HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200483 269 Broadway Mixed Use Correspondence 10-2-20 September 30, 2U2Q
Susan Barden � ����
Principal Pianner `� � ��
Gity of Saratoga Springs p�T �2 Z020
474 Broadway � �
Saratoga Springs, NY12866 �`
�
Dear Ms. Barden,
Piease atlow us to introduce ourselves. We are the HOA Board members of Park Pface
Homeowners Association (HOA}located at 268 Broadway,which consists of 51 residenfial and
cammerciai units.We listened to the Sketch Site Pian presented at the Aprii 3Qth Pianning
Board Meefing (App#2020Q174 269 Broadway Mixed Use Commercial Building)and have
severai concems for your consideration.
Traffic/Parking/Public Safety-We are concemed with the current traffic conditions and are
interested in what a traffic study wili show. Broadway is atready heavily trafficked with large
trucks producing signficant naise and poltution. Parking is currently a problem, especiatly on
school aftemoons when parents pick up their chitdren ftom SPA Catholic and on Sundays when
St. Peter's is holding mass. Traffic is currently backed up here from 3:30-5:30 daily and more
so during track season.The increased traffic on Broadway and Hamilton will increase risk for
students and the general public.
Aesthefics-On the application the applicant answered "Yes"to 3 extremefy important questions
regarding the Historic places, sensitive#or archaeological sites and its pr�oximity ta officially
designated scenic and aesthe�ic resources. We hope the Board will consider the impact a
building of ti�is size and magnitude will have on fhe historic and aesthefic charactec of this
neighbofiood. Having no setbadcs on any side is visually unappealing and does not appear to
"fit in".The public sidewalk shoutd NOT be encroached for the safety of the public and for the
ability of DPW to c(ear snow. The building at 268 Broadway has setbacks on the 1 st/2nd floors
as well as on the top flaors which made the building fit in with the neighbonng buildings.
Necessil.y- Has a recent analysis been conducted on the business need of officelretail space of
this magnitude?After COVID19 the likelihoad of more people working from home is more
probable as is the possibility of some retailers/restaurants closing.We need to keep cuRent
building space occupied.
Water/Aquifer-The appticant indicated that the project site is located over, or immediately
adjoining a primary, pnncipa(or sole source aquifer(Principa!Aquifer).What impact witf
excavating for a 2 fevel undergraund garage have on the aquifer?There is a reason this city is
named Saratoga Springs. We need to protect our springs.
Civic Area-We advise you to carefufly examine the civic area as proposed. Covered open
areas are susceptible for peopte spending the night. When 268 Broadway first initially opened
we needed to make numerous cails to the pc�lice department regarding people spending the
night in the garage tunnel area.
We are interested in participating in the review and decision making process and submissions
assaciated with environmental impact issues(EIS's), intensity of land use, consideratian of
historic resources, population demographics, socioeconomic projections, housing resources,
location and impact to educationai facilities, and confiormance with the City's Comprehensive
Plan,the e3ctent to which the use is in harmony with and promotes the general purposes and
intent of the Comprehensive Ptan,the density, intensity and compatibility of the use with the
neighbofiood and community character,safe and efficient pedestrian and vehicular access,
circulation and parking, existing and future demand on infrastructure, public facilities and
services, the environmental and natural resources of the site and neighboring lands including
any patential erasian,flooding or excessive iight, noise, vibration and the like and the long-term
economic viability of the site, neighboring properties and districts.Additionally,the HOA has
interest in Site Plan submissions, special use peRnitting issues, and all items refeRed to the
Design Review Commission, City Council, or any other body, agency or department.
The Park Place HOA recognizes the substantial investment and efFort being undertaken by the
devetoper and the City and we look forward to future discussions as we work together to keep
Saratoga Springs a place where everyone wants to live,work and play. Contact
informatiorr.email- mf347pp@gmail.com
Respectfully,
Parlc Place HOA:
Maree Fox, Secretary��-
Dr. Robert Sponzo, Director
Donna Hellman, Directar
.cc Plannning Board Members-Mark Torpey, Jamin Tofino, Sara Boivin, Lexie Bonitafibus,
Kerry Mayo,Todd Fabozzi, Ruth Horton, Shawna Jenks
Design Review Commission Members-Tamie Ehinger, Karen Cavotta, Ellen M. Sheehan,
Leslie DiCarlo, Chris Bennett, Rob DeBoff, Steve Rowland, Ken R�tzenberg
Jennifer Merriman