Property Reassessments are unpopular
Republican candidate for Commissioner of Accounts, Samantha Guerra, said in a statement she will not support property reassessments if elected. She joins Democrat Dillon Moran who announced that earlier last week [Read more here]. Angela Rella, Accountability Party, wrote the same on her Facebook page, Sunday night.
“As our city and state continue to move toward recovery from the devastating impacts of COVID-19, Saratoga Springs is blessed with a strong economy that is spearheaded by our tourism industry. With all that Saratogians have endured, I will not be doing reassessments," Guerra said in a statement. [Read more about Guerra here.]
Tuz in as chair of Saratoga Springs Democratic Party
Pat Tuz has assumed the role of Chair for the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee. She replaces Sarah Burger, who resigned this week, a statement from the party says.
“I’m really excited about supporting our candidates and the voters of Saratoga Springs in the upcoming November election,” Tuz said in the statement. “They are highly qualified candidates with educational backgrounds and work experience fitting for their positions.”
Burger had served on the SSDC for most of the past 11 years and expressed gratitude for the committee’s support in her role as chair and their hard work on behalf of candidates. She will continue to serve as New York State Democratic Party representative and on the Executive Committee of the NYS Democratic Party, the statement says.
Per the bylaws of the Committee, Tuz assumed the Chair position when it became vacant from her role as First Vice Chair. Otis Maxwell is now the First Vice Chair, and Ann Casey Bullock has assumed the role of Treasurer.
Marion Ave. Stewarts Development with City Council
The Saratoga Springs City Council has decided to look more closely at the Planned Unit Development submitted by Stewart’s Shops on Marion Ave. The plan was roundly rejected by the city’s Planning Board last month, but the city council has the final say. [Read more here.]
The city’s attorney, Vince DeLeonardis, told the council that the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals approved the plan, but they do not have the same purview as the Planning Board. The Saratoga County Planning Board also approved the plan, but they also cited concerns with some elements, he said.
The city’s planning board said the PUD did not comport with the city’s 2015 comprehensive plan and that the conversion of an empty field from residential to commercial property is troublesome.
“Heed the planning board’s recommendation and reject this P-U-D without further delay,” John Iacoponi told the board during public comment at the July 20 meeting. He was representing the Maple Dell, Marion Avenue and Maple Avenue homeowners. The board will begin review in the coming weeks.