Ballston Spa trustees review zoning updates and BOA revitalization plan, consider grant applications

At the May 26 meeting the Ballston Spa Village Board reviewed a new draft of the proposed zoning code and discussed next steps for implementing the BOA (Brownfield/BOA) revitalization recommendations and pursuing state grants.

Trustees and staff said the draft code includes mapping adjustments (for example, R2 zoning downtown and an overlay to protect McMaster Street’s R1 character), clarifies nonconforming-use handling and adds guidance for parking waivers that would require a parking plan showing maximization of on-site parking before a waiver is considered. "So look at what the existing condition is in the code when you look at that and then look at the waiver to understand how it interplays," the chair said.

Separately, staff reviewed recommendations from the BOA revitalization committee and a consultant’s proposal of roughly $33,500 in recommended pre-development work. Staff said pro-housing certification is likely the first, relatively straightforward step to improve the village’s competitiveness for New York Forward funds; application work was estimated at about $15,000 with an October deadline noted for one grant opportunity. Trustees discussed phasing, consultant support and the use of Community Development Block Grant and Main Street technical assistance for targeted tasks.

Officials asked staff to provide the updated zoning draft to trustees by Friday and to proceed toward a county review in July. The board asked staff to compile priorities for consultant work and present cost and timeline options for upcoming meetings so trustees can decide which grant applications to pursue.