HomeMy WebLinkAbout20180116 3020 JPSMSSingleFamily_155UnionAve_SmithCorr_3-19-18To Saratoga Springs Zoning Board:
re: #3020 155 Union Ave.
After reviewing the new building proposal, we believe that the setback from our property (on the east
side) is not sufficient and we continue to oppose any requested side setback variance less than 20 feet.
If the builder complied with the zoning laws, they could build a house that is 34 to 50 feet wide. That
would be as wide, or wider, than every other house on the block. To say that the variance is required to
maintain the look of the neighborhood is wholly inaccurate. In fact, the opposite is true, as this house
will surely stand out among the much older, narrower houses.
If the builder chooses to build a house that is larger than the lot was intended for, then it should not be
done to our detriment. There is clearly enough room on the lot to move the house over 4 feet without
changing its large width. The addition of a driveway on the west side is a self imposed restriction
which did not exist in the plans from two weeks ago.
At our last meeting, the owner of the lot and the house next to it, said in front of the board that he
would be fine with moving it closer to his house. Obviously, there will be no fight there if the builder
were to move it further in that direction and request the all the variance on that side. It would also keep
an equal distance between all three houses and would normalize the street-scape.
In our last meeting, zoning board member Adam McNeill said that the setback rules are there, not for
the protection of the builder, but for the protection of the neighbors. We ask you to help us protect our
space, and implore you to uphold the zoning regulation for the 20 foot setback.
Thank you,
Jesse and Melissa Smith
165 Union Ave.