Jul. 31--STILLWATER -- Troubled by the prospect of increased traffic, light pollution and noise from a seven-story resort proposed for Saratoga Lake, opponents have formed the Group Action for Reasonable Development.
"A project this size is not right for our back yard. We have to stick together," said Larry Berger, the organizer of GARD, at a meeting of about 50 people at Malta Town Hall Wednesday.
The hotel was proposed by Brown's Beach Properties LLC. Two of the property owners are Saratoga Springs real estate agents Larry and Geraldine Abrams. They plan to spend $85 million building the hotel, which will include 188 suites divided between two towers, restaurants and a spa.
Berger and other residents who spoke Wednesday said Supervisor Greg Connors has been slow to respond to their concerns, which Conners flatly denied.
"I have kept a record in my office of all the phone numbers and the e-mails of people who have contacted me and I have responded to. Any complaint or concern has been addressed," Connors said.
"Our position on this project remains the same and we are waiting for a response from the developers on several issues."
The Town Board directed the developers to re-examine traffic impact and density at a meeting in January.
Over the last year, the 7.3-acre property has become an eyesore. It was recently surrounded by orange construction tape -- effectively removing the only public access Stillwater residents had to the lake.
"I'm afraid the tax revenue from the project will be so attractive the town won't be able to resist it," said Lisa Morahan.
Morahan's mother-in-law, Margaret Morahan, lives on Make Your Own Way next to Brown's Beach. According to the current design, the hotel would be 30 feet away from her house.
"It's quiet now. If this goes up I won't be able to see the stars anymore. I don't want the light," Morahan said.
An attorney for the project, Michele Anderson, did not return a call for comment.
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