A resort proposed for Brown’s Beach on Saratoga Lake would stand 85 feet tall, with seven buildings featuring turrets and gables.

A lawyer and the designer of Saratoga Hotel, Resort and Marina appeared before the Town Board Thursday with the latest set of plans for the project, first pitched two years ago. If built, the resort would include 174 individually owned hotel suites, 14 hotel rooms for the general public to rent, three restaurants, a parking garage and 250 parking spaces on the ground level. A day spa, banquet hall and gift shop also are included.

Saratoga Springs real estate agents Geraldine and Larry Abrams are two of the three investors in Brown’s Beach Properties LLC. In 2005, they gave a price tag of $75 million. Lawyer Michele Anderson said the costs have risen but would not quote a figure. She said the investors have scrapped the idea of partnering with a national hotel chain because they don’t want outside design standards imposed on the project.

The Town Board must approve an amendment to existing zoning at the site for the project to be considered by the Planning Board. A public workshop is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Town Hall.

Designer Mark Honchell emphasized the resort’s “green” attributes: the roofs of the three major buildings are designed with grass and landscaping on the surface. The top of an underground parking garage also would be spread with soil and landscaped.

But neighbors were skeptical.

“It’s out of the nature of the lake. Eight stories is too big, even for Lake George. We’re not Cozumel,” said Karl Hardcastle, who lives across Route 9P from Brown’s Beach.

Bob Morris, whose father once owned the 7.3-acre property, also was critical because the buildings will block his view of the lake.

Both men noted the area where the buildings will stand is a flood plain, a feature Honchell said has been addressed according to rules written by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Water will be allowed to flow under the lowest level of the parking garage so the flood plain won’t be disrupted.

The Town Board’s requirements for approval of the resort include construction of the Saratoga Glen Hollow town park. Land is set aside for that purpose a mile away on Route 76, and officials would need to maintain public access to Brown’s Beach. The area is the only public access point to the lake in Stillwater. The developers plan to build a 7,200-square foot white sand beach.

Leigh Hornbeck can be reached at 581-8438 or by e-mail at lhornbeck@timesunion.com. [timesunion.com]