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 only two days away, 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.
Each candidate was asked what their favorite building was in the city. More than one candidate found it difficult to pick only one favorite building – Meg Kelly, Michele Madigan, and Robin Dalton. However, in their answers they mentioned – Adirondack Trust Company; the former Community Theater, 519 Broadway, which is now Roohan Realty; and City Hall. Tim Holmes picked the Grandstand and Clubhouse at the Saratoga Race Course. Patty Morrison and Dillon Moran both picked the Batcheller Mansion Inn, 20 Circular Street. Kendall Hicks chose Frederick Allen Lodge, 69 Beekman Street.
What is your favorite historic building in our city? Why?
Meg Kelly, Mayoral Candidate:
I was privileged to complete this questionnaire in 2017, and at that time my answer was the Canfield Casino for reasons that I am sure are apparent to many. After two years in my role as Mayor, I have had the unique opportunity to see more historic buildings than most, often from the basement infrastructure up to the roof, with a deeper insight into both form and function.
I cannot bestow the honor of favorite on any single historic building – each deserves appreciation, respect, and meticulous consideration. I hope our City can find a way to accomplish this through conscientious innovations to establish preservation policy and regulation that can be executed, embraced and enforced when need be.
Tim Holmes, Mayoral Candidate:
Saratoga Race Course Grandstand and Clubhouse
Why: This structure’s lines are simple, elegant and grand. Its high level of functionality has proven adaptable to change for over a hundred years. Its service to millions of visitors has and will continue to provide entertainment to all sectors of society. It provides work for thousands. It is the welcome to Saratoga Springs and sets the tone for visitors’ experiences here. As a result, the race course is altogether the recognized leader in its industry. The buildings at the racetrack at Saratoga Springs may be the most beautiful in the world (James Kettlewell).
Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
There are too many historic building and neighborhoods that I appreciate and enjoy in the city that it is difficult to pick one building. I love the mansions along Union Avenue, the Adirondack Trust Building on Broadway is fine example of a historic structure on Broadway and the homes that line Circular are stunning too. I enjoy the unique characteristics of the homes that line many of our neighborhood streets in the inner parts of the city. I have always loved the Canfield Casino. But at this time my favorite building that resides in a historic district is City Hall and the City Council is giving this building some much deserved and needed TLC, to safeguard its historic outer facade, and ensure a better, smatter, more energy efficient city hall for the 21st century. City Hall is a building we can all be proud of as a taxpayer owned asset.
Patty Morrison, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
Selecting just one historic building in Saratoga Springs is not easy, but at the top of the list is the Batcheller Mansion Inn, built in 1873 with its High Victorian Eclecticism. I have always been enamored by historical homes and architecture and this structure became an immediate hit in my list of favorite places. In other parts of the State, specifically New York City so many homes / structures built in the late 1800’s / early 1900’s were demolished in the mid 1960’s. The Batcheller Mansion Inn could have suffered a similar fate, expect in 1973 the home was purchased, saved and restored. Most recently the home has undergone some landscape redesign to minimize the large growth bushes thus giving way to a better exterior view by a passerby. This renovation included work on the porch. The home is a treasure and because of its location at Whitney Place and Circular Street it can be appreciated by many.
Robin Dalton, Commissioner of Public Safety 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!)
Kendall Hicks, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
Frederick Allen Lodge on Beekman Street – it represents the rich culture of the African American community, as well as the history of Saratoga Spring’s West Side, the “other side of the tracks”. Today, the Lodge represents people coming together.
Skip Scirocco, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
The historic Canfield Casino in Congress Park. I’ve been honored to have the opportunity to invest several million dollars through capital projects into restoring, preserving, and protecting the Canfield Casino. The casino is one of our most treasured landmarks and communicates a visual representation of the city’s rich history. The building’s exterior architecture, ballroom, clearstory windows, parlor, entrances, and staircases all echo stories of years passed about names like John Morrissey and Richard Canfield. We’re lucky to have this as the crown jewel of Congress Park and the opportunity to preserve this building to share with local residents, visitors, and future generations has been a primary objective of my administration.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
In any community where the age and historical significance make it standout as both a destination spot and desirable place to live, there will be many to pick from either as historical reminders, architectural specimens, or examples of beauty for beauty’s sake. With all this in mind my choice will have to be the Batcheller Mansion. Its position at the 5 way intersection gives it great exposure from many angles and I have always loved the architecture both inside and out.
