Consideration of a demolition application for a structure at 66 Franklin St. in the City of Saratoga Springs has been scratched from the city’s Design Review Commission’s agenda.
The DRC, which is responsible for approving major exterior alterations or demolitions of structures within the city’s historic zoning district, was expected to vote on the controversial application tonight. The matter has been adjourned until July 6, according to information on the city’s Web site.
The application is of particular interest because the City Council is expected to vote on a demolition moratorium for historic buildings at its July 7 meeting. The issue was largely raised by the pending demolition application for another property not within the city’s historic zoning district, but the timing of the matter has pulled the Franklin Street property into the discussion. The demolition could be blocked even if the DRC signs off on it.
The building at 66 Franklin is owned Joeseph Boff, who plans to build a smaller, single family home after he demolishes the old structure. He says this would be cheaper than restoring the existing building, while city historic preservation activists say restoration would be feasible and affordable.
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