The agenda includes several site plan approvals for commercial developments and a fiber shelter amendment. Specifically, Westlake Partners Phase G, LLC will present plans for Lot 710 and Lot 711 on West Crossroads Boulevard. Forrest Gaskill will present a site plan for Jacob Ranch Marketplace Lot 10 on South Redwood Road. Additionally, Weston Remund will propose a major site plan amendment for the Avative Fiber Shelter UCCU Site Plan at North Commerce Drive. The meeting also allows for public input and council member comments.
Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Addresses UDO Amendments and Budget Concerns
At the Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on August 4, 2026, community members expressed strong opposition to proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). They highlighted concerns about removing demolition reviews in architectural districts and diminishing the Design Review Board's authority. Mayor Stafford defended the process, emphasizing that it aims to protect property owners from arbitrary decisions while aligning with state guidelines. The meeting also discussed municipal finances, including structural deficits and rising overtime costs.
Former Saratoga Springs Public Works Commissioner Sues City for Malicious Attacks
Jason Golub, former Public Works Commissioner of Saratoga Springs and a city council member, has filed a lawsuit against the city, its Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll, and police Lieutenant Paul Vietch in federal court. The lawsuit alleges an ongoing pattern of unwarranted and malicious attacks by Coll and the police department since 2024 when Golub faced official misconduct charges related to city employees unclogging his home drain using city resources. Despite these charges being dismissed due to lack of evidence, Coll continued to assert that the dismissal was on a technicality. The lawsuit also claims that Coll initiated the investigation into Golub through a human resources probe rather than any referral from state police as previously stated.
Saratoga Springs Design Review Board Advances Major Redevelopment Projects
The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board met on August 5, 2026, to review several redevelopment and preservation projects. The board advanced the proposal for a 76-unit mixed-use development at 17 West Avenue with general support but requested more architectural details before final approval. Additionally, the board granted final architectural approval for a 27-unit mixed-use building at 64 Washington Street, marking a significant milestone in downtown redevelopment efforts. The meeting also saw modifications to an existing 50-unit project on Excelsior Park/Whistler Court; however, the proposed wire-mesh balcony railings were declined due to design concerns.
Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Agenda Includes Development Plans
The Saratoga Springs City Council will hold a meeting on August 4, 2026, at the City of Saratoga Springs Council Chambers. The agenda includes several items related to development plans and site amendments. These include the Saratoga Springs Commercial Plat G Lot 710 and Lot 711 Site Plans by Westlake Partners Phase G, LLC; a Site Plan for Jacob Ranch Marketplace Lot 10 by Forrest Gaskill; and a Major Site Plan Amendment for Avative Fiber Shelter UCCU Site Plan. Council members will also have the opportunity to discuss topics they wish to see on future agendas during the meeting.
Saratoga Springs Plans Major Redevelopment of West Avenue Corridor
The city of Saratoga Springs is planning a significant redevelopment project for the West Avenue corridor. The proposed site spans 17 acres and is bordered by the train station on Station Lane, Washington Avenue, and West Avenue. Mayor Kelly Actman stated that engaging the community early in the process was wise to gather public input before proceeding with major changes. This initiative aims to revitalize a key area of the city through planned development.
Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting Addresses Preservation Concerns and Budget Issues
At the Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on August 4, 2026, community members expressed strong concerns over proposed amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). These changes include reducing demolition reviews in architectural and gateway districts and diminishing the Design Review Board's authority. Community leaders, including Samantha Bossart from the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, criticized the rushed process and potential loss of Certified Local Government status. Mayor Stafford defended the updates as necessary to protect property owners from arbitrary decisions while distinguishing between historic and architectural districts. Additionally, discussions focused on municipal finances, structural deficits, and rising overtime costs.
Former Saratoga Springs Public Works Commissioner Files Federal Lawsuit Against City Officials
Jason Golub, the former Public Works Commissioner of Saratoga Springs and a city council member, has filed a lawsuit in federal court against Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll and the police department. The lawsuit alleges an ongoing pattern of unwarranted and malicious attacks by Coll and the police department, including First Amendment retaliation, equal protection violation, and defamation. Golub left his position in August 2025 to become deputy commissioner and general counsel for the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision after facing official misconduct charges that were later dismissed due to lack of evidence. The lawsuit also disputes Coll's public statements about the dismissal of these charges and claims that Coll instigated an investigation into Golub through a city human resources probe.
Saratoga Springs Design Review Board Approves Major Projects and Amendments
The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board met on July 22, 2026, to review several significant projects. The board approved a major mixed-use development at 11 Federal Street, including demolition of an existing structure and approval for the project's mass and scale. Public comments generally supported the proposal, with discussions focusing on streetscape design along Congress Street and parking capacity. Additionally, the Board approved renovations to a historic home on Fifth Avenue after reviewing revised window dimensions, materials, and roof detailing. The Board also modified plans for an expanded rooftop solar array at 100 Union Avenue in the Historic District by requiring one panel to be removed or relocated behind the chimney to protect historic views.
