HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250563 55 Union Ave Special Use Permit Public CommentApril 22, 2026
Mr. Mark Graham
Administrative Assistant
Planning Department
City of Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Dear Mark,
Re: Project #20250563 - 55 Union Avenue Special Use Permit
Thank you for facilitating distribution of this letter to the Planning Board.
While thoughtful evolution is always welcomed in Saratoga Springs, additional information is
necessary to fully understand the scope and potential impact to the surrounding neighborhood of
the sought Special Use Permit to reclassify Union Gables from a Bed & Breakfast to a Hotel
("reclassification to Hotel - 20 or less guestrooms").
Due diligence conducted prior to Union Gables Property Holding LLC purchase of 55 Union in May
2025, failed to discover that permission exists to operate only 10 guestrooms (Special Use Permit
October 2,1991) rather than the 13 guestrooms under operation as a B&B. Reclassification to a
Hotel is sought as a solution.
Accompanying however, the request for a change in designation to Hotel, are added requests by
Union Gables Property Holdings that have implications for the neighborhood.
Under Special Use Permits (February 1,1995 and July 28,1999), Union Gables may hold 24
events a year. A monthly upscale Supper Club currently operates. Union Gables wants to
exceed 24 events through a Hotel designation (" We would like to expand the number of
nights we offer the Supper Club." A Hotel - 20 or less guestrooms would allow this.')
o What is the maximum number of anticipated events per year? Is there any limit to
the maximum number of events under a Hotel designation?
o Knowing the number of events held since Union Gables was acquired by the current
LLC would help establish the need to exceed 24 events.
o What numbers, types and hours of events are planned with transition to a Hotel?
o Will Union Gables owners apply a business model similarto the one used at their
Interlaken Inn & Restaurant in Lake Placid (restaurant and pub operations 5 days a
week, 8-9 pm closings, takeout orders, outdoor seating, etc.)?
o What will be hours of operation during track season? Will there be music?
Thank you in advance for considering a pause in the approval of a Special Use Permit until the
above questions can be documented for assurance of minimal impact on the neighborhood.
Selyy incerours,
Judy a rigan, PhD
46 Union Avenue
cc., Mark Pingel, Chair Planning Board