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Commission forwards Harbor Springs mixed‑waterfront rezoning to council; concept shows 188 units
Summary
The Saratoga Springs Planning Commission unanimously recommended City Council approve rezoning of roughly 23.36 acres at 1331 East Pony Express Parkway from agricultural to Mixed Waterfront, moving a 188‑unit mixed‑use concept forward in the review process.
The Saratoga Springs Planning Commission unanimously voted on Oct. 30 to forward a recommendation to the City Council to rezone about 23.36 acres at 1331 East Pony Express Parkway from agricultural to Mixed Waterfront.
Staff said the City’s general plan already shows this site as mixed waterfront, so the rezone would align zoning with the plan. The applicant presented a concept plan with approximately 188 residential units and commercial space. Staff clarified a table error in the applicant’s packet that had mistakenly reported an unallowable density; the developer confirmed the intent is to pursue the allowed 10 units per residential acre (which produces an 8 units/acre average across the mixed‑use site) by providing code‑required amenity credits.
Applicant Jen Hall said the project is intended to complement nearby waterfront improvements: “We are excited about this development,” she said, and described amenities and a pedestrian‑oriented waterfront edge similar to the North Cove project the applicant is also developing.
Commissioners and staff discussed traffic and infrastructure. Engineering staff said the city has MAG funding in for design of Saratoga Road improvements, including widening to three lanes in portions of the corridor, but noted potential delays from wetlands permitting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the possibility of condemnation proceedings if right‑of‑way is needed from a noncooperative property owner.
Commissioners emphasized the benefit of adding neighborhood services to the landlocked area near the marina and city hall and asked the applicant to flesh out amenity commitments and parking in later submittals. The commission’s vote to forward a recommendation to City Council passed unanimously.
Next steps: the item will go to City Council for the legislative rezoning decision; subsequent submittals (preliminary plat, engineering studies, and applicable wetland/floodplain permits) will be required for project approval.