What role do you think historic preservation plays in maintaining the prosperity of our city? Please explain.
Meg Kelly, Mayoral Candidate:
Historic preservation is fundamental to being good stewards of this invaluable endowment as well as maintaining the prosperity of our city. The City of Saratoga Springs has a long, fascinating, valuable history. The City’s community, local, and economic value is based in no small part on this history. As its beneficiaries, we are its stewards. Historic preservation is a key to our past that is cannot necessarily in the written or photographic realm. It is irreplaceable. Our generation is duty-bound to preserve it for future generations, for their heritage as well as economic viability – both of which we have enjoyed
Tim Holmes, Mayoral Candidate:
Historic preservation plays a central role in a city such as Saratoga Springs. The city’s success has always been as a destination for visitors and an exceptional place to live. This depends on character and tangible encounters with its history. The work of the Preservation Foundation and similar organizations involves residents, charms visitors and engages all. This is fundamental to the qualities of life, and to a vibrant economy based on personalized experiences and services.
Both Tim Holmes and Patty Morrison want to see the 1872 Smiley-Bracket Cottage and accessory structures at 166 Excelsior Avenue preserved. For all the candidate answers to which building they would want to see preserved scroll to the last question.
Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
Historic Preservation plays a major role in the city’s prosperity. The recent report prepared by PlaceEconomics for the City of Saratoga Springs in November of 2018 provides is an excellent report that provides good data about the value of historic preservation. Saratoga Springs has 8 historic districts with many people living and working in these districts. There are more small businesses and jobs located within our historic districts and homes in historic districts tend to increase in value more rapidly than those that reside outside these districts.
Patty Morrison, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
It cannot be underestimated the importance of historic preservation for the long-term health and benefits to Saratoga Springs. The special character and architectural diversity of our neighborhoods is part of our city’s extraordinary past and it is also part of our future. This unique character contributes greatly to our notoriety as a special place to visit, live and to do business.
Preserving historical buildings is crucial to retaining our City’s character and charm we cherish and what makes us unique as an American city. The City could not manage this resource without the benefits and support by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.
Without proper stewardship of our architectural heritage we chance becoming just another homogenized “anywhere USA” city.
Robin Dalton, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
Saratoga Spring’s history is the preeminent theme in our daily life here – something we embrace and cherish as it is vital to preserving the character and beauty of our city.
Kendall Hicks, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
Historic preservation has an important role in maintaining, preserving, and actually communicating the rich culture of our city. It’s about our history – the story of where we came from, how we have grown and progressed, and, ultimately, dictates our future direction for tomorrow. Used consciously, historic preservation can inform how we build and preserve today with an awareness of how our growth and development will impact generations of Saratogians to come.
Skip Scirocco, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
People visit, live and work here is because of the city’s historic charm. There’s a natural enjoyment associated with living in places that enhance and preserve their history and an intuitive benefit of “human scaled” neighborhoods located in historic districts. There is a tremendous interest in the story of Saratoga Springs and the historic buildings, landmarks, and places convey that narrative in a visual way. Historic preservation also helps the local economy, it’s been demonstrated that businesses want to locate in historic locations, heritage tourists spend more (time and money), and that property values in historic districts typically outperform the market. Local groups and organizations, such as the Preservation Foundation and History Museum play an important role in educating the public and advocating for historic preservation. This advocacy has a residual benefit of increasing investment into preserving the city’s history which will pay dividends for years to come.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
I was born in 1970, and clearly remember where we have come from. I’m also a family member through marriage with Mark Strauss and know of his efforts and those of Mayor Ray Watkins and others in the community. Without the preservation efforts that those folks started, we go from being the unique oasis we are to a landscape of modern buildings like every other city. The history of our community defines who we are today; preserving that history so we not only have the opportunity to see it but also to give us the perspective to understand where we have come from and help inform our decisions about where we will head.