Former Saratoga Springs Commissioner Moran Illegally Waived $54K in Fees
A recent audit revealed that former Saratoga Springs Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran illegally waived approximately $54,000 in special events fees owed to the city. The waiver occurred without proper approval from the City Council and violated city regulations which prohibit donations of city goods or services unless previously approved by the council. Moran's actions were discovered after he consolidated bills for city departments supporting local organizations' events, leading to widespread discounts and waivers for favored groups. No documentation exists detailing how Moran determined these discounts, indicating a lack of transparency and adherence to policy.
Saratoga Springs Plans Major Redevelopment of West Ave Corridor
The city of Saratoga Springs is planning a significant redevelopment project for the West Avenue corridor. The proposed development site spans 17 acres and is bordered by the train station on Station Lane, Washington Avenue, and West Avenue. Mayor Kelly Donnelly emphasized the importance of engaging with the community early in the process to gather input and ensure that the project aligns with residents' needs and expectations. This initiative aims to revitalize a key area within the city.
Saratoga Springs Design Review Board Approves Major Projects and Amendments
The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board met on July 22, 2026, to review several significant projects. The board approved a major mixed-use development at 11 Federal Street, including demolition of an existing structure, a SEQRA Negative Declaration, and approval for the project's mass and scale. Public comments generally supported this proposal, with discussions focusing on streetscape design along Congress Street and parking capacity. Additionally, the board approved renovations to a historic home on Fifth Avenue, requiring simplified roof eave designs without decorative corbels or dentil molding to maintain historical character. The board also modified an expanded rooftop solar array project at 100 Union Avenue by removing one panel to protect historic views.
Former Saratoga Springs Commissioner Illegally Waived $54K in Fees
A recent audit has revealed that former Saratoga Springs Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran illegally waived approximately $54,000 in special events fees owed to the city. The waiver occurred without proper approval from the City Council and was done arbitrarily, benefiting favored organizations. According to city policy, all goods and services must be charged according to approved fees unless previously authorized by the council through a resolution. Moran’s actions violated this regulation, as there were no records of how he determined the discounts or waivers.
Saratoga Springs Plans Major Redevelopment of West Ave Corridor
The city of Saratoga Springs is planning a significant redevelopment project for the West Avenue corridor. The proposed development site covers approximately 17 acres and is bordered by the train station on Station Lane, Washington Avenue, and West Avenue. Mayor Kelly Savage emphasized the importance of engaging the community early in the process to gather public input and ensure that the project aligns with residents' needs and expectations. This initiative aims to revitalize a key area of the city while fostering community involvement.
Saratoga Springs Plans Major Redevelopment of West Avenue Corridor
The city of Saratoga Springs is planning a significant makeover for the West Avenue corridor to address safety concerns and accommodate future development. The proposed site covers 17 acres, bordered by Station Lane, Washington Avenue, and West Avenue. Between 2020 and 2025, there were multiple accidents in this area, including one fatal motor vehicle injury and a fatal pedestrian accident. Civil engineering firm Creighton Manning provided data on these incidents to inform the city's planning process. Mayor Saratoga Springs emphasized the importance of engaging the community early in the development process.
Saratoga Springs Design Review Board Approves Major Projects and Amendments
The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board held a meeting on July 22, 2026, to review several significant projects. The board approved the demolition of an existing structure for a major mixed-use development project at 11 Federal Street, which includes plans for a hotel and condominiums. Public comments generally supported this proposal, with discussions focusing on streetscape design along Congress Street and parking capacity. Additionally, the Board gave approval to renovations and additions for a historic home at 22 Fifth Avenue after reviewing revised window dimensions, materials, and roof detailing. The project was approved under conditions that include selecting a simplified roof eave design without decorative corbels or dentil molding. Furthermore, an expanded rooftop solar array proposal at 100 Union Avenue in the Historic District was modified to protect historic views by removing one panel.
Saratoga Springs City Council Discusses Overtime Budget and Parking Ordinances
During the Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on July 21, 2026, the Finance Department presented a quarterly review showing that the city has utilized 66% of its overtime budget for the year. The majority of this overtime is non-discretionary and driven by contractual obligations and shift shortages in the Fire and Police departments. Additionally, the council held a public hearing on parking ordinances where residents expressed strong dissatisfaction with the paid parking program, citing concerns over tourism impact and local business harm. Safety issues related to traffic flow and air quality were also raised.
Upcoming Meetings
Saratoga Springs City Council Meeting
📅 2026-04-13 · 🕐 7:00 PM
📍 City Hall, 474 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs School Board Budget Hearing
📅 2026-04-23 · 🕐 6:30 PM
📍 Saratoga Springs High School Auditorium
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