Our city is fortunate to have such a diverse, extensive collection of historic resources that make our community special, many of which have been highlighted over the years in these articles. Our historic downtown and neighborhoods are the destinations they are today because of the vision, commitment, effort, investment, and oversight of many over decades. However, this is not something we can take for granted as we look to the future. Preserving our city’s special character will continue to take vision, commitment, effort, investment, and oversight by city officials and residents.
With the election tomorrow, the Foundation thought it would be helpful to voters to know how the candidates view historic preservation. Please note that as a not-for-profit 501(c)3, the Foundation cannot endorse anyone for elected office. Every City Council candidate was contacted. County Supervisors were not asked to participate. Below are the verbatim answers that were received from candidates.
What is your favorite historic building in our city? Why?
Robin Dalton, Mayoral Candidate:
There are so many historic buildings I am in love with in Saratoga Springs that I’m not sure I could ever narrow it down to one favorite. But when my husband Matt and I moved to Saratoga Springs in 2007, he told me a story about one of the buildings on Broadway that I always think about this time of year and have such a fondness for. When Matt was about eight, he went to see a scary movie in the community theater building at 519 Broadway. It was around Halloween and the movie was about zombies – halfway through the showing, doors opened up in the front of the theater and people dressed up as zombies started staggering out at the audience, walking down the aisles. According to Matt, it was one of the scariest things he’d ever seen and he immediately jumped out of his seat and took off in a sprint, running down Broadway to get away from the zombie attack at the community theater. Little did he know that many decades later, we’d be back at 519 Broadway together, buying our first house in Saratoga Springs at Roohan Realty, the company that moved into the community theater in 2002. (Happily for Matt, that took care of the building’s zombie problem for good!)
Ron Kim, Mayoral Candidate:
The Universal Preservation Hall on Washington Street is my favorite historic building in our city, both for its own beauty and for what it represents. When this building was condemned, Saratogians came together to work to restore the UPH to its former beauty and to convert the space into an open, welcoming event space while still providing for its former use as a house of worship. The story of the Universal Preservation Hall is a model for how we can come together to both preserve our history and look toward the future.
Heidi Owen West, Mayoral Candidate:
I have many favorites but if I had to choose it would be 436 Broadway, the Walbridge Building. This building has been my home away from home for over three decades. My mother and I spent a lifetime lovingly restoring the space and welcoming people into our businesses over the years. The building holds many memories not just for me but for all who have passed through its doors. I often think about the history of the people who have traveled through the space: the stories told, the lives lived, the happy moments and the sad ones. I cherish the space and feel connected to it. I know all the nooks and crannies and consider it a privilege to care for it.
Angela Rella, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate:
I love that our city has so many historic buildings. My favorite of them is the Universal Preservation Hall. Besides the obvious beauty of the building, what appeals to me the most about UPH is how it has been transformed from a church into a performing arts and community venue. A single location that has hosted Frederick Douglass, Roseanne Cash, and Alan Cumming is a special place, and a perfect example for Saratoga of how we can adapt our city to succeed today without sacrificing our history.
JoAnne Keirnan, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
In my opinion the Batcheller Mansion is by far the most stunning building in Saratoga Springs. It’s location is perfect for showcasing it beauty by providing full view from three elevations. I am impressed that the architect was mindful of this. It has perfect mass and scale while incorporating all sort of architectural features. Grand porches, cute balconies, hips, gables and a grand tower, they all blend beautifully.
Minita Sanghvi, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
My favorite historic building is the Canfield Casino. Congress Park is such a special place, and the Canfield Casino is the centerpiece of it all. It embodies the Gilded Age roots of our town, with connections to many of the famous (and infamous!) players that put Saratoga Springs on the map. Stepping inside is like going back in time – there’s a kind of quiet, even when the building is filled with people. Each time I’m there, I notice something new about it. Similarly, the park is full of history, and yet it’s alive with people and events that showcase all aspects of our community – family celebrations, art shows, concerts, theater, social justice rallies, and more. We’ve spent many happy moments with my family in the park. It is the perfect spot for Saratogians young and old to enjoy.