Our city has a large number of historic carriage buildings and barns/stables that contribute to our architectural heritage that have fallen into disrepair, sometimes because current zoning prevents the property owners from adaptively reusing the structures. What is your solution to prevent the continued disrepair and potential loss of these important historic accessory structures?
Meg Kelly, Mayoral Candidate:
Finding an acceptable junction between adaptable re-use and protective zoning seems key to this challenge. Forced historic restoration of carriage buildings and barns/stables that are economically prohibitive will not promote retainage. Unfettered restoration will not preserve historic value. Both are invaluable. It is fair and effective for the City to promote a solution that serves both needs.
Tim Holmes, Mayoral Candidate:
This and the next three questions have to do with aware and active planning bodies. Exemptions from zoning rules might be allowed for properties that meet standards of particular merit based on advisory estimations that include the historical perspective, subject to normal processes of notice and response from neighbors. This was recommended some years ago and should be adopted.
Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
I had hoped that our recent zombie property grant would assist the city by mapping these properties, and it has. The next step would be to move forward with a plan to maintain them. Perhaps there is a way to work with the State of NY to assist in offering valuable tax credits to those who would like to purchase and restore historic properties. Perhaps this is something the city can evaluate, but there is only so much the city can do within its financial means. I really don’t have a good solution for this well-known problem. However, this is a fair issue for the city to better understand and determine solutions for going forward. I would ask the building and planning department to make recommendations to the city council for adoption.
Patty Morrison, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
It is imperative that we evaluate measures that will preserve the historic carriage buildings and barns/stables that contribute to our architectural heritage. As a member of the City Council, I would encourage updating our City’s inventory of these important structures. We then need to work to expand and make changes to the current code regulations allowing for an expanded residential use of these structures while at the same time preserving their historic, architectural value and character.
Michele Madigan would like to see the small vernacular cottages on Clinton Street preserved. For all the candidate answers to which building they would want to see preserved scroll to the last question.
Robin Dalton, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
I think this is a challenge that is all too common for homeowners in Saratoga Springs who are not familiar with the unique needs of our historic homes, or find it confusing to interpret the city’s zoning codes – and how best to repair these structures within the confines of those codes. Communication and collaboration with the city should be encouraged, in addition to diligently pursuing public/private partnerships, when viable, to preserve our architectural heritage.
Kendall Hicks, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
Our city has a large number of historic carriage buildings and barns/stables that contribute to our architectural heritage that have fallen into disrepair, sometimes because current zoning prevents the property owners from adaptively reusing the structures. What is your solution to prevent the continued disrepair and potential loss of these important historic accessory structures?
This is not an area that I have researched deeply. I would support and be very interested in exploring ways that we could consider adaptive reuse for such buildings without ruining the historic fabric of our beautiful city.
Skip Scirocco, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
The city can work to incentivize and assist property owners with appropriately restoring historic carriage buildings/barns/stables and make it easier to repair, reuse, and revitalize them. This could be accomplished through rezoning or looking and other zoning options. It might be necessary to get creative so that these buildings are not lost.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
I have personally restored a carriage house on my property, so I understand the significance of the issue. This type of care needs to be taken to encourage the investment and preservation of more of these structures in order that we may thoughtfully limit the creation/construction of the new ones that seem to be out of scale and character of their surrounding neighborhoods. Unfortunately there are gaps in our zoning laws that allow this out of character building to be constructed. I would encourage identifying areas where there is need for protection and coupling those with our efforts to add additional lower cost housing options for our workers.
Currently there are buildings in historic neighborhoods that have no protection from demolition and no guidelines for new construction, often resulting in tear-downs and new buildings that are not in scale or in keeping with the neighborhood. Do you have concerns about the loss of historic buildings and/or the design, mass and scale of infill development? If you do, what steps should the city take to protect historic buildings that are not currently protected and to improve the design of new construction? Steps may include the designation of new historic and/or architectural review districts, adoption of a demolition delay ordinance, and/or developing contextual design guidelines.
