Full Breakdown
Historic Roof Ruling Raises Costs for Saratoga Springs Homeowners
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Jillian and Dan Massetti own a 140-year-old house in a historic district of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. When a leaking slate roof was discovered last year, the couple sought approval to replace it with a composite material that would have cost about $45,000. After four appearances before the city’s Design Review Board, the board narrowly ruled that, because of the house’s prominent location, the Massettis must use authentic slate, raising the projected expense to $115,000. The board later reversed the decision.
Preservation Rules and Design Review Process
Saratoga Springs’ historic-district regulations require any exterior alteration to receive clearance from the Design Review Board, which evaluates proposals for compatibility with the district’s character. The board’s initial insistence on real slate reflects the city’s broader commitment to preserving architectural authenticity, even when such requirements impose substantial financial burdens on property owners.
Financial Impact on the Massettis
- Composite-material estimate: $45,000
- Required slate estimate after board ruling: $115,000
The disparity illustrates how historic-preservation mandates can more than double renovation costs for homeowners, prompting concerns about affordability and the practicality of compliance.
Official Statements & Responses
Ms. Massetti told the New York Times she loves living in a historic part of the city and values preservation, yet she warned that the high cost could deter homeowners from maintaining historic properties. The city’s Republican mayor, John Safford, criticized the board’s original ruling as overly rigid, and the board subsequently agreed to reverse its decision.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You bought into the district. You didn’t do your research on it.” — Ms. Massetti — Ms. Massetti