How to resolve AdBlock issue? SARATOGA SPRINGS — On March 1 President of Saratoga Hospital, Angelo Calbone, shared a letter to neighbors expressing interest in revisiting the concept of a medical building in close proximity to the hospital’s main campus at the top of Myrtle Street in Wilton.
The medical office building project was first pitched in 2015; however, it was met with strong opposition from neighbors and was later dropped.
The Saratoga Springs City Council is currently concluding its work to align the city’s zoning map to the city’s approved comprehensive plan and the hospital wants to be a part of that conversation at the upcoming City Council meeting taking place on March 12.
“First, I want to say that I respect the right of all members of the community to be informed and to voice support or opposition for matters that affect all of us. I encourage that dialog. We all benefit from informed discussions,” Calbone says in the letter.
The project would include creating a 75,000 square-foot building that’s expandable by 13,000 square-feet and 300 parking spaces. The building site would also include green space. The projected medical office rental space savings are $750,000 per a year, according to the letter.
“We respect the issues that have been raised since the project was first proposed. However, we, as Saratoga Hospital, believe the upcoming decisions affect the entire community — even beyond our city limits. We have a responsibility to provide the best possible healthcare services to the community we serve, that is our public obligation,” a spokesperson for Saratoga Hospital said.
Calbone believes it is best practice that the hospital have medical offices in close proximity to the hospital because it results in better patient care, especially for patients with critical needs.
The hospital already employs 3,000 people, which includes a team of 250 doctors, nurses and physician assistants providing medical care in more than 30 specialties in over 20 locations across the region. The new building would also include 90 staff parking spaces. Full occupancy is estimated to take over five years.
“One way or another, the assumption must be that the property at the top of Myrtle Street will be sold and ultimately developed. We do not own the property. Any other development options for the property are outside our control. If the hospital moves forward, our objectives are clear. If another developer purchases the property, those objectives are also clear — to maximize profits,” Calbone wrote.
Calbone says he hopes to move forward together and come to the best solution for residents of the community and neighbors to the hospital.
He closes the letter with, “I know many will still be opposed to our plan for their own reasons. I also recognize that some will question every word, perhaps selectively quote what I have offered to you in this letter. But I hope any opposition is for the right reasons, all things considered.”
