ZBA approves Stewart’s Shop plan at 177 S. Broadway and two home variances, all by 7-0 votes

The Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals on Jan. 12 unanimously approved three area variances, including an application for a new Stewart’s Shop at 177 S. Broadway.

Libby Clark, attorney for the Stewart’s applicant, listed the variances sought, which included major front-yard and buildout relief along Broadway and Lincoln and a modest increase in freestanding sign area. Chair Gage Simpson said the public hearing was open but no members of the public spoke; after brief discussion the board approved the variances, adding clarifying language to the motion noting the lot configuration, neighborhood support and that the proposed sign is smaller than the existing sign. The motion to approve was made by Chris LaPointe and seconded by Brendan Dailey; the vote was 7-0.

The board also approved an area variance at 20 Empire Ave. for a 0.5-foot encroachment into an interior side setback related to a deck roof tie-in. Owner Timothy Mumford told the board he and his engineer had revised plans to include a continuous gutter system to redirect runoff inward to a rock bed beneath the deck to avoid pooling on the neighbor’s property. Amanda Demma moved to approve the variance; Jonah Cohen seconded. The motion carried, 7-0.

A third unanimous vote approved an addition at 142 East Ave. Michael Perry, the architect, said the work would expand a half bath to add a 3-by-5 shower and toilet; the addition will be flush with the living room and screened by existing plantings and a neighbor’s driveway. Otis Maxwell moved to approve, Brendan Dailey seconded, and the motion passed 7-0.

Votes at a glance • #20230590 — 177 S. Broadway (Stewart’s Shop): motion to approve area variances; mover: Chris LaPointe; second: Brendan Dailey; vote: 7-0; notes: motion language amended to reference lot configuration, neighborhood comments, continuation of existing use and reduced sign area. • #20250975 — 20 Empire Ave.: motion to approve area variance for deck roof tie-in (0.5 ft. encroachment); mover: Amanda Demma; second: Jonah Cohen; vote: 7-0; notes: applicant submitted engineer’s letter describing gutter/drainage plan. • #20251054 — 142 East Ave.: motion to approve area variances for small side addition; mover: Otis Maxwell; second: Brendan Dailey; vote: 7-0; notes: board requested comparables and clarified alternatives considered in finding feasibility.

What’s next: The minutes note the actions were approved with clarifying edits to the motions; items with open questions (curb cut dimensions, plan details) were left to staff follow-up where noted by the board.