Preserving the Process
In its editorial of December 2, 2012 “City should let 66 Franklin St. be demolished,” the Saratogian properly recognized the Historic Review Ordinance requirement that the owner of 66 Franklin Street submit a proposed development plan in connection with his proposed demolition of the building. However, we were disappointed that the Saratogian editorial did not call on the Design Review Commission to meet its duty to follow the legal process and demand a development plan of the owner.
A development plan for proposed construction following demolition helps to mitigate the loss of a historically significant building by allowing the DRC to have review of the planned use of the property. Furthermore, the citizens of Saratoga have a right to know what specific development will occur after a historic building in our community is proposed to be torn down. Saratoga Springs’ preservation of its historic architecture has been a major factor in our city’s image, pride and economic success.
A vacant lot is not a development plan in the eyes of the law. Unfortunately this is all the owner of 66 Franklin has proposed and the Design Review Commission has not, to date, acknowledged this failure on the owner’s part.
Accordingly, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has found it necessary, in the interests of the community and the full and fair application of the law, to continue to challenge Mr. Boff’s attempt to circumvent the Historic Review Ordinance. We hope that fair-minded Saratogians would agree that this effort is worthy and important to ensure that the proper process is applied not just for 66 Franklin, but for future application to other historic properties.
Samantha Bosshart
Executive Director
Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation