HomeMy WebLinkAbout20200440 Crescent St Subdivision Correspondance (2) 1964-2019
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November 10, 2020
VIA MAIL &EMAIL
Ms. Kari Donohue
Administrative Assistant—Engineering
City of Saratoga Springs
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs,New York 12866
Re: Crescent Street Residential Subdivision Review
City Application No. 20200440
City of Saratoga Springs,New York
Dear Ms. Donohue:
We are in receipt of the following for the above referenced subject:
A. Subdivision Application, dated June 15, 2020;
B. Application Submittal Checklist, dated June 29, 2020;
C. Project Narrative, dated June 29, 2020;
D. Short Environmental Assessment Form, dated June 29, 2020;
E. Water Sewer Letter Report, dated June 29, 2020;
F. Complete Streets Checklist, dated June 29, 2020;
G. Threatened and Endangered Species Habitat Suitability Assessment Report, dated July 8, 2020;
H. Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan(SWPPP),dated June 29, 2020;
I. Letter of Credit Cost Estimate, dated June 29, 2020;
J. New Water Service Connection Agreement& Application Form dated June 29, 2020; and
K. Project Plans "Crescent Street Residential Development" prepared by Lansing Engineering, dated
June 29, 2020;
a. COV-1 —Cover Sheet
b. S 1 —Subdivision Plan
c. ED 1 —Existing Conditions& Demo Plan
d. LMG 1 —Layout Materials& Grading Plan
e. ESC 1 —Erosion& Sediment Control Plan
f. DT 1 —Erosion& Sediment Control Details
g. DT 2—Sanitary Sewer& Water System Details
h. DT 3 —Miscellaneous Site Details
Our comments on the materials submitted follow:
General Comments
1. Application number 20200440 should be added to all documents and subsequent correspondence.
2. The City and this office should be copied on correspondence by the applicant with other agencies
involved in permitting or otherwise approving or offering comments on the project.
3. A pre-demolition inspection report should be prepared for proposed building removal to determine if
asbestos or lead abatement will be required.
4. Documentation of consultation with NYSHPO regarding potential impacts to Archaeological and
Historic resources should be obtained by the applicant and provided for review.
4 Computer Drive West • Albany, New York 12205 • (518)458-7112•Fax (518)458-1879
www.labergegroup.com
Ms.Kari Donohue
November 10,2020
Page 2 of 4
Project Narrative
5. The project proposes to abandon an existing undeveloped alley but does not appear to show whether
the land is under the sole control of the City. To determine the extent of property interests, a
licensed surveyor should be retained to identify any potential easements or property rights that may
be influenced by the proposed abandonment of this alley.
6. The applicant should verify sufficient water and sewer service capacity is available for the proposed
project.
Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF)
7. SEAF No. 15 indicates that the proposed site contains threatened or endangered species which
appears to contradict the July 8, 2020 Habitat Assessment Report. The SEAF should be revised if
endangered species do not exist on the proposed project site.
8. SEAF No. 17 indicates that discharge to adjacent properties and conveyance systems is proposed.
Use of green infrastructure practices to reduce runoff is proposed with runoff being directed toward
existing storm drains at the intersections of Adams and Crescent. Since plans do not appear to
provide green infrastructure details, the SEAF or plans should be revised. An increase in runoff to
existing storm drains or adjacent properties should not be allowed.
Water Sewer Letter Report
9. The report concludes that anticipated water and sewer demands for the project are insignificant when
compared to the capacity available in the area. The applicant should provide documentation from
the City Department of Public Works (DPW) that verifies water and sewer capacity is available and
can be reserved for this project.
Habitat Suitability Report
10. The applicant should obtain a written determination from the NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation Natural Heritage Program regarding potential for endangered/threatened species that
may occur within the project area.
11. The report should be updated to reference findings related to typical species of concern such as the
Northern Long-eared and Indiana Bat.
12. Additional site investigations and cutting restrictions may be required to ensure that no endangered
or protected species will be impacted by this project and all necessary protections should be
incorporated into final project plans.
Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan
13. Grading limits have been conservatively drawn and final construction will likely expand beyond the
0.98 acre limit shown. Therefore, the project should be considered as proposing to disturb beyond
the 1-acre limit and be required to obtain a Stormwater Permit from the NYSDEC. It appears that
the only way the project can proceed without a permit is for the applicant to install a construction
barrier to prevent disturbance at the proposed grading limits, and be willing to cease activity until a
permit is obtained if limits need to be exceeded at any time during construction.
14. Except for a small area by the hydrant at the intersection of Jackson and Crescent Street, the project
proposes grading to the edge of pavement. Since it is unlikely that this small area will remain
undisturbed, the grading limit on sheet ESC-1 should be revised to extend the grading limit to the
edge of pavement in this area. Silt fence should be adjusted accordingly.
15. The applicant should review grading limits at the proposed stockpile location to determine if
enlargement is needed to access the stockpile as sites are developed without reliance on public roads
for stockpile transport.
Ms.Kari Donohue
November 10,2020
Page 3 of 4
16. We note that a basic SWPPP has been prepared for this project since residential construction is
proposed and since total disturbance will not exceed 5-acres. Projects that meet the requirements of
a basic SWPPP are not required by the NYSDEC to install post construction stormwater practices.
However, as a matter of good practice that the project should be required to meet the following
design criteria:
a) Stormwater management practices should be installed to prevent discharge of additional
stormwater to adjacent properties and public systems. Management practices should be sized to
ensure that post development runoff matches existing conditions; and
b) The SWPPP should be revised to provide information regarding the operation and maintenance
of each stormwater management practice that will be utilized on this project; and
c) Details for the green infrastructure practices proposed in the SEAF should be referenced in the
SWPPP, included but not limited to, design calculations and soil testing information assuming
infiltration practices will be used.
17. The report should include calculations for the development of the composite curve numbers used to
include land use, hydrologic soil group (HSG) and runoff curve numbers for both pre and post
developed conditions. The revised report should include a map showing land use associated with
each HSG area.
18. The report should include drainage area maps for both pre and post developed conditions. These
maps should show the entire drainage area tributary to the stormwater management practice with all
sub-catchment areas,time of concentration flow paths and design points indicated on the maps.
19. The SWPPP should include a complete and signed copy of the NOI.
20. NYSHPO consultation correspondence should be included in the SWPPP appendix to replace the
map currently provided.
Project Plans
21. The final mylar of the subdivision map must be signed and stamped by a Professional Land
Surveyor.
22. The Subdivision plan calls for a portion of the undeveloped alley to be conveyed to adjoining
landowners. Additional details should be provided to explain how this conveyance will be
accomplished. Revisions may be needed to allow the necessary legal descriptions to be prepared for
conveyance and consolidation of the alley to adjacent properties.
23. A licensed Land Surveyor should complete a title search to determine which properties, if any, have
deeded rights to the alleyway that may be impacted by the proposed abandonment. The subdivision
map should be revised to show findings accordingly. Review by the City Attorney may also be
required since the proposed project involves conveyance of public lands.
24. A pre-demolition inspection report should be obtained and provided for City review. Any necessary
pre-demolition abatement should be referenced on the sheet ED-1. Abatement specifications may
also be required.
25. Trees within the City right-of-way that are to remain should be specifically called out on relevant
plans. A tree protection detail should be added, and plans should be updated to show protection with
signage and silt or construction fencing at the dripline of each tree.
26. The typical lot layout shown on sheet DT-1 should be revised to eliminate the sump pump lateral
extending toward the public roadway. In lieu of off-site discharge, details should be added to the
plans for on-site management of sump pump flows.
27. Inlet protection does not appear to be shown on ESC-1 but is called for in the notes. Drywells along
the roadway should be protected.
28. Particular Measures Note 8 on sheet ESC-1 does not appear to apply.
29. Construction fence or silt fence and signage should be shown along the northern boundary of the
project site to prevent off-site construction encroachment.
30. Details should be compared against standard requirements of the City of Saratoga Springs and
modified as necessary.
Ms.Kari Donohue
November 10,2020
Page 4 of 4
31. Grading limits from ESC-1 should also be shown on ED-1 and LMG-1.
Please feel free to call our office if you have any questions.
Very truly yours,
LABERGE GROUP
By:
Donald C. Rhodes, P.E.
Project Manager
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