Meg Kelly, Mayoral Candidate:
Historic buildings that are determined to be of value in any neighborhood should be protected. Historic neighborhoods present a different category with different issues. Our Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Board guidelines, and NYS SEQRA rigors all provide protections regarding building within the character and context of a neighborhood. The rules and regulations that we have must be carefully applied, adhered to, and enforced. Historic and architectural review districts should be reviewed, revised and updated regularly – all of the measures suggested may be employed to achieve this goal.
Tim Holmes, Mayoral Candidate:
Tear-downs and new buildings that are not in scale are a growing threat to neighborhood stability. Whether these occur due to lapses in code or judgment, precedents should be identified and isolated. Lot coverage, setbacks and mass should be leading factors. The demolishing of neighborhood identity reflects on the effectiveness of governance. Code, approvals and variances should be aligned to prevent further tear-downs and building out of scale with existing neighborhood identity.
Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
I am in favor of developing vacant parcels with buildings and architecture that reflects the surrounding neighborhood. Infill is an efficient method of strengthening communities, and it is particularly effective at making use of public infrastructure already in place such as sewer, water, and gas. Of course, infill may lead to over-development of individual parcels, a natural consequence of the drive for profits. Increasing the population of a given area without addressing the ability of that area to absorb it is a major concern.
So, to this potential problem, neighborhood revitalization, such as modern sidewalks and streetscaping may also be a part of community infill projects. In some cases, redevelopment may be called for, and repurposing existing properties to meet a current need is always a possibility.
I do agree that demolition and/or new building in a historic district should be subject to more rigorous review than similar activity in neighborhoods that have not been deemed as historic. Preserving the character of a given historic neighborhood slated for an infill project is of paramount importance. Redevelopment should always be as unobtrusive as practicable, and the surrounding communities’ concerns should be addressed and acted upon.
Patty Morrison, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
Yes, I have major concern with the loss of historic buildings regardless of where they reside in the City. First and foremost, I believe the urge to replace many of the unprotected small, cottage style homes with large, scale high-end residences take away from our City’s unique neighborhood diversity and most of all negatively affects our City’s history and architectural future. We must preserve what makes us not only unique but, is the foundation of who we are as a city. Historical homes and structures (ie., barns) are the basis of our community’s health and history.
I believe it may be time to revisit the City’s historic neighborhood boundaries with the intent of expanding. This will serve multiple preservation purposes, as well as, create opportunities for the homeowner to apply for historic preservation grants which they cannot do today if they are outside the historic district boundaries.
And in areas where homes are not protected and zoned inside the historic district, I would recommend stricter architectural design guidelines that more universally align with the heritage of the City and addresses issues relating to mass and scale.
Robin Dalton, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
I am always concerned about the potential loss of historic buildings given their significance in the prosperity and charm of Saratoga Springs. Oversight of land-use boards, making sure they are operating as defined, is critical. Equally important is following the comprehensive plan, and the designations, reviews and contextual design guidelines it lays out.
The houses at 65 and 69 Phila Street were selected by Robin Dalton, Skip Scirocco, and Dillon Moran as the historic buildings they wished to see preserved. For all the candidate answers to which building they would want to see preserved scroll to the last question.
Kendall Hicks, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
Currently there are buildings in historic neighborhoods that have no protection from demolition and no guidelines for new construction, often resulting in tear-downs and new buildings that are not in scale or in keeping with the neighborhood. Do you have concerns about the loss of historic buildings and/or the design, mass and scale of infill development? If you do, what steps should the city take to protect historic buildings that are not currently protected and to improve the design of new construction? Steps may include the designation of new historic and/or architectural review districts, adoption of a demolition delay ordinance, and/or developing contextual design guidelines.
I do believe that this is important to the broader scope of Saratoga Springs’ current development and growth – especially as once the exterior of a historic building or of a neighborhood has been altered, it is gone. One of the unique appeals of Saratoga Springs is its historic nature – we should not let it disappear.
