Residents, preservation groups press council to revise UDO demolition rules

Dozens of residents and preservation experts urged the Saratoga Springs City Council on Monday to delay action on proposed changes to the Unified Development Ordinance that, they said, would weaken demolition review and put historic buildings at risk.

"The changes of demolition poses the greatest threat to preservation in decades," said Samantha Bosshardt of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, who noted the organization’s review and longstanding partnership with the city. Several speakers backed Bosshardt’s plea, including Lisonbee Rhodes Stevie and Eileen Finner, who said the State Historic Preservation Office and other preservation groups have recommended substantive revisions before adoption.

Residents described concrete harms. Barbara Garrow said decisions by the design review board have cost her nearly $200,000 in repairs to her 1840 home, alleging inconsistent application of rules that favored newer construction. "My house can't dry," Garrow said, describing rot and repeat repairs she attributes to nearby approvals.

The mayor told the room the council had only just received advisory opinions and is working with preservation and legal experts before finalizing language. He read part of the State Historic Preservation Office’s response indicating ongoing collaboration: "We look forward to continuing our work together to ensure historical and cultural resources in Saratoga Springs are protected and appropriately managed," he said.

Council members said they would review the advisory opinions and that no changes have been finalized. The mayor said the next step will be further drafting and scheduling public hearings once staff and the council determine whether revisions are needed.

What happens next: residents asked the council to pause adoption until the preservation organizations’ recommendations are explicitly incorporated. The council confirmed advisory opinions were uploaded to the meeting agenda and that the public may continue to submit comments by email or at future meetings.