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the Planning Commission grants the Village House a continuance
By Nathan R. Huff
The Village House restaurant project has returned from the brink of death, though the doctor's bill--in the form of a planning department time extension for Netscape co-founder Bill Foss and restaurateur Andrew Welch--will run $1,425.
Foss and his Limited Liability Company (LLC) were granted a continuance on April 12, by the town's Planning Commission to bring plans in line with current codes. Foss stated in his letter of justification that, on the last resubmission, he discovered the code requirement regarding various structural issues had changed, and required a new set of drawings.
"It's been a long road and a learning experience," Welch said. "But we're excited to come back and do it." Welch added that the plans were identical to those approved in their conditional-use permit more than a year ago.
Foss bought the restaurant from EastField Ming Quong (EMQ) a year ago after first entering a lease agreement with the children's mental health organization. Foss and Welch intended to turn the former lunch and banquet facility that was operated for 35 years by EMQ volunteers, into an upscale eatery. Despite opposition from residents and local business owners' concerns over traffic and parking, the Town Council supported the application.
However, as work started on the old building, it became clear that the structure was in need of more than just a little paint and plaster. Estimates for renovation that first were projected at $500,000 were revised to over $2 million.
At that point EMQ decided not pursue the project and to sell the property to Foss for an undisclosed amount. Foss, however, was unaware at the time that he would have to go back through the planning process.
New plans have not yet been submitted, but the restaurant is still being described as "fresh cuisine in a sophisticated environment." Welch said while the restaurant wouldn't be incredibly pricey, it would feature only "high-end, no short-cut foods" as well as 300 to 500 wines. The owners hope to open the new Village House within a year.
Last year, Foss and fellow Netscape founder John Mittelhauser opened The Basin in Saratoga, a bar and restaurant that attracts high-tech clientele.
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