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Home My WebLink About20210472 Final Draft of the Unified Development Ordinance SSPF Letter ��T�Se�Vtl�lpl� FQLIl] ti�E3 �lOi1 June 3, 2019 F��1 Mr. Bradley Birge c,]�l� /�C_f'-� Administrat�r of the Office of Planning and Econornic Development �'�� 5 E«�r•� <<<'`' City of Saratoga Springs ., � 474 Broadway �, .. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 � :, . VIA EMAIL � RE: City of Saratoga Springs UDO Tec�nical Review and Approacl�es Report `� Dear Brad, The Saratoga Spri�gs Freservation Pounaation appreciates the op�ortunity to comment Board of Directors on the 5aratoga 5prings Unified Development Ordinance Technical Review+ A�a�n iv.Fa�,-� Approaches Report that was prepared by Carz�iros and presented to the pubIic on May 22. presiacnt The Foundataon believes t�at sustaining our city's pros�erity and growth is Ja�n�s GE��a interdependent with preserving its rich architectural heritage. Histaric preservatiQn plays v�ce P��es�denc a critical role in the economic vitality of our city, which is evidenced by the findings of the 2018 economic impact study af historic preservation -"Saratoga Springs—Enhancing ��da Haryey-o��re�k the Vaiues through Historic Preservation" by e�ationally recognized economic analyst Secretary Donavan Rypkema. Dinitriy Yennolayev Treasueer In the Foundation's initial letter date October 1 1, 2a]b, several issues were identified that Caroline Cardone could be addressed through the UDO process. Two of those issUes include the use of Brcnnan�rrake accessory structures since many are vacant and deteriorated becat�se they are not able to sa„a�F�X be used and the building heights within and adjacent to architectural and historic review Iohn Ha]]er [.�Z i,�ei districts to allow for greater height variat�on and to relate to the context of ac�jacent samantt,a Kcrcuu bui�dings. The Foundat�on is pleased with the recornmendations that the consultant has D""�ias Ken made that allow the use of aecesso stF-uctures and chan e the re latians of buildin Richard King ry � � � c��y s��n�e he�ghts. The Foundation is also pleased thak there is discussion of having�rovisions to allow for a classic sign designation to preserve specific historic andlor unique signs Js�mes Kettlewell w1��liII tll�Clty. e�neritus Hawevez�, the Foundatior� identified the fol�owing key issues that it feels should also be Executive Director addressed in the UDO. Samantha Bosshart ■ In 200I the City adapted "A Working Pian for Historie Preservation in Saratoga Memhership& �prings." This document set forth several importani goals deemed essential to Programs Director Nicc�le Bahie the community's continued vitality. A number of plans and policies were listed in the Camiros report,but this one was not. Goals and objectives of this plan should be implemented where possible. ■ In light af the inereased number of demolitions of contributing buildings located within historic districts listed an the National Register of Historic Places,but not lacated in a local review district, a demolition-delay ordinan�e shouid be adopted. The 75%UDO draft included provisions far demolition-delay. The Foundation is hopefuf that those will remain in place. � ■ When these cantnbuting structures are demolished,the in-�ll structures that are constructed often are insensikive to the neighborhood context—the structurEs are not appropriate in height, scale, mass, ar style. The UDO should ineorporate � �� i„��,_ ,�,��. ,��:,� _ _ S.ir.¢z�s��a S�,rin�;,_ �1' 1',Sr,n I' �1X-�H%-�i13�� F�ln-�rtl-I�dh cantextual design guidelines for histaric districts listeti on the National Register of Historic Places that currently have no review as az� iziterim measure until these az'eas can be successfully incorporated into a 1oca1 architectural or historic review district. ■ The Foundation also recommends improvements be made regarding notifications of pending applications and apgrovals through signage at the property, to inform neighboring property owners. ■ In recent years, tl�ere has been an increase in the number of canstruetion projects that have taker�place without praper approvals. The ordinance shoulc� tncorporate significant financial penalties for those who do work without appropriate appravals. ■ While the NYS Prope�ty Maintenance Cotfe can address demolitian-by-��eglect, serious cansideration should be given to the adoption of a demolition-by-neglect ordinance as well as significant financial penalties far those wlio fail ta meet the requirements of the NYS Property Maintenance Code ar�d the loca] vacant building registry ordinance, to discourage the continued deterioration of buildin�s. A demfllition-by-neglect ordinance should address both primary buildings and accessory structures such as carriage houses and stabies. ■ It is im�ortant that the Iocal historic districts be expanded to match the boUndaries of the historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places as outlined in `'A Working Plan for Historic Preservation in Saratoga Springs.'"However,this will rec�uire that it i��an important long-term goal af the City of�aratoga Springs and the Desi�n Review Commission and a camprehensive education effort. The Foundation is willin�to work with staff and the Design Review Commission on this initiative. The Fou��dation reco�nmends that the process to allow building owners to voluntarily seek inclusion in a local historic district—such as was done by the awners of 199 and 200 Woodlawn Avenue -be incorporated into t�e ordinance. ■ Streetscape detai�s such as the following features: streets, pedestrian walks and curbs, driveways and aff-street parking, fences, utilities, trash enclosures and mature trees and landscaping are important to the historic districts, yet currently there is no review for many of these items. The Foundation recommends the city review these details within historic districts. ■ For the incentive districts there is discussion of creation of a f�e in lieu. This t�ee typically goes towards open space. The Faundat�an requests that historic preservation be considered as an a�plicable use of the f�es. ■ It is unclear if any adzninistrative approvals for exterior changes within histo�ic districts will be allowed. The Foundation may hav� concerns if that is the case. Thank you again for the apportunity to comment at this initial phase of the UDO proc�ss. We loak forward to providing more specific comments in tne future, as draft zoning language becames available. Sincerely, �� L+�.�� Adam N. �'avro mantha Bosshart �� G� President xecutive Director Cc: Meg Ke11y, Mayor Tamie Eliinger, Design Review Commission Chair