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Saratoga County schedules May 13 public hearing on Alexi's lease for airport restaurant
Summary
The Saratoga County Airport Improvement Committee voted to schedule a public hearing on a proposed lease with Alexi's to operate the restaurant at the new FAU Terminal Building; committee members also approved minutes from March 4 and heard an update that a construction budget request will be presented next month.
Saratoga County Airport Improvement Committee members voted unanimously Tuesday to schedule a public hearing on May 13 to consider a proposed lease with Alexi's at the airport incorporated for operation of the restaurant in the new FAU Terminal Building.
The proposed lease terms presented by Chad, airport staff member, call for an initial one-year lease followed by two five-year renewal options, rent of about $2,000 per month (roughly $26,000 for the year) and tenant responsibility for garbage removal, grease-trap cleaning, equipment maintenance and cleaning of the kitchen, bar and dining areas. The lease would include the kitchen, bar, dining areas and back-of-house storage and catering spaces on the first and second floors. Chad said the county would remain responsible for cleaning restrooms located just outside the restaurant area.
Why it matters: the restaurant lease would place a customer-facing business in the renovated terminal, potentially serving airport users and nearby residents. Committee members emphasized the operator's experience and the practical lease provisions—such as sanitation and insurance language—needed for operation, and the hearing will allow the public to comment before the county approves a lease.
Chad summarized the draft lease terms: "We had discussed with the restaurateur about doing an initial 1 year lease, followed by two 5 year renewal leases. The first year ... is about $2,000 a month for the space," and described the areas included. Committee member Jed Cook asked about restroom cleaning, saying, "I didn't hear you mention bathrooms." Chad responded, "There are bathrooms right outside of the restaurant area, but the county would be responsible for cleaning those areas." Chad also confirmed the operator will pursue a liquor license and that the county will require hold-harmless language and insurance thresholds to allow on-site alcohol service.
Committee members said the operator—identified in the discussion as Alexi of Alexi's in Greenbush—has an established track record. Chad said he had spoken with Alexi earlier that day and that the committee is targeting an Aug. 1 opening, subject to lease approval and build-out timing.
During the meeting the committee also approved the minutes of its March 4 meeting by voice vote and heard from staff that a budget request related to the airport contractor will be brought back next month after the contractor and staff finalize figures and approach substantial completion.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve minutes of March 4: Approved by voice vote (no roll-call tally recorded in the transcript). Note: mover not specified in the record. - Motion to schedule a public hearing on the proposed lease with Alexi's at the Saratoga County Airport for May 13 (after loan finance): Approved by voice vote (no roll-call tally recorded in the transcript). Note: mover not specified in the record.
Next steps: the public hearing is scheduled for May 13 after the loan finance item; staff expect to return with a budget request and a construction completion update at next month's meeting.
