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Saratoga Center for the Family seeks variances for new 4,000 sq ft building; board hears support and schedules referrals
Summary
Representatives for the Saratoga Center for the Family presented plans for a new 4,000‑square‑foot, single‑story building at 359 Ballston Ave; the ZBA heard public support and directed the project to county and planning referrals but did not vote on variances at the March 9 meeting.
Representatives for the Saratoga Center for the Family presented plans on March 9 to build a new approximately 4,000‑square‑foot single‑story building behind the existing center at 359 Ballston Ave, and the Zoning Board of Appeals heard public support and technical questions but took no final vote.
Matt Brobston of the LA Group, the project representative, said the proposed building is intended to be subordinate to the main structure and to allow the center to continue operations while renovating the existing facility. "The structure really is to be subordinate to the main structure," Brobston said, and he described the addition as similar to a detached garage or multipurpose space with conference and program areas.
The project requires multiple variances: an increase in the single‑story maximum (the new building is roughly 4,000 sq ft where the zone permits 3,000), a reduced average building height (proposed about 12.5 feet vs. a 24‑foot minimum), and relief from the frontage build‑out percentage (the zone calls for 50% build‑out along the frontage; the proposal does not bring new building to the front). Brobston said renovating to meet front‑build requirements or adding a second story would be cost‑prohibitive and would create accessibility obligations such as elevator installation.
Jim Lombardo, who identified himself as a former board member of the organization, urged approval and described the center’s long history and growing staff: "Saratoga Center for the Family has been around for 50 years... When I was on the board there were 12 employees; now I understand there's 42 employees," Lombardo said, arguing the organization needs additional space to serve schools and county clients.
Board members asked about parking and process. The applicant said the site is currently over‑parked relative to the existing requirements and that a few spaces could be reconfigured as part of site plan review. The board and applicant also confirmed the project will go to the county planning board (scheduled March 19) and to the planning or design review board before further approvals are finalized.
No ZBA vote was taken at the March 9 meeting; the board discussed scheduling and additional reviews and indicated the project will proceed through county referral and subsequent planning board and design review steps.
