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Home My WebLink About20200574 Excelsior Park Correspondance (7) 1/26/2021 Zimbra Zimbra jennifer.merriman@saratoga-springs.org Re: Excelsior Park LLC From : BRUCE COFFIN <brucecoffin@gmail.com> Mon, Jan 25, 2021 11:19 AM Subject : Re: Excelsior Park LLC To :Jennifer Merriman <jennifer.merriman@saratoga- springs.org> CAUTION: This email originated outside of the City network. Please contact IT Support if you need assistance determining if it's a threat before opening attachments or clicking any links. Thank you On Mon, Jan 25, 2021, 11:13 AM Jennifer Merriman <jennifer.merriman@saratoga- springs.org> wrote: This will be uploaded tomorrow. I am off today. Original Message From: BRUCE COFFIN To: jennifer merriman Sent: Mon, 25 Jan 2021 11:10:05 -0500 (EST) Subject: Excelsior Park LLC CAUTION: This email originated outside of the City network. Please contact IT Support if you need assistance determining if it's a threat before opening attachments or clicking any links. Ms Merriman Would you please confirm receipt and share/forward to Chairman Torpey and the other members of the Planning Board. Chair Torpey Thank you for the opportunity to audit the Planning Board meeting on January 21st as well as the ability to address you and the board members. We wanted to memorialize the concerns that we expressed as well as endorse the similar concerns of the neighbors that either sent correspondence or spoke at the meeting. 1.) Please see the attached picture of the bridge / boardwalk that was presented to us by the builder in 2014. Instead of a 50 ft boardwalk and stone dust path we have a 435 ft wooden bridge that rivals the Verrazano Narrows bridge. Why was there a departure from the original representation when we were contemplating building? This structure places pressure on the police department due to activity on the bridge: consumption of drugs, vandalism, skateboarding (11p.m.-2 a.m.), disregard for the opening and closing hours, jumping into the protected wetlands etc. As mentioned we have called the police over 15 times in this regard. Further, how do people physically distance on a 58 inch wide structure? 2.) Mr Carr mentioned infiltration as a method of surface water dissipation. Water would obviously leech to the Spring Run putting further pressure on the wetlands. As mentioned our mortgagee states that our properties are in a 100-year floodplain notwithstanding the fact that the builder again mentioned in 2014 that the property is not in a floodplain. It seems logical that adding residential units would further exacerbate this situation and our properties. 3.) We have seen definitive changes in noise, odor from the Spring Run, and wildlife and waterfowl patterns. For example, prior to 2017 deer could freely roam in the wetlands. Now, the bridge prevents and severs any migratory patterns. Ducks, herons, geese are negligible. 4.) One of your board members brought up the "country overlay" zoning in as much as it is to be preserved and maintain a rural country character and complement the natural conditions evidenced at the Saratoga State Park. Zoning Section 3.2.1 states that this is to be the Planning Board's guide for the location and character of site development. If five people inhabited each residential dwelling that would add 895 people to the httnc I/m caratnna_enrinne nrn/Hlnrinfr.e��.�o:a_ ewneoa _e __ iw_... v_.a_ 1/26/2021 Zimbra population of this "country overlay" . Two people in each dwelling would be 358 with all of the concomitant activities, water usage, sewage etc. I submit to the Planning Board a question to contemplate " how much is enough" ? 5.) Since 2017 we have had to endure the lack of quiet enjoyment of life due to the constant building noise, added traffic, power tools etc. Rather than have a variance on the DEC SEQR why not contemplate a SEQR redux... a post-mortem on the current site, the numerous management companies, how and why the master plan has been changed and altered over the course of the last 15 years as witnessed by the diagram of the proposed bridge in 2014. The environmental impact is deleterious and evident. Thank you again for the consideration of these important environmental matters as well as those of the other participants and interested parties. Respectfully submitted, Bruce and Jill Coffin -- Jennifer Merriman Land Use Board Coordinator Office of Planning and Economic Development City of Saratoga Springs phone 518-587-3550 x2533 fax 518-580-9480 https://m.saratoga-springs.ora/h/orintmessaae?id=116405Rb=Ampricainiaw Vnrk nin 1/22/2021 Zimbra Zimbra Jennifer.merriman@saratoga-springs.org Re: Excelsior Park Project/Planning Board From :BRUCE COFFIN <brucecoffin@gmail.com> Thu, Jan 21, 2021 02:33 PM Subject :Re: Excelsior Park Project/Planning Board To :Richard Farrell <xcskiingdoc@gmail.com>,jennifer merriman <jennifer.merriman@saratoga-springs.org> Cc :jennifer-merriman@saratoga-springs.org, bbirge@saratoga-springs.org External images are not displayed. Display images below CAUTION: This email originated outside of the City network. Please contact IT Support if you need assistance determining if it's a threat before opening attachments or clicking any links. Ms. Merriman We echo Dr. Farrell's articulate concerns, inter alia, especially noise, light penumbra, traffic, pedestrian activity, safety (I have asked numerous city officials and code enforcement officers on seven occasions re: how two people can pass one another at a 6 ft distance on a 57 inch bridge). The bridge referenced was originally presented to us as a 50-ft gravel stone dust path. It ends up being a 435 ft white elephant. We have been forced to call the police 15 times since the bridge was constructed due to vandalism, consumption of drugs, skateboarding between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. and numerous other vagrancies. The new signs that state the area is closed from dusk to dawn mean absolutely nothing as occurs every hour. Further, what is the anticipated population density with 179 units and the concomitant services required (water, sewer, et al)? 300? 400? 500? The question the City and PB must ask is how much is enough...or will satisfaction come when there are no blades of grass remaining in SS. The meeting will provoke more questions on this important matter. We DO NOT favor this development. Bruce &Jill Coffin 48 Eureka Avenue On Thu, Jan 21, 2021, 11:20 AM Richard Farrell <xcskiingdoc@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Ms. Merriman: iffne.//m cnrotnn7_enrinnc.nrn/f./...:..4.... . . 1/22/2021 Zimbra I recognize this meeting's agenda relates to a special use permit, I wish to submit my comments now for this is the first time I have been aware of an opportunity to address the planning of the most recent proposal for the Excelsior Park Project. I am willing to address this meeting via Zoom, and I have an iZoom invite for tonight's meeting. There are several areas of concern: 1. Pedestrian/bicycle access to downtown. 2. Historical preservation of the remnants of the Eureka sulfa-mud baths. 3. Potential noise and light disturbances. Pedestrian/bicycle access to downtown. The Traffic Review Summary submitted by The Chazen Company on November19,2020 addressed primarily motor vehicle traffic, but did make comment in item #7 regarding paving the gravel path that leads to the boardwalk and bridge that traverses the wetlands and making both north and south access ramps ADA compatible. It is my first hand experience that the summer grasses on the north slope of this path grow very tall and cascades across the path posing an ideal mechanism for deer tick spread of Lyme disease. An eight to ten foot wide paved path would considerably help prevent this prospect. Such a paved roadway would facilitate snow removal which DOES NOT occur. I was led to understand a homeowners association in the existing Excelsior Park is responsible, but there is no enforcement of the obligation. This needs action going forward. Also, a dog waste station should also be provided at the Ormandy Lane access to the trail. A communication of September 1, 2020 spoke of"accomodations for connections to existing pedestrian or bicycle routes" your attention to two concerns you are asked to address. 1. The boardwalk and bridge has no established snow removal plan. Needless to say that proposed additions to Excelsior Park there will probably be a dramatic increase in pedestrian traffic across this broadwalk and bridge. There is potential for a fall off the boardwalk. This needs addressing. Since this boardwalk/bridge was built , three years ago, a private citizen has used his snowblower to remove the snow. The 32" snowfall earlier this winter required three men to remove the pedestrian-pack snow, a ninety minute effort. This needs action going forward that is accountable. 2. Access to downtown is also by way of Excelsior Avenue. To walk on a sidewalk from the Residence Inn Saratoga Springs to East Avenue one must cross Excelsior Avenue five times. Accommodations for pedestrians to walk on a continuous sidewalk to the downtown should be considered. Historical Preservation. Although this site is not a NYS designated site there are several structures in the woods not readily visible that relate to the previous Eureka Sulfa-Mud baths. Before there is any clearing of trees and land in this area the Planning Board might consider bringing this to the attention of the proper city official for possible preservation and exhibition. Potential Noise and LIght Disturbance. The proposed hotel on Tax Map #166.