Downtown business owner asks council to allow beauty and wellness use at 172 Ridge Street

Angelica Marckina, who identified herself as a downtown business owner, asked the council to consider a zoning amendment to allow a beauty and wellness business at 172 Ridge Street, a building she said has been vacant since February 2019.

Marckina said the building, built in 1875, is more than 6,000 square feet with about 15 parking spaces and has “tremendous historical character.” She proposed a two-level beauty and wellness destination with licensed cosmetologists and aestheticians downstairs and a spa and massage membership retreat upstairs. She estimated the project could create 10 to 25 local jobs and more than $100,000 in annual taxable sales, translating to an estimated $8,000–$12,000 in annual sales tax revenue for the city and county. “Beyond the numbers, this is about community and preservation,” Marckina said.

Marckina told the council she had discussed the proposal with staff member Chip, who informed her that environmental and engineering documents would be required and that he would email information on what to submit. She said the item was on the facility board agenda for consideration but that staff had asked for the additional materials before formal review.

No formal council action on a zoning amendment for 172 Ridge Street was recorded in the portion of the meeting covered by the transcript.

Marckina said she had previously opened a business in Glens Falls (she referred to “518 Beauty Room,” opened January 2020) and urged the council to support reusing the landmark building in a way that preserves its character while creating jobs and taxable activity.

The council did not make a decision on the zoning amendment at this meeting; staff requested required documents from the applicant for a future review.