I believe that historic structures that are not currently protected should be assessed and given some level of protection for case-by-case consideration or by area.
From a public safety perspective, I’d like to ascertain that our fire departments have the capacity to meet the safety demands of the new 5-story structures being built. Also, the size and capacity of these new buildings are adding a population density to the city that we need to be considering in terms of the impact on our police and emergency services. Furthermore, the increase in development adds stress to other areas of our city’s infrastructure. More insight and information wil be available to me once I am in office.
You have laid out great ideas — all new to me, but inviting more understanding and exploration! It’s clear from what has been outlined here that there is a need for greater reflection and action with a stronger focus on historical preservation, the impact on neighborhood infrastructures and city services, and how new development will add or detract from our city’s quality of life for all of its citizens.
Skip Scirocco, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
The loss of historic buildings is unnecessary. It’s important to making certain that demolition or removal is the last option, not the first. An adoption of a demolition delay ordinance and review period would be a good first step. When the fire occurred before Thanksgiving in 2016, the building façade as 23 Caroline Street was going to be torn down without much discussion. The Preservation Foundation advocated, and I intervened to require an engineering structural review to make certain that the façade was unsavable prior to the issuance of a demolition permit. Ultimately the structural analysis demonstrated that the building would have to come down, but the appropriate review was conducted, and the right conversation was had about an important historic building on Caroline Street. Another good option would be to develop contextual guidelines to advise on appropriate restoration throughout the city.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
This might be the most concerning aspect of development that has started to invade our homes. My Aunt married one of the Phillips, who’s house was demolished to create Ms. Riggis’ dog run. That was a disgusting example of what we need to defend our neighborhoods against. I will advocate for a change to our zoning laws; one such idea is that if you knock down a structure, you will not be allowed any variances for the new construction. I do believe property owners have the right to work on/improve their property, but not at the expense of the quality of life and character of the surrounding neighborhood.
The city has buildings that detract from their neighborhoods because they are not being properly maintained by their owners. Over the last decade more than 10 historic buildings that were vacant and/or in poor condition have been lost to demolition. What measures do you think the city should take to address this situation?
Meg Kelly, Mayoral Candidate:
Possession of an historic building carries both a distinctly valuable and a (sometimes costly) substantial stewardship. It is something that the property owner proactively chooses and benefits from upon purchase. I believe that this responsibility should be clearly transmitted to potential owners, and just as clearly enforced as well as supported.
Tim Holmes, Mayoral Candidate:
Identifying true historic value is a realistic approach to success in this aspect of preservation. The presence of an owner or occupant willing to preserve the building is necessary. Cost can be a factor when the property is sustained for income production.
Education for prospective owners and occupants can be encouraged by informing of existing tax incentives and restoration support from a variety of sources. Organizations such as the Preservation Foundation can provide an invaluable role in gauging the significance of properties to the city’s historic streetscape.
Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance Candidate
Unsightly and deteriorating property is not pleasant for any neighbor or neighborhood regardless of location. I would ask our building, planning, zoning and code department to come up with tangible solutions that can be enforced to ensure properties are not left vacant and are well maintained. We have a database now of vacant properties. Reports should be shared with the City Council that includes a status on these vacant properties. I believe there are opportunities for the city to partner with the SSPF to assist through financial incentives to rehabilitate deteriorating historic structures. Similar to how the city has supported Universal Preservation Hall and Affordable Housing initiatives.
Patty Morrison, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
As the next Commissioner of Finance, my first focus will be to have these problem properties identified and reevaluated as to neighborhood safety concerns, as well as the detrimental and negative economic impacts to the neighborhood. Owners of these problem properties should be encouraged to work with the City in bringing these properties up to a minimum standard of exterior maintenance and care or face fines for their negligence. All such problem properties should be paying their full and fair share of property taxes in-spite of their refusal to maintain an otherwise problem property. Additionally, all current code enforcement should be strictly applied. And certainly, any of these properties with overdue taxes should face an In Rem proceeding in-order for the City to take control of the property.
Robin Dalton, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
I think every effort needs to be made to ensure properties are in compliance with Code Enforcement and maintained at a satisfactory level. Non-compliance should be handled in a timely and consistent manner.
Kendall Hicks, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
The city has buildings that detract from their neighborhoods because they are not being properly maintained by their owners. Over the last decade more than 10 historic buildings that were vacant and/or in poor condition have been lost to demolition. What measures do you think the city should take to address this situation?
This unfortunate issue could reflect many challenges, including a decline in income, personal life events and conflicts, as well as those seeking profit and/or investment gains. That said, my initial thoughts on this are:
- Review the City Comprehensive Plan to ensure that the property and its use fit the neighborhoods and the community.
- Explore the use of possible grants & co-funding to help with upgrades, if and when appropriate.
- Encourage and develop stronger community relations that may promote neighborhood cohesiveness, cooperation, and pride.
Skip Scirocco, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
Code enforcement needs to focus on proactively working with property owners to prevent demolition by neglect situations. There are new city ordinances requiring that owners maintain their properties and Code has been working to prevent zombie properties. If owners are engaged and required to maintain these properties, hopefully their next best option will be resale and new owners can invest in restoring historic properties from disrepair.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
I believe we need to be more aggressive toward delinquent property owners, particularly those who are ignoring historic structures. Particular if the building’s ownership has reverted to a financial institution, that institution should not be allowed to not neglect the property to the point that it becomes a Zombie property. I believe it to be in the city’s and citizen’s best interest to take the property through the legal routes available. If new laws are needed to facilitate this, we must consider these and bring them forward for a vote.
Kendall Hicks chose the Frederick Allen Lodge as the building he would like to see preserved. For all the candidate answers to which building they would want to see preserved scroll to the last question.
There are several historic buildings within our city that are in disrepair. Is there a specific building you want to see preserved?
Meg Kelly, Mayoral Candidate:
There is not a single historic building within our City that I would not like to see preserved. However, I realize that “priority” is a key word in the language of every mission, and I suspect “preservation” is no exception. To that extent, I would leave it to the experts to complete this significance/resources analysis in making this difficult analysis.
Tim Holmes, Mayoral Candidate:
The Brackett cottages, Excelsior Avenue.
Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance Candidate
There are 2 buildings on Clinton Street between Alger and Van Dam – they look like twin buildings and I believe are attached or directly next to each other. They would be simply adorable if they were to be restored and would do much to improve the street scape on Clinton Street not to mention home values throughout this area of the city.
Patty Morrison, Commissioner of Finance Candidate:
For quite some time I have been secretly admiring the property and outbuildings at 166 Excelsior Ave with the consideration of potentially purchasing to renovate and restore. In my humble opinion this home which falls outside the historic district is a gem and our community would be well served to preserve it.
Robin Dalton, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
I would love to see the properties restored that have languished on Phila Street. It is such a beautiful and unique block in the city and everyone would benefit from its preservation.
Kendall Hicks, Commissioner of Public Safety Candidate:
Again, the Frederick Allen Lodge, 69 Beekman Street. This building is in dire need of repair. Once repaired, the Lodge will be able to expand their community support, including youth programs, generating more funds for their college scholarships, supporting initiatives of SOS, feeding the homeless, feeding our food-insecure school children, … and the list goes on.
Skip Scirocco, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
There are a couple houses on Phila Street I would like to see restored, if they have not been invested into already. It was great to see investment into the restoration of Universal Preservation Hall. In general, with good advocacy I think there has been a fair amount of investment into preserving historic buildings in the city in the last few years. A list of historic properties in various states of disrepair should be shared with the council and code enforcement so everyone has up front awareness of these locations.
Dillon Moran, Commissioner of Public Works Candidate:
It may be too late, but there are two “Zombie” properties on lower Phila Street that should have been taken in long ago. These properties decrease the value of surrounding homes, present clear safety hazards and do not provide revenue to the city at a level they would if restored and lived in. Both these are perfect examples of the need to preserve historic buildings before they reach a point of disrepair.
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. Hope you find this information helpful when you vote.
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. To learn more and to support the Foundation’s efforts, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org.