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Zoning board extends variance for 126 West Ave. mixed-use project 18 months
Summary
The Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals approved an 18-month extension of previously granted area variances for a mixed-use development at 126 West Ave., setting the new expiration for Dec. 23, 2026, unless construction begins or further extension is granted.
The Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals on June 23 approved an 18-month extension of previously granted area variances for a mixed-use project at 126 West Ave.
The extension authorizes the variance for the construction of a mixed-use development (four townhomes and an office with an apartment above) to remain effective until Dec. 23, 2026, unless a building permit is issued and construction begins or the board approves a further extension.
Joe Hens, an engineer with Ingles & Associates, told the board the project plan has not changed and the applicant seeks more time to complete value engineering and finalize architectural details. "My name is Joe Hens. I'm with Ingles and Associates. We're the engineer for this project. We're seeking an 18 month extension for the previously granted variances for the January project," he said.
Susan (staff member) read the board's resolution and noted the variance was originally granted July 25, 2022, and had been extended once before. The board explicitly tied the extension to the property identified as Tax Parcel 165.72-1-22.1 and to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) standards that govern issuance and expiration of area variances.
The motion to extend the variance passed on a voice vote with board members recorded in favor: Christopher LaPointe, Otis Maxwell, Amanda Dema and Gage Simpson. The board noted this will be the second and, per the motion language, the final extension under the current resolution wording.
Why this matters: Extending the variance preserves the applicant's entitlement to build the mixed-use development while design and permitting work proceed; it also sets an explicit new expiration date so the board or applicant must return if construction does not begin by that date.
The planning staff will reflect the extension in the property file and building-permit tracking. The board's resolution sets the new expiry at Dec. 23, 2026, consistent with the 18-month extension from the last expiration date of July 25, 2025.
Votes at a glance: The board approved the extension by voice vote; four board members were recorded in favor. No members were recorded as opposed or abstaining.