-1-19 has a south facing patio and pool. The rear of our residence will face this patio and pool area. I am concerned about the light and sound hMnc1/m cart,fnnn_cnrinnc nrnlhln.:a... O:d-AACflWfOV,_n .....aI_... ,.t_ _._ 1/22/2021 Zimbra impact this will have on our residential neighborhood. I suspect the builder will wish to take down trees on the south side of the pool/patio area so secure more sunlight. Such trees would help provide noise/light mitigation. Such trees are not protected because they are situated more than 100 feet beyond the wetland buffer. What can be done to answer this concern? Sincerely yours, Richard L. Farrell, MD 47 Eureka Avenue Saratoga Springs, NY Virus-free. www.avast.com httnc'//m caratnna_snrinnc nrn/h/nrinhr. o:.I_g4enYn0a__ ...__. ..__._ 1/26/2021 Zimbra Zimbra jennifer.merriman@saratoga-springs.org Fwd: Spring Run Public/Private Nuisance et al From : BRUCE COFFIN <brucecoffin@gmail.com> Tue, Jan 26, 2021 02:45 PM Subject : Fwd: Spring Run Public/Private Nuisance et al To :Jennifer Merriman <jennifer.merriman@saratoga- springs.org> CAUTION: This email originated outside of the City network. Please contact IT Support if you need assistance determining if it's a threat before opening attachments or clicking any links. Jennifer One more communique to forward to Chairman Torpey and the Planning Board please. Thank you. Chair Wanted to bring to your attention this email from July 29 2020 relative to Excelsior Park LLC. Also re: water, runoff, infiltration etc. the Spring Run stream has changed dramatically since The Hamlet was built-especially during significant rain. I am, not a hydrologist. Thank you, 1/26/2021 Zimbra Bruce Forwarded message From: BRUCE COFFIN <brucecoffin@gmail.com> Date: Wed, Jul 29, 2020 at 4:24 PM Subject: Spring Run Public/Private Nuisance et al To: <eileen.finneran@saratoga=ssprings.org> Cc: BRUCE COFFIN <bruce.coffin@gmail.com> Good afternoon Eileen It has been a couple of weeks since we have spoken. I realize you are involved in so many community issues from demonstrations to vandalism in Congress park which preempt your attention. Notwithstanding, Tuesday July 28 was not a good night. Four to six skateboarders started their almost daily trek at between 5 and 6p.m. from the Spring Run trail to their "encampment". . .all with mysteriously full backpacks. Their camp can be reached by taking a left halfway up the hill from the north side of the boardwalk bridge and going about 50 yards into the woods or accessing from near a transformer located near the 6th streetlamp on Ormandy Drive. Pictures in separate email of their "bunker" and environs. hfff _cn'• ....,/h/.,.:..4.., •).,1 ARCA 7701-.-A ..m 1/26/2021 Zimbra .? Screaming, skateboarding sounds back and forth across bridge, flashlights blazing commenced around 10 p.m. My wife went to bed at 12 :30 a.m. (2 1/2 hours past her normal retiring) to the same noise and lights. Unfortunately, I was admitted to Saratoga Hospital earlier in the day; otherwise, I would have called the police. My wife, fearing for her personal safety, was reticent to call police. Problems: 1 . These events are on "27 acres of uninhabited private land (Excelsior LLC). Regardless, a private nuisance is being held continually on this private land. 2. Police state "no violation". . . as skateboarding is neither posted nor against a city ordinance. "Our hands are tied." 3. The police would have to dispatch three cars/and or teams to trap and apprehend the miscreants: one from Ormandy Drive going into the woods south; one the top of the path referenced above heading west into the woods; one crossing the bridge from the Spring Run. 1/26/2021 Zimbra Does the City really have enough resources to accomplish this? 4. How can a curfew enforced? If it can be why isn't it? 5. Where are the parents of these people? Do they care? 6. What are in these "de riguer" backpacks? On July 17 at 12 :30 a .m. I had to go to Malta Medical in a pouring rain. Coming down Eureka Avenue about 40 yards from the bridge which crosses over the Spring Run Trail two 18-22 year old males were walking toward same. They were surprised a car was leaving a residence but they had no where to escape. As I drove toward them they hesitated and glanced furtively and in a suspicious manner. I called the SSPD and asked for a car to investigate as I left my wife alone in the house. By my count this is the fourth requested dispatch since June 22 2020. I want to let you know this disturbing activity has not abated but increased. There is no "quiet enjoyment of life" when this occurs. Per F1ttDS://m.SBratoaa-Srinos_ora/h/nrintmaasana9iri=11 Rd77Af,cemnr;nlne.. V.i. Al, 1/26/2021 Zimbra recommendations from the SSPD I shall not ' personally confront these people. Rather, at SSPD's suggestion, I shall request dispatch again, and again. If you have and questions or require clarification please let me know. I appreciate your involvement. Sincerely, Bruce Coffin (signed electronically) 48 Eureka Avenue Saratoga Springs NY 12866 518 527 1200 f1ftDS://m.SaratOUa-SDhrtaS.ora/h/oryntmascana9iri_1I A77RhicAmcrin /Nnu Vnr4 eie