HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250221 195 Lake Ave Demolition and Construction SSPF Letter #2 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
Leigh Hornbeck
Alex Kammler
Vincent LaTerra
Samantha Nass
Michelle Paquette-Deuel
Dorothy Rogers-Bullis
Sheila Sperling
Jason Thomas
Roger Woody
James Kettlewell
emeritus
Staff
Samantha Bosshart
Executive Director
Dianne Winter
Development Director
Patricia Herrick
Bookkeeper
September 10, 2025
Ms. Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Design Review Board
City Hall
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
RE: 195 Lake Avenue- Demolition and New Construction
Dear Tamie,
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation reviewed the recent submission regarding
the proposed demolition of the accessory structure at 195 Lake Avenue.
The building at the rear of the property is an intact example of a vernacular Craftsman style
auto garage. The existing accessory structure appears on the 1926 Sanborn Map,
confirming that the building is nearly 100 years old. The Foundation continues to strongly
oppose its demolition, as accessory structures are vital to understanding the full history of
our city's development, including the transition from the use of horse and carriages to
automobiles.
The owners desire to have a secondary dwelling unit is a self-created hardship. Per the
UDO, as the applicant has cited, a secondary dwelling unit is allowed. However, it does
not mean they are entitled to a second dwelling unit. In doing their due diligence prior to
purchasing the building, they should have also reviewed the demolition criteria and process
for structures in the Architectural Review Districts as outlined in UDO and based their
purchase contingent on not only Zoning Board of Appeals approvals but also Design
Review Board approvals – which is not uncommon. Furthermore, the approval by the
Zoning Board of Appeals does not supersede the Design Review Board’s authority as to
whether the building can be demolished and whether the proposed plan for new
construction is appropriate.
I, Samantha, toured the existing accessory building during an open house. The building
appears to be in good condition and not beyond repair and can continue to be used as a
storage space. Statements made by a contractor as to whether the building is capable of
being adaptively reused are not sufficient. An existing building code analysis of a change
in occupancy by a licensed design professional is needed to substantiate these claims.
Ultimately, the applicant could sell the property, not the structure, to someone who would
retain the existing accessory structure and seek a property that would better meet their
needs.
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Michele Funicello Samantha Bosshart
President Executive Director
Cc: Erin Murphy & Anthony Naccarato, Applicant
Garrett Eaton, Kaydeross Construction
Susan Barden, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs
Julia Destino, Planner, Saratoga Spring
112 Spring Street, Suite 203
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-5030
www.saratogapreservation.org