Wednesday, February 10, 2027
Saratoga Springs City Center
522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
2026 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Presenters: Richard Harris, Kevin Tollisen, Sonny Bonacio, John Scavo
What makes a town truly successful—and how much do land-use laws and Planning & Zoning Boards shape that success? This session features municipal planners, local leadership, and a development professional sharing perspectives on sustainable growth, effective regulations, and constructive public-private collaboration. Together, they will discuss how planning decisions, regulatory frameworks, and strong partnerships contribute to thriving communities—and what other towns can learn from their experiences.
Presenters: Monica Ryan & James Bragg
This basic course addresses the powers and duties of town, village, and city planning boards and commissions. The administrative and regulatory roles of the planning board, including its review of site plans, special use permits, and subdivision plats are discussed, along with the planning board’s role in the municipal comprehensive plan. The importance of board procedures, referral to the county planning agency, and making findings are also covered.
Presenters: Terresa Bakner, Esq., Richard Laberge & Steve Boisvert
This practical session will walk through the SEQR review process for a warehouse development project seeking approval from a local review board.
Presenters: Christopher Eastman & Lindsey Drew
This introductory course to the zoning board of appeals focuses on the statutory tests boards must follow to grant use and area variances and proper handling of zoning interpretations. Meeting procedures and notice requirements will also be discussed, along with the ZBA’s relationship with enforcement officials and the planning board, and the importance of making good findings.
Presenters: Donald McPherson & Raymond Liuzzo
This session offers a comprehensive overview of the processes involved in creating or modifying property parcels in New York. Participants will learn about the legal land survey criteria, zoning regulations, and other considerations that guide land use boards when reviewing subdivision applications. Topics will include types of land subdivisions and development patterns, open space configurations and lot density planning, application of bulk zoning regulations, access easements and infrastructure requirements and well and septic system criteria.
Presenters: John Scavo, Andrew Brick, Esq. & Denise Riccardi-Bagramian
This session defines the roles of boards, applicants, and citizens in land use decisions, guided by laws, bylaws, and public input. The Zoning Board of Appeals adjudicates variance requests, the Planning Board reviews site plans, subdivisions, and PDD referrals, and the Town Board holds legislative authority. Boards oversee SEQR and special use permits, applicants provide documentation and demonstrate compliance, while citizens contribute perspectives on community impacts. Clear scope and accountability ensure decisions remain transparent, legally sound, and balanced between development and public interest.
Presenters: Chuck Marshall, Ian Murray, Mark Schachner, Esq. & John Witt
This training session focuses on improving the predictability and clarity of your Town’s land-use laws. Participants will explore how understandable regulations and consistent implementation help developers know exactly what is required for project approval. Through discussion and examples, the session will highlight common sources of confusion and strategies for making rules more transparent. By the end, attendees will be better equipped to evaluate—and enhance—the predictability of their local land-use processes.
Speaker: Dave Brennan, Esq.
This session dives into the intricacies of the public utility variance standard, focusing on applications for electric/gas substations, telecommunications facilities, and renewable energy systems like wind and solar. We’ll explore the historical evolution of these variance standards, their interaction with local zoning codes, and how they apply to both use and area variance requests. Through detailed case law analysis, we’ll examine the criteria specific to each utility type and discuss the legal frameworks shaping zoning decisions. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to navigate public utility variances, and how to approach these complex issues in practice.
Presenters: Jaclyn Hakes & Nan Stolzenburg
This session dives into today’s most pressing planning and zoning challenges impacting rural and small communities in our region. From solar development and battery storage to agritourism, affordable housing, data center development, and short-term rentals, we’ll unpack the issues and explore practical strategies, tools, and resources to help communities be prepared to respond effectively.
Presenter: Mark Schachner, Esq.
Effective planning and zoning meetings are essential to fair, transparent and legally sound land use decision-making. This session is intended to provide Board Members with practical guidance on how to conduct meetings that are orderly, inclusive and compliant with New York State law. Participants will learn about the distinct roles and responsibilities of Board Members, applicants, Municipal Staff, consultants and the public. The session will cover best practices for managing public comment, navigating procedural requirements and maintaining decorum. Whether you’re a new appointee or a seasoned Member, the goal of this training is to help you conduct productive meetings and promote public confidence in the planning process.
Presenters: Alanna Moran, Ryan Riper & Leonard Goldstock, MD
How can early coordination between the developer, municipality, and consultants result in a high-quality project meeting the needs of the community? What challenges could the developer, municipality, and engineering team experience from concept through design and construction? How can the vision for the project become reality? We will use Saratoga Regional Health Center on US Rt 9 in the Town of Wilton as an example and discuss the various studies, conversations, and coordination efforts needed to implement a project with several community benefits.
Presenter: Matthew F. Fuller, Esq.
This session will touch upon the more well-known aspects of the area variance before diving deep into the legal requirements, some may say impediments, to the issuance of a use variance. As we all know, the two variances are not the same, yet at times, many believe they are. Focus will be offered on caselaw which provides judicial insight on how courts look at use variances, so that you can incorporate those reviews into your own evaluation of the use variance criteria. Be ready for a Q&A format where you can have your questions answered!
Presenters: William J. Keniry, Esq. & Andrew Clark, Esq.
A review of recent significant land use, planning and zoning cases pertinent to matters in the State of New York.
Presenters: Devin Dal Pos, Dave Brennan, Esq. & Cynthia Young
This session will explore the pros and cons of land use moratoriums, considering the perspectives of developers, elected officials, and legal professionals. This panel will provide a robust conversation on moratoriums that encompasses the complexities of economic development, community impact, legal implications, and environmental protection.
Presenters: Tamie Ehinger, Dan Carpenter, Amanda Smith, Todd Shimkus
This panel will explore how historic communities like Schuylerville and the City of Saratoga Springs are transforming their historic downtowns while embracing future growth. Local and state stakeholders will discuss the balance between preserving historical charm and fostering economic vitality. We’ll dive into successful revitalization projects, the role of state programs like NY Forward or the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and how to tackle challenges such as building restoration, zoning adjustments, or integrating new development with historic structures. Join us to learn how thoughtful development can honor a town’s past while transforming it into a vibrant future.
Speakers: Daniel Shearer, Jackson LaSarso, Matthew Veitch, Gary McCarthy & Steve Strichman
The session will focus on the economic benefits of trails and parks and how to incorporate these resources into the local planning and zoning approval process. The session will include a panel discussion with elected officials and trail proponents highlighting examples from Saratoga and Schenectady County.
*These sessions MAY qualify for CLE credit. However, at this time, the details for this certification have not been finalized. There is no extra fee for CLE credits.
Disclaimer Statement
The Saratoga Planning and Zoning Conference (“Event”) is organized by Saratoga County Department of Planning and Economic Development (“Organizer”) for informational and educational purposes only. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by any speaker, panelist, or participant during the Event are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Organizer.
The Organizer does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or truthfulness of any statements made by speakers or participants. Attendees are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and discretion in evaluating the information presented.
By attending the Event, participants acknowledge and agree that the Organizer shall not be held liable for any claims, damages, or losses resulting from reliance on any statements made during the Event.
