PLANS FOR TRACK UPGRADE ADVANCE
Clubhouse addition part of proposed $170M in improvements
SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Plans for a Saratoga Race Course clubhouse addition, part of a proposed $170 million track upgrade, have cleared a major hurdle.
The state Racing Franchise Oversight Board, which monitors New York Racing Association’s business activities, recently approved a final generic environmental impact statement for such work.
If implemented, it would be the largest and most expensive redevelopment program at the race course in more than 60 years, said Lee Park, New York State Gaming Commission spokesman.
“No construction is imminent, but the fact that the Franchise Oversight Board approved the generic impact statement is significant,” he said.
The three-story clubhouse addition would replace the temporary At the Rail Pavilion, where group gatherings and events are held during the meet.
Dozens of other projects have been proposed including 19 on the front side alone, such as a new Nelson Avenue service building, and modifications to the Wright Street gate house, grandstand and paddock.
Many backstretch improvements are called for as well.
However, before any work can begin, NYRA must obtain approval from the Franchise board and state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for each individual project, Park said.
Upgrades are expected to occur over a roughly 10-year period, “based upon need, schedule, funding and Franchise Oversight Board approval,” Chairman Robert Wlliams said during the board’s latest meeting.
“The goal of the project is to ensure the racecourse retains its status as a world-class horse racing facility and key component in the local community and regional economy,” he said. “The proposed improvements seek to maintain and emphasize the historic character of the racecourse while seeking to ensure a sustainable future for racing at Saratoga Springs.” Upgrades have been in the planning stages since 2008.
“Redevelopment will likely include construction of new buildings, parking areas and pedestrian facilities,” Williams said. “The redevelopment plan is the first large-scale strategy for renovating Saratoga Race Course since the Jockey Club plan in 1956.”
Williams also chairs the Gaming Commission, which regulates all racing and wagering activities in the state. The commission’s next meeting is 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion on East Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
In May 2015, the Franchise board held a public hearing at Saratoga Springs City Center to obtain public comment for the final impact statement, which contains several key elements. They are:
• Description of the proposed action, its purpose, public need and benefits, including social and economic considerations;
• Description of the environmental setting of the areas to be affected, which is sufficient to understand the impacts of the proposed action and alternatives;
• A statement and evaluation of the potential significant adverse environmental impacts and the reasonable likelihood of their occurrence;
• A description of mitigation measures;
• A description and evaluation of the range of reasonable alternatives to the action that are feasible, considering the objectives and capabilities of NYRA; and
• Comments received during the public and agency review period and the Franchise Oversight Board’s responses to those comments.
To view the adopted final impact statement online, visit https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/ about/saratoga-fgeis.
“The goal of the project is to ensure the racecourse retains its status as a world-class horse racing facility and key component in the local community and regional economy.” —Chairman Robert Wlliams