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Design Review Board finds outbuildings at 636 Route 29 not historically significant, demolition contingent on SEQR paperwork
Summary
The board determined that the outbuildings at 636 Route 29 (Lake Avenue) do not contribute to Saratoga Springs’ historic fabric and indicated the applicant may proceed toward demolition after completing a short‑form SEQR/asbestos submission. The board will complete a formal demolition vote once the applicant files required paperwork.
Francis Vincent Connolly told the Design Review Board he intends to demolish multiple deteriorated outbuildings at 636 Route 29 and preserve the parcel as open space. The applicant noted that Apex Environmental conducted asbestos testing and that a demolition firm is lined up pending regulatory clearance.
The board’s focus was narrow: members were asked to determine whether any structure on the parcel meets the city’s architectural or historic significance thresholds. Chair Tammy Anger moved that the DRB find the structures lack architectural or historic significance under section 13 of the UDO; the motion carried after a second. “The design review board determines on this day, September 11, that the structures noted do not have architectural and or historical significance contributing to the history, fabric, and resources of the city of Saratoga Springs,” the Chair stated as part of the motion.
Board members then discussed next steps for demolition. Because the short‑form SEQR (environmental assessment) had not been filed, the board said it could not hold a formal demolition vote that same night and advised the applicant to submit the required paperwork so staff can complete the administrative SEQR review prior to a formal motion. The applicant was told he could schedule the demolition on the calendar once the short‑form is filed; the board indicated this would likely be treated as a formality if testing and paperwork are complete.
Outcome and next steps: The DRB recorded a determination of non‑significance for historic/architectural value. Demolition was not authorized the same night; the applicant must submit the short‑form SEQR/asbestos paperwork to staff (Beige) for administrative review before the board can vote on demolition.
