Plaza proposed for busy Clifton Park intersection

A well-known local businessman has filed plans for a 100,000-square-foot shopping plaza near the intersection of routes 146 and 146A in the heart of town.

Scott Earl, owner of Prestige Services in Halfmoon and former owner of County Waste and Recycling Service, submitted a proposal to the town Monday to build a shopping plaza at the northeast corner of the intersection, in the area behind the popular Ravenswood Pub.

The commercial development would include retail expansion, a bank and/or restaurant and associated parking, according to the application. The precise details pertaining to what the retail areas would consist of are unclear. Earl did not return calls for comment.

The proposal will be introduced at a town Planning Board meeting Tuesday, Jan. 13. However, even if Earl’s concept plan is approved and the project advances to the next stage in the process, it still doesn’t signify the plaza will come to fruition.

“There are lots of elements from different agencies who will provide their input and approval,” town Planner John Scavo said. These groups include the town’s building and highway departments, the Clifton Park Water Authority, Saratoga County Sewer District No. 1, the county Planning Board and various state and federal agencies.

Unlike another proposal for the corner of routes 146 and 146A made earlier this year by the Nigro Cos., Earl’s proposal does not require special zoning permits. Thus, the Town Board does not need to approve the plan. The Nigro Cos. plan, which called for a new Price Chopper, retail store and restaurants at the northwest section of the intersection, was rejected nine months ago.

At this point, town officials believe it’s too early to tell whether the shopping plaza will become a reality. According to Scavo, preliminary approval would occur, at the earliest, six months from now.

“The Clifton Park Planning Board will be conducting a vigorous review encompassing six to eight months,” town Supervisor Phil Barrett said. “Since two state roads are on either side of the proposal site, the state Department of Transportation will have a big say.”

Despite the potential apprehension of other organizations, the Jonesville Fire Department has no trepidation.

“We always knew that something was going to go in that property, but it doesn’t affect us at all,” said Tim Miller, chairman of the fire district board. “We have absolutely no concerns at all.”