Wednesday, April 1, 2026 |
Photo – Industrial lot Saratoga is interested in – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Town of Saratoga continues to move forward with plans to purchase industrial land for a new public works facility.
During the March 18th Saratoga Town Council meeting, following a closed‑door executive session, Mayor Chuck Davis announced that a property valuation had been completed on Danny McGuire’s land. Councilman Bub Barkhurst then moved to inform McGuire that the property purchase can proceed.
In December, Saratoga Public Works Director Emery Penner proposed a plan to move his department out of the deteriorating and outdated former water treatment plant and police station on South River Street. Penner recommended buying a 12‑lot parcel at North State and East Rochester Streets, already zoned for light industrial and suitable for a new public works shop and material staging area. The site is the former location of Dan’s Trucking, owned by Danny McGuire.
Before making an official offer, the Saratoga Town Council held a public hearing on the proposed land purchase. Opinions were divided, with some residents opposed to the deal on the grounds that the town would be taking valuable industrial property off the market, land that could be used for future development. One meeting attendee who supported the plan said that moving the public works department would improve the appearance of the riverfront and, potentially, open the area for community use. Citing the differing viewpoints, the Town Council chose to hold another meeting.
A second public hearing was held two weeks later, on February 4th, where S‑E‑R Conservation District member Scott Kerbs said he opposed the sale, noting that it would take private property off the tax rolls. Instead, Kerbs suggested using land the town already owns at Shively Field for a new public works shop.
Councilman Bub Barkhurst said residents have already raised concerns about the debris pile west of Saratoga Middle High School. Councilman Barkhurst said moving the shop and material staging area to Shively Field could make the situation worse and interfere with future airport expansion.
Public Works Director Emery Penner said he can’t guarantee that either location, the lots on the north side of town or Shively Field, is the best option. After careful consideration, Penner said the North State and East Rochester Streets property is the strongest choice for a future public works shop.
Following the discussion, the Town Council chose to offer Danny McGuire $800,000 for his 12 parcels. To help offset the cost, the governing body also authorized Public Works Director Penner to obtain valuations for 17 town‑owned properties. Instead of costly formal appraisals, the Council opted for less expensive Broker Opinions of Value, in which a real estate broker uses market knowledge and active listings to estimate a property’s worth.
At the March 4th Town Council meeting, Penner said a local real estate company has agreed to provide Broker Opinions of Value for $300 per property, compared to more than $1,000 for a formal appraisal.
Of the 17 town‑owned properties available for sale, Penner recommended obtaining estimates on seven he identified as the most valuable.
Meanwhile, the town is continuing with the purchase of Danny McGuire’s property. At the March 18th Saratoga Town Council meeting, the governing body unanimously voted to inform McGuire that the requirement for a formal appraisal had been satisfied.