James Montagnino, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
City Hall: It is a monument to the solidity of local democracy and, with a little luck and a lot of help from the voters, a place where I’ll have my office for the next two years or more!
Domenique Yermolayev, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
125 Union Ave. We have been loving members of that community since 2005, and we care deeply about maintaining it.
What role do you think historic preservation has played in the economic success of our city? Please explain.
Robin Dalton, Mayoral Candidate:
Saratoga Spring’s history is a cornerstone of our community–something we embrace and cherish as it is vital to preserving the character and beauty of our city. The commitment to historic preservation has helped create the unique and beautiful destination Saratoga Springs is to live or come visit.
Ron Kim, Mayoral Candidate:
I believe historic preservation has played an enormous role in the economic success of our city. Our historic buildings and green spaces help to set our city apart from its neighbors, and the preservation of these treasures has allowed our city to continue to attract visitors from all over the world. If we are to maintain our status as a destination city, it is imperative that we continue to preserve what makes Saratoga Springs unique.
Heidi Owen West, Mayoral Candidate:
Historic Preservation has played a significant role in the economic success of our city. Our Historic neighborhoods and significant architecture tell the very story of who we are as a community and connect us to our past. The stunning architecture of our City is a tourist attraction on its own, one of the many layers that make our community special. The value of historic properties helps to anchor the real estate market in Saratoga Springs. Historic homes are highly sought after and limited in inventory. This creates a unique economic opportunity for homeowners. When you preserve historic homes you not only create value in those properties but this increases the value of properties throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. Commercial historic buildings provide a unique and sought after backdrop for brick and mortar retail, offices, services, apartments and businesses.
Angela Rella, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate:
Historic preservation plays an important role in Saratoga’s economic success; it is a fundamental tool for strengthening our community. The preservation of our historic buildings is a major component of Saratoga’s draw as a tourist destination. Without this landscape, Saratoga would not receive the economic boom from tourism on which we rely. Our city’s unique cultural and architectural landscape is a great source of interest for visitors. Preservation’s role in supporting our Historic District also contributes to Saratoga’s economic success. The investments we make in preservation create local jobs and a dense, vibrant, and thriving downtown neighborhood.
JoAnne Keirnan, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
Historic Preservation has played a significant roll in the success of Saratoga Springs. Lifelong Saratogians can vividly remember a very different Saratoga than what we experience today. The preservation of old buildings generally begins by recognizing an opportunity to purchase real estate at a lower value, improve its condition and then see an economic return. What we have discovered over time however is a sense of pride and awe for the past also drives individuals to pursue these projects and the energy builds on itself. As more and more properties continue this trend the entire community is lifted in the process. Shops open, tenants move in and the economic contribution grows. I am in firm support of continuing this advocacy.
Minita Sanghvi, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
Without historic preservation, Saratoga Springs would not possess the unique character that has been fundamental to its economic success. Though some historic buildings have not survived, the efforts of preservation advocates, including Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, have played a critical role in making downtown Saratoga a special place to visit. Maintaining both individual properties and the historic districts adds value to our community – both for property owners, and at the community level. Visitors enjoy our streetscapes and historic buildings, and that tourism translates directly into the sales and occupancy tax revenues that fund about a third of our annual budget.
James Montagnino, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
A large part of the attractiveness of Saratoga Springs is its historic architecture and sculpture. At the Saratoga Racetrack, the oldest thoroughbred track in the country, bettors spent the better part of a billion dollars this past summer. And this is just one example!
Domenique Yermolayev, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
Not only does it bring in tourism dollars, but it supports our homeowners and businesses to build and grow within our unique environment.
Often, concerns are expressed about the design, mass and scale of infill development in and around the city’s core historic district. Do you share those concerns? If you do, what steps should the City of Saratoga Springs take to improve the design of new development projects?
