Michael Chowske

The Planning Board meeting addressed several applications. For the Park Place & Cottage Street Final Subdivision, the Board discussed detailed modifications regarding driveway width, landscaping, transformer placement, storm water drainage, granite curbs, and trash storage before approving a Negative SEQRA Declaration and the subdivision with specified conditions, including tree replacement. For the associated Site Plan Review for the multi-family dwelling, the Board stipulated conditions related to building materials, trash management, transformer/gas meter location via administrative action, recreation fees in lieu, and lighting, ultimately approving the site plan. A third application involving the relocation of the stone parish house at 30 Washington Street to Bethesda Episcopal Church property and the site plan for a new spa building at 19 Washington Street underwent detailed review concerning streetscape consistency, building shifting, handicapped accessibility, alley engagement versus greenery, and stormwater management. Following extensive discussion and SEQRA review, both applications were approved with stipulated conditions. A Preliminary Subdivision review for 127 Jefferson Street was tabled pending the applicant's response to significant public allegations regarding property liens, unpermitted work, septic issues, and the intended use of the proposed structures. Finally, the Board initiated coordinated SEQRA review and solicited comments for the Route 9/S. Broadway Special Use Permit application for a mixed-use development comprising a hotel, multi-family residential units, and retail space, focusing on site layout, parking adequacy, pedestrian connectivity, and concerns regarding traffic safety on Route 9 due to high speed limits.

The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed several applications requiring area variances. Key discussions involved the construction of a new Stewart's Shop establishment at 177 S Broadway, which required variances for minimum buildout percentage and front yard setback, and was approved 7-0. An area variance for a deck roof addition at 20 Empire Ave. was also approved 7-0 after addressing runoff concerns with an engineer's report. An addition to the residence at 142 East Ave. seeking side yard setback variance was approved 7-0. The board discussed the construction of a detached garage at 722 N Broadway/49-51 Bryan St., focusing on driveway width and curb cut issues, leaving the public hearing open pending confirmation from the zoning officer. For 10 Elizabeth Lane, variances for setback encroachments due to an addition and new porch were discussed, with the applicant requested to eliminate unnecessary overhangs and provide comparative data before proceeding. Finally, a recommendation to the City Council regarding a potential zoning map amendment for properties on Schuyler, Benton, MacArthur, Iroquois, and Salem Drives from UR-1 to UR-2 was tabled following public comment expressing concerns about neighborhood character, density, and infrastructure strain.

The Planning Board addressed several agenda items. For a subdivision extension at 16 Marion/Ave. A, the Board approved a six-month extension with conditions regarding curb transitioning after considering public concerns about the unfinished structure and curbing hazards. The primary discussion centered on a site plan modification for a multi-family residential project at Crescent Ave. and Jefferson St., involving changes to unit distribution across Area Median Income (AMI) levels, unit count increase, and reductions in impervious surfaces and parking. The Board also reaffirmed the previous SEQRA Negative Declaration for this project, contingent on administrative reviews for specific modifications like playground relocation and confirming CDTA service. Finally, the Board denied an application for a temporary use as a park at 53 Putnam St. due to significant concerns regarding maintenance, public liability, and safety, recommending instead that the applicant clean up and beautify the brownfield site without public access.

This Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) for the City of Saratoga Springs identifies and documents key natural resources to guide land use planning, development, and conservation initiatives. The inventory details various resource categories including Geology, Topography, Water Resources, Soil, Land Cover and Ecological Communities, Urban and Community Forest, the Greenbelt and Open Space Conservation, Dark Skies, Scenic Resources, Historic Resources, and Areas of Environmental Concern. The plan acknowledges threats from development, decreased funding, water vulnerability, and climate change impacts (extreme heat, precipitation, flooding). Key recommendations include strengthening the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for resource protection, enhancing water resource protection and quality assessments, developing a Climate Action Plan, establishing official resource protection goals, and strengthening Greenbelt protections.

The City of Saratoga Springs' Consolidated Plan is a multi-year document outlining housing and community development priorities, coordinating annual entitlement funding to achieve program objectives. Key focus areas include addressing a continuum of housing needs from homelessness prevention to creating permanent affordable housing, rehabilitating existing units, and acquiring units for preservation. It prioritizes emergency and transitional housing for homeless individuals and families, and public services that prevent homelessness and promote stable living. The plan also addresses non-housing community development, expanded economic opportunities for low-to-moderate income individuals, and specific COVID-19 pandemic-related needs like emergency rental assistance, eviction prevention, and support for small businesses. The overarching goal is to promote self-sufficiency and foster a sound living environment for residents.