WILTON — A proposal initiated last year that would see the development of nearly 400 apartments and townhouses alongside the Wilton Mall continues on its path forward. 

The parties behind the development proposal recently launched the website “Reimagine Wilton Mall” that points to a detailed timeline of upcoming public meetings with local and regional officials for the purpose of seeking approval for the project.     

The project, proposed by the Macerich Corporation and Paramount Development, includes 382 new “luxury, market-rate rental residences,” including both apartments and townhomes, and will feature “premium resident amenities with a sophisticated design,” according to the companies.  

“What we see in the Wilton Mall is something that’s got some momentum. We do really well around retail,” Tom Snell, a partner with Paramount Development, told Wilton town officials during a public meeting earlier this year, when Paramount announced its plans to purchase two lots totaling just over 13-1/2 acres on the northeasterly side of the mall for the $100 million-plus project. 

Santa Monica, California-based company Macerich has owned and operated the mall land since 2004. They own about 95 acres in all; JC Penney – owns just over two acres, and LBW Saratoga – occupied by BJ’s, owns just under four acres. 

Paramount Development, based in Florida, has developed 200 rental apartment communities in dozens of states. 

The potential project, which would be developed in two phases, would occur on the northeast side of the mall past Dick’s Sporting Goods, and see the removal of the former BonTon location, which closed in 2018. That was followed by the closure of Sears two years later. 

At its peak in 2016, the mall generated about $95 million in sales. Figures provided by Wilton Mall Property Manager Mike Schafer earlier this year showed those figures were down to $55 million. “That’s about a $44 million sales tax loss with the retailers that we’ve lost,” Schafer said. “The sales in the mall dropped in half.” The addition of hundreds of residents to a new space is being viewed as a catalyst for growth, he added.   

An application for establishing a Planned Unit Development District (PUDD) at the Wilton Mall to allow the development of 382 luxury rental residences was forwarded for review to the Town of Wilton Planning Board. Upcoming meetings to discuss the project are anticipated to take place at the Wilton Planning Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 19, the Saratoga County Planning Board on Oct. 20, and at the Wilton Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. on Nov. 3. All meetings are open to the public.     

SARATOGA SPRINGS — SoBro Conservancy of Saratoga launched its first project on Sept. 29, focusing on the regreening of a former gas station site on South Broadway.

“A green space at this prominent location will bring benefits – not only from the bees, butterflies, beetles, and birds it will attract, but also for the businesses of South Broadway, by creating a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly transition to the SoBro corridor,” said Tom Denny, who along with SoBro team members Johanna Garrison and former city Mayor Joanne Yepsen shared remarks during last week’s gathering. 

The parcel was donated to SoBro Conservancy by the David Eshaghian family to honor the memory of his mother. The property sits at 209 South Broadway – adjacent to a Dunkin’ Donuts shop – and has been vacant for more than a decade. 

Over the next several years, the regreening process will involve planning and design, an extensive soil improvement regimen, the installation of appropriate infrastructure, and diverse plantings that will mature into a pollinator-friendly habitat of native plants. 

As the project unfolds, the planting of large-growing shade trees and smaller flowering trees, along with flowers, shrubs, and ground covers that will provide habitat and food sources for pollinators and songbirds will occupy the highly visible corner.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Each year in September the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation recognizes those who have preserved the architectural heritage of Saratoga Springs. Last week, award recipients were honored during the Foundation’s Annual Meeting in the Music Hall at City Hall.  

The City of Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works received the Restoration Award for the 77th Infantry Monument, which was vandalized in Congress Park in July 2020. The cast iron and zinc statue was erected in 1875 and donated to the City, in honor of the 77th Infantry, known as the Saratoga Regiment, who fought in the Civil War. 

“After seeing it shattered in pieces on the ground, it seemed impossible for the statue to be put back together, but it was,” said Bosshart. “Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco was very proud of this restoration.” 

The Foundation also presented the following awards: 

• The Children’s Museum at Saratoga with an Adaptive Reuse Award for their ambitious project at the Lincoln Baths, 65 South Broadway. 

• The New York Racing Association received two awards for projects at the Saratoga Race Course: a Rehabilitation Award for Cottage #7 which is visible from Nelson Avenue, and a New Contextual Design Award for the Post Bar.  

• A Landscape Initiative Award was given to 754 North Broadway for the installation of a new sidewalk along East Avenue that matched the original historic brick herringbone sidewalk. 

• Jennifer and Kyle Perry received a Porch Restoration Award for their home at 173 Phila Street. The homeowners utilized historic images and Sanborn Maps to determine what the original porch may have looked like and undertook an extensive restoration.

• Jessica Niles of 581 North Broadway was given a Window Initiative Award. 

• Saratoga City Tavern, 19-21 Caroline Street, was given a Window Initiative Award for the restoration of the bay windows facing out onto Caroline Street.  

• The property at 59 George Street received a Rehabilitation Initiative Award for the exterior work completed, including the restoration of the side porch. The award ceremony concluded with the Rehabilitation Award for Stone Abbey, 125 Circular Street. 

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.

BALLSTON SPA — Mohawk Chevrolet welcomed community members to its dealership this past Sunday, Sept. 25 for Mohawk Auto Group’s second in-person pet adoption clinic of the year. Capital Region shelters were scattered throughout the lobby, service drive and exterior to introduce adoptable dogs, cats, reptiles and birds to potential owners.

“Our employees at Mohawk Chevrolet are very passionate about giving back, especially when it involves dogs, cats and other pets,” said Travis Horne, general manager, Mohawk Chevrolet. “We are grateful to all of our local shelters, organizations and volunteers for their willingness to participate.”

“The Saratoga County Animal Shelter has enjoyed great success every time we attend a Mohawk Auto Group pet adoption clinic,” said Karlianna Russell, public relations coordinator, Saratoga County Animal Shelter. “On Sunday, we brought three dogs and 12 cats that were up for adoption. We had a good turnout of people interested, so we are excited to get these pets in happy homes.”

This past April, Mohawk Auto Group hosted its first in-person pet adoption clinic since the Covid pandemic. That event was held at Mohawk Honda in Schenectady.

During the height of the pandemic, Mohawk Auto Group hosted virtual adoption clinics. Through both in-person and virtual clinics over the past several years, Mohawk Auto Group has placed hundreds of pets into new homes.

Mohawk Chevrolet, located in Malta, is a full-service dealership. For more information, visit mohawkchevrolet.com.