Notes from City Hall

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Residential Rehabilitation Grant Program provides those with limited resources the opportunity to make necessary repairs to increase the safety, security, and energy efficiency of their homes. The program may provide up to $15,000 in necessary repairs for single-family households. Resident homeowners with rental units (up to three) may be eligible for an additional $5,000 per unit if they rent to income-eligible persons at fair-market rents for a minimum of four years. The income eligibility guidelines are HUD-mandated and are subject to change. The requirements for income-eligible people to obtain this grant include a necessary occupancy time of four years, and a resident within city lines. Program guidelines and grant applications are available at the Office of Planning and Economic Development in City Hall. Upcoming Meetings at City Hall Monday, Dec. 5 – City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 5 - Planning Board Workshop, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 - City Council Meeting, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7 - Design Review Commission Meeting, 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 - Planning Board Meeting, 7 p.m. City Boards: Did You Know? The Saratoga Springs Planning Board is a seven-member citizen board appointed by the mayor to 7-year staggered terms. The Planning Board has jurisdiction over the development of most new multi-family, commercial, institutional and industrial projects. The City Council gives the Planning Board the following independent authorities to review development activities within city boundaries: Site plan review; Floodplain Variances; Soil Erosion and Sediment Control; Special Use Permits; Subdivision Review. The Planning Board also provides advisory services to the City Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Design Review Commission on various development activity. The seven-member board, and respective date of term expiration is as follows: Mark Torpey, chair 12/31/20; Robert F. Bristol, vice chair 12/31/19; Clifford Van Wagner 12/31/18; Tom L. Lewis 12/31/16; Howard Pinsley 12/31/17; Janet Casey 12/31/21; Jamin Totino 12/31/22. The Planning Board meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month.