Saratoga News

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Village development proposal the topic of joint study session

By Shannon Burkey

Village merchants are full of anticipation and excitement to see what may become of a preliminary development proposal that could change the downtown Saratoga area from a sleepy Village into a bustling shopping and dining spot.

"This is the greatest project to happen to Saratoga in 50 years," said Breakaway Bike Shop owner Dave Home.

The project, which is in a very preliminary stage, proposes to build 13,500 square feet of retail space and 58,500 square feet of residential space on the 1.3-acre site on Big Basin Way where the Buy and Save shopping center is located.

The owner of the Buy and Save shopping center, the Frank Burrell Trust, submitted the proposal to the Saratoga Planning Department for review.

The Saratoga City Council and Planning Commission will hold a joint study session Sept. 6 at 5:30 p.m. in the Saratoga Senior Center to look at the proposal and offer feedback to the Burrell Trust.

"This is a chance for them to tell everyone what they are thinking, and to give the public a chance to talk about it," said Councilwoman Kathleen King.

Saratoga resident Brian Berg said he thinks with the right mix of retail and residential space, an upscale grocery store and a family-style restaurant, the Village could really thrive.

"I think there is going to be a big change in the Village," Berg said. "There will always be those people who say, 'No way, it is way too disruptive,' but you are always going to get that. This could be the biggest opportunity for the Village in decades."