HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200155 Guarino/Haner Subdivision Advisory Opinion
C springs.org-www.saratoga 9480-580-3550 x.2515 fax: 518-587-Tel: 518 Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 474 Broadway -City Hall OMMISSION C EVIEW R ESIGN D PRINGS S ARATOGA S ITY
OF
Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Leslie DiCarlo
Chris Bennett
Leslie Mechem
Rob DuBoff
Ellen Sheehan
Steven Rowland, Alternate
Kenneth Ritzenberg, Alternate
A DVISORY O PINION
In the matter of the requested advisory opinion to the Planning Board
#20200155 (PB)
Guarino/Haner Subdivision
21 Park Place
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
involving a proposed 2-lot subdivision adjacent to a local historic district within the Urban Residential-4 district.
Following discussion on this matter on June 17, 2020, the Commission issues the following opinion:
Favorable Opinion – conditioned on future review of new construction by the DRC
Considerations:
The Design Review Commission recognizes and greatly values the historic character of the existing Gothic Revival
structure located at 21 Park Place and the adjacent Canfield Casino-Congress Park-Circular Street Historic District.
In 1987, it was recommended that this property be listed as a ‘contributing’ property but, ultimately, it failed to be
added to either the National or State Registers of Historic Places or the local Historic District.
Admittedly, it is very difficult to fully anticipate and evaluate the potential of any adverse impact upon this property
and the adjacent historic district brought about by the proposed 2-lot subdivision and subsequent development.
The applicant has indicated that the intent is to sell the property following subdivision approval and, as such, has
declined to provide any details as to future construction, mass and/or scale of the structures, materials or
architectural approach.
Fortunately, the applicant has offered and consents to require that any future new construction on the newly
subdivided parcel will come under architectural review of the Design Review Commission. As this property is
located substantially contiguous to the City’s Historic District, this requirement shall ensure that any future
construction will be sensitive to the historic qualities of the existing structure, adjacent properties and the
neighborhood.
With respect to the proposed driveway location, without a specific construction proposal, it is difficult to evaluate
the most appropriate location. The DRC would recommend that the final driveway location be reviewed by the
DRC in conjunction with the future construction proposal and then made final via administrative action by the
Planning Board Chair at that time.
It is recommended that this be a requirement for subdivision approval and that this requirement for DRC review
shall be recorded on any final approved subdivision plat and filed with the City Building Department and as a deed
covenant with the Saratoga County Clerk’s office.
It is with, and dependent on, this requirement that new construction be under the review of the DRC that the
Commission is able to provide a favorable recommendation on the proposed subdivision to the Planning Board.
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