A development group is proposing a mixed-use condo development on about 8.7 acres of land on the south short of Saratoga Lake in the town of Malta.
The South Shore Marina Proposed Planned Development District was presented to the Town Board on Jan. 25,
Sophia Maruso, the owner of Plan & Site Consulting LLC located in Ballston Lake, representing to principals of the New York Development Group addressed the board outlining plans, which are preliminary at this point.
The Formal application could be made in the coming weeks, the development group said.
Geoffrey Booth and Jeff Knox are the principals in the group.
Two- and three-story condominium buildings and a public kayak and canoe launch are included in the project. The developers are under contract to purchase nine parcels totaling 8.7 acres from Joe and Tony DiDonna, owners of the marina and restaurant South Shore Marina on Saratoga Lake. If approved, they will be demolishing all the existing structures and starting anew.
The land is near the intersection of Route 9P and Plains Road (County Road 108). The PDD concept proposes mixed uses consisting of 96 condominium units in five buildings, a marina, a 4,000-square-foot restaurant and potentially associated amenities such as clubhouse, fitness center, and public access to the lake with parking, according to Town Board minutes of the session.
Documents said the PDD process is being pursued “due to the nature of the pre-existing, non-conforming uses and conditions of the project property; to contemplate a unique combination of new uses; and to foster development of a new community of residents seeking pride of ownership with appreciation for Saratoga Lake, while offering the opportunity to fulfill a long-sought public amenity for the Town of Malta.”
“The applicant recognizes that the project area has historically functioned as a dining and recreational fixture within the town and is enthusiastic about the prospect of enhancing the aesthetic value of this location, improving the environmental conditions of the site, and further enhancing this gateway into the Town of Malta,” the developers said.
Within the project area, the majority of lots are either pre-existing nonconforming by size or by use. Additionally, the site will use both underground and surface parking.
Maruso said at this point the size of the condo units is roughly estimated at 1,500 to 1,800 square feet. She said that will come more into focus when the developers get approval. At that point the architect will get more involved in preparing plans.
“We believe this proposal contemplates the future of this neighborhood in a way that serves existing residents of the town, creates additional home ownership opportunities, diversity in housing stock, and supports the improvement of Saratoga Lake water quality, while bringing to fruition the dream of public access cooperation between developers and the Town of Malta to gain access to the Kayaderosseras Creek, Saratoga Lake, Round Lake, other creeks,” documents fro the developer said.
Booth said it will be “an upscale development.”
The developers declined to identify a potential asking price for the condos until material costs are determined. “All of the costs that are involved in this will weigh in on what that eventual number looks like,” Booth said. He added they are “envisioning a signature piece” with this development.