HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250585 233 Ballston Ave Espey Manufacturing Demolition Demo JustificationGood morning Julia,
I wanted to share with you a structural report we had completed after the decision. As far
as the items below to still enable its’ demolition, I would like to see if we have agreement on the
answers I’ll provide below:
a. For the proposed demolition of a structure with architectural or historical
significance, the applicant must demonstrate good cause as to why such
structure cannot be preserved. The applicant must provide the following:
i. The applicant must document good faith efforts in seeking an
alternative that will result in the preservation of the structure including
consultation with the Design Review Board and the Saratoga Springs
Preservation Foundation. The relocation of structures may be permitted
as an alternative to demolition. – I spoke with the Preservation
Foundation and was informed they merely provided information to the
Design Review Board and that they have no say in the final outcome. The
relocation of the structure is not feasible, as it is already in a state of
disrepair.
ii. The applicant must document efforts to find a purchaser interested in
acquiring and preserving the structure. – Espey has no desire to sell the
structure itself or the land that it sits upon, as it is part of our larger gated
complex. We cannot sub-let the property, due to the nature of our
business, which deals with government contracts and classified
projects. Therefore I believe this item is not applicable. I believe during
the DRC meeting, they also mentioned this was not a practical solution.
iii. The applicant must demonstrate that the structure cannot be
adapted for any other permitted use, whether by the current owner or by
a purchaser, which would result in a reasonable return. – Due to the
failing condition of the building, we feel it is unsafe to utilize the
structure as is. As noted in ii above, the sale of this portion of our
property is not feasible. Due to these issues, the structure cannot be
adapted for any other permitted use.
iv. The applicant must submit evidence that the property is not capable
of earning a reasonable return regardless of whether that return
represents the most profitable return possible. “Dollars and cents
proof” is required to demonstrate such hardship. – As the building sits
now, it has no power or water and can only be used as a storage
location. Due to its’ deteriorating condition, we cannot use it as a
functioning work space. Therefore the possibility of a profitable return is
not achievable.
v. Application for demolition of a structure with historic or
architectural significance must include acceptable post-demolition
plans for the site. Such plans include an acceptable timetable and
guarantees which may include performance bonds/letters of credit for
demolition and completion of the project. The Design Review Board may
condition the issuance of a demolition approval on the applicant’s
receipt of all other necessary approvals and permits for the post-
demolition plan. – Our plan is to turn the area into Greenspace , to allow
our 150 plus employees a tranquil place to enjoy the outdoors during
breaks and lunchtime. Our intent at the present time is to have a
parklike atmosphere to allow or staff to relax and destress.
I believe the only portion of these requirements that still need to be met is to consult with
the DRC for an alternate outcome. I am willing to meet with the team, but we are not
willing to invest dollars into a failing building.
Espey would like to safely take down the building while we can, instead of waiting for
imminent failure before we act.
Please let me know the next step in our process to remove this failing building.
Thanks,
Jim Davis