Robin Dalton, Mayoral Candidate:
Saratoga Springs is a unique city that requires unique solutions, I believe we must protect our greenbelt and our city’s core historic district. Increased development and a continued push by developers in the City have raised concerns for many residents. The City must take steps to make it easier for citizens in the city to obtain needed permits and potential tax credits for restoring historic buildings. As for any new construction we need to ensure that any board that has approval power over these processes not be politicized or hold conflicts of interest.
Ron Kim, Mayoral Candidate:
I do share these concerns. We must be smart and cautious about new development in our city’s historic core. While it is important to let our city grow, we must be careful to preserve our green spaces and our historic buildings in the midst of this growth. The city should scrutinize each proposed development project, whether in the downtown core or on the city’s outskirts, to ensure that the project does not threaten our green spaces or our historic structures. If a project meets these criteria, the city should work with developers to ensure the design of the project fits with the surrounding architecture and contributes positively to the beauty of our cityscape.
Heidi Owen West, Mayoral Candidate:
When we look back at the history of Saratoga Springs we gain valuable insights to what a successful city looks like. We have the winning equation and it revolves around infill development in the core and a protected greenbelt. We are lucky to have an engaged community that cares deeply about its history including the many Preservation Foundation staff and volunteers over the last 30 years. The city of Saratoga Springs has a process that works. The City land use boards follow a comprehensive master plan and this equation has lead to the incredible success of our city. I participated in the original “City in the Country” Charrette lead by Barbara Glaser and the Open Space Committee in the early 90’s, I planted trees along Broadway in the 70’s and I have seen first hand how our city continues to evolve but also remain true to its history.
Angela Rella, Commissioner of Accounts Candidate:
I believe in the vision of Saratoga Springs as a city in the country. I support development in accordance with Saratoga’s Comprehensive Plan—including a dense urban core. However, I am concerned about the design, mass, and scale of infill development in and around Saratoga’s core historic district. The City of Saratoga Springs should ensure that older buildings retain their cultural significance, character, and practical value to the community, by encouraging adaptive reuse wherever possible. Saratoga Springs should also work with property owners to make certain that new construction is in character with the core historic district. As the only independent candidate for Commissioner of Accounts, if elected I will answer to the people of Saratoga Springs. My door will always be open to the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation to hear from you on what the city can do to promote preservation and enhancement of our historic buildings and sites.
JoAnne Keirnan, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
I have heard concerns and certainly many opinions of all the projects that have been developed over the years here in Saratoga Springs. As a whole I believe Saratoga has done a great job participating in the process. Our comprehensive master plan provides a background and guidance for where and how buildings should be developed. I believe the review boards are a great check and balance and generally get things right. The input from the Preservation Foundation has been vital in helping these boards succeed. I support the foundations advocacy to save buildings rather than tear them down and will continue to do so.
Minita Sanghvi, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
I do share those concerns. I believe infill development in the city’s core is preferable to pushing outward, which could negatively impact our greenbelt. Yet when development projects don’t reflect the scale and proportions of nearby buildings, or incorporate a mish-mash of unrelated historical styles, they detract from the historic character of the neighborhood. I know that our Design Review Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board work to maintain the historic character of our community and its eight National Register Historic Districts. As Finance Commissioner, I would be responsible for budgets based on tax revenues that are directly linked to the beautiful streetscapes that our preservation advocates have fought for. I would seek to collaborate with local and state historic preservation advocates to enhance and improve the development process to maintain the financial advantages provided by a strong preservation ethic.
James Montagnino, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
These concerns are legitimate. New projects should be encouraged to enhance, not detract from, existing historic structures. While responsible development should be welcome, there needs to be a balance kept to ensure that we preserve and protect our history. If we do not remember our past, we will be lost in the future.
Domenique Yermolayev, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
Yes, but for a variety of reasons I feel like I need to recuse myself from this question.
The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation believes that preserving our unique historic downtown and neighborhoods is essential to attracting new residents, visitors, and businesses to our community, directly contributing to the overall high quality of life and economic success of Saratoga Springs.
Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.