Design Review Board approves multiple signage, storefront and fence applications; sets conditions on Spirit of Halloween banner

The Saratoga Springs City Design Review Board on Sept. 10 approved a package of signage, storefront and exterior-modification applications and attached conditions to a temporary seasonal banner at 155 Ballston Avenue.

Board members said most of the applications were straightforward and compatible with existing buildings. The board approved the Spirit of Halloween sign at 155 Ballston Avenue on condition the banner be removed after 60 days. Other approvals included a Coldwell Banker wall sign, a five‑story mixed‑use extension review at 53 Putnam Street, a Verizon utility‑pole small antenna attachment at 743 North Broadway, a facade change at 266 Lake Avenue, and a modification to an approved construction application at 326 Finley Street to add solar panels.

The approvals were handled partly on the consent agenda (no extended discussion) and partly as individual motions when applicants or board members requested more detail. The board’s approvals included specific conditions when members or staff raised enforceability or public‑realm concerns.

The most-discussed consent item was the Spirit of Halloween banner at 155 Ballston Avenue. Staff explained banner signs are normally allowed for 30 days without a variance; the applicant sought permanent‑sign permission to cover a longer temporary display window. The board approved the request on condition the sign be removed after 60 days, with enforcement to be handled by code enforcement.

Other approved items on consent or by motion: - 83 Railroad Place (Coldwell Banker): wall‑mounted sign in the urban core (T6) — approved by motion on consent. - 53 Putnam Street: historic review of an extension to an approved five‑story mixed‑use development — approved by motion on consent. - 743 North Broadway: historic review for addition of a small wireless antenna and equipment to an existing utility pole in the UR1 District — approved by motion on consent. - 78 Church Street: architectural review of a wall‑mounted sign in the neighborhood center (NC) District — approved by motion on consent. - 266 Lake Avenue: architectural review of exterior modifications to basement windows in the UR1 District — approved by motion on consent (applicant clarified address during the meeting). - 326 Finley Street: modification to an approved construction application to add a solar panel array in the T4 district — approved by motion on consent. - 15 Spring Street (Keuka Spring Vineyards): exterior modifications including a new door, a new storefront window, and unlit storefront sign — approved (motion passed without conditions). - 25 Fila Street (electrical upgrade / transformer / generator screening): approved with conditions that the board specified for fence type, heights, and painted piping (see separate item for details). - 543 Broadway (Bear’s Cup): historic review of signage, new awning and rear mechanical screening related to a coffee/bagel shop — approved as presented. - 115 Regent Street (Beagle School): the board approved restoration of the front double‑hung windows with added safety hardware and directed that the wood casement windows be restored; the board also required that siding on the front (east) façade remain rather than be replaced wholesale; applicants were told they may return with additional information about casement windows and code egress if needed. - 151 Van Damme Street: approval of new two‑story two‑car garage and related exterior work, with the porch/decking and baluster details to return to the board for final review.

Votes at a glance (motions and outcomes) - Motion to approve Aug. 6 minutes — approved. - Motion to approve consent agenda items (all items except 155 Ballston Avenue) — approved. - Motion to approve Spirit of Halloween signage at 155 Ballston Avenue with condition that the sign be removed after 60 days — motion made by Chair Tammy Anger, seconded by Jeff Wood; approved. - Motion to approve exterior modifications for Keuka Spring Vineyards, 15 Spring Street — approved (motion moved and seconded; no further conditions recorded). - Motion to approve fence screening and transformer/tank screening and painting at 25 Fila Street: slotted aluminum screening; 8 feet surrounding the fuel tank and 4 feet surrounding the transformer; fuel piping to be painted to match the building — approved (motion passed with conditions). - Motion to approve Bear’s Cup exterior signage and awning at 543 Broadway as shown on plans — approved. - Motion to approve restoration of 115 Regent Street double‑hung windows with hardware, to restore wood casement windows, and to keep siding on the east/front façade — approved (applicant may return with additional details for casements/egress). - Motion to approve 151 Van Damme garage and construction, subject to returning with porch/deck/baluster detail for board review — approved.

What’s next Applicants with conditions were told staff (Julia) will follow up with the application paperwork and that code enforcement will enforce time‑limited signage removal where applicable. Applicants who received conditional approvals (for example, the 25 Fila Street fence heights and materials, and the porch/deck details for 151 Van Damme) must return with the specified details or comply with staff directions.

Speakers and sources for this article include Design Review Board Chair Tammy Anger; board members Rob DeBoeuf, Chris Bennett and Jeff Wood; staff member Julia (planning staff); and applicants representing Keuka Spring Vineyards, Bear’s Cup, Verizon/IPD Engineering and others. Quotes and factual details are drawn from the Sept. 10 meeting transcript.