The New York Racing Association, the agency that oversees racing at Saratoga Race Course, has introduced plans for several new building and renovation projects there, including its famed Clubhouse. A public hearing on the project is set for later this month.
Earlier this month, the New York State Franchise Oversight board approved NYRA’s Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement for proposed construction at the famed Saratoga Racecourse.
The approval was directly related to what NYRA calls its “At The Rail” facility. The new multi-story building would feature banquet and outdoor dining areas, party suites, and other amenities. The building would replace the tents that currently stand beside the Clubhouse.
NYRA Spokesman John Durso said in email that the DGEIS is a “a routine step is necessary to measure any impacts to the environment such as air and water resulting from potential projects, such as this.”
Later this month, on May 28th, the public will be able to weigh in on NYRA’s plans. But some are already voicing concerns.
A Facebook group called Save Saratoga Race Course has been formed and is pledging to keep a close eye on the project.
Durso’s email continued:
NYRA will be doing the appropriate due diligence at the appropriate time regarding any and all structures contemplated in the designs, and will reflect our continued commitment to maintaining the historic landscape and character of the Saratoga Race Course.
NYRA is also planning a long list of other renovation and expansion projects at Saratoga.
Among them is new housing for jockeys, modifications to the entrance way and grandstand, a new winner’s circle, and a new service building.
Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation said her organization is familiar with much of the planned projects at the Racecourse, some of which were presented in a draft document in 2012.
“There’s some projects that we do have concerns over, however a majority of the projects we didn’t have manjor concerns with. We understand that NYRA needs to make improvements to be modernized and be viable, however we are concerned with maintaining a balance with maintaining and preserving its historic character.”
Bosshart said that while the focus may be on the Clubhouse expansion, she would like to see more public input on the other proposed projects.
“As part of this Draft General Environmental impact Statement, is an agreement on how the entities with NYRA and the state, including the state Historic Preservation Office, are going to move forward with how they review future projects. And at this point there is no opportunity for local input. No local advisory opinion, or anything that would give the Saratoga community a say in what happens with the Saratoga Racecourse.”
Potential improvements at the track had been waiting in the wings for some time, as dedicated funding from the VLTs at Aqueduct has been geared specifically for capital improvements at Saratoga.
Mike Kane, a longtime Capital Region racing journalist, said changes have been made at the Racecourse before, and they’ll continue, but NYRA must pay close attention to preserving the Saratoga charm.
“20 years ago NYRA made a bunch of changes – they took the winner’s circle off the track and made a winner’s enclosure and did some different things that were supposed to help the business. I never liked the idea that the winner’s circle come off the track but that’s what they did. They put televisions in. That seemed odd at the time, but you have to move forward and cater to the customers of the time that you’re living in. At the same time, you cannot lose track as to why Saratoga is such a popular place.”
Kane predicts a strong showing at the public forum scheduled for May 28th at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
For more information visit https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/information/nyra-saratoga-race-course-redevelopment-plan-dgeis/
