HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250739 165 Phila St. Roof Replacement SSPF Letter
Board of Directors
Michele M. Funiciello
President
Christopher Armer
Vice President
Linda L. Harvey
Secretary
Stephen Kyne
Treasurer
Tiffany Blair
Molly Brindle
Joseph DeLeva
Steven Dodds
Giovanna D’Orazio
James Gold
John Haller
Alex Kammler
Vincent LaTerra
Samantha Nass
Michelle Paquette-Deuel
Sheila Sperling
Jason Thomas
Roger Woody
James Kettlewell
emeritus
Staff
Samantha Bosshart
Executive Director
Dianne Winter
Development Director
Stephanie Hadley
Administrative Assistant
Patricia Herrick
Bookkeeper
September 10, 2025
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Board
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 165 Phila Street – Roof Replacement
Dear Tamie:
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has reviewed the application for the roof
replacement at 165 Phila Street.
The Italianate residence, built circa 1874, is a “contributing building” to the East Side Historic
District listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The slate roof is a character-defining feature of the house. The 7.4.6. Historic Review
Standards of the City of Saratoga Springs Unified Design Ordinance states:
A. Preserve rather than remove
Distinguishing original features of a structure or site are essential to the historic quality
and character of that site. Distinguishing original qualities or character of a structure,
site and/or its environment shall be preserved and protected to the maximum extent
possible. Destruction or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural
features should be avoided.
B. Repair rather than replace
Distinctive architectural features that characterize a structure or site shall be repaired
rather than replaced whenever possible. If replacement is necessary, the replacement
materials should match the original in composition, design, color, texture, and other
visual qualities.
It appears that the slate roof has reached the end of its life cycle and an inappropriate asphalt
roof repair was made. The Foundation recommends that the primary roof be replaced with
slate.
The Foundation understands that this rehabilitation may be costly. Therefore, it recommends
that the owners explore New York State Historic Homeownership Tax Credits, which offers a
state income tax credit equal to 20% of qualified rehabilitation, including roof repair, expenses
associated with repair, maintenance, and upgrades to historic homes.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funiciello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Ester Kieserman, Owner
Peerless Property Management Corporation, Agent
Julia Destino, Planner, City of Saratoga Springs
Susan Barden, Administrator OPED, City of Saratoga Springs
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org