HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210755 269 Broadway Site Plan DRC Advisory Opinion to PB
C springs.org-www.saratoga 9480-580-3550 x.2515 fax: 518-587-Tel: 518 Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 474 Broadway -City Hall OMMISSION C EVIEW R ESIGN D PRINGS S ARATOGA S
ITY OF
Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Chris Bennett
Karen Cavotta
Leslie DiCarlo
Rob DuBoff
Tad Roemer
Ellen Sheehan
Jeff Gritsavage, Alternate
A DVISORY O PINION
In the matter of the requested advisory opinion to the Planning Board
#20200483
269 Broadway New Mixed-Use
269 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
involving a proposed 6-story commercial/retail building with on-site, underground parking within the Transect-6
Urban Core district (Historic Review), tax parcel #165.75-1-7, within the City of Saratoga Springs.
Following discussion on this matter on August 4, 2021, the Design Review Commission offers the following with
respect to the Planning Board’s request for input with particular attention to mass and scale and potential impacts
on the historic district and to community character:
The Design Review Commission is pleased with the overall progress and direction of the design. This unique
contemporary structure appropriately reflects current design ideas and the DRC looks forward to this addition
to the City’s varied portfolio of architectural styles. The DRC finds that the quality and use of materials are
excellent and appropriate for the historic district, especially along the City’s main gateway. There are, h owever,
concerns with the proposed project as it pertains to mass, scale, and contextual appropriateness.
Considerations:
The Commission finds that the revised design overwhelms the street. The modified step back on the
Hamilton façade of the building appears to be relatively successful in mitigating impacts to that smaller scale
neighborhood. A similar application is recommended along the Broadway façade in order to create a softer
effect that is much less overwhelming from the pedestrian perspective. Additionally, there is concern with
the height of the proposed structure contextually, especially as it relates to the neighboring historic St.
Peter’s Church and the two-story bank building The DRC encourages the applicants to explore creative
solutions and visual techniques in order to minimize the height and appearance of mass.
As per the design guidelines, the main entrance should be clearly identified and oriented toward Broadway,
the main thoroughfare of the City. While there is a secondary entrance along Broadway, this entrance
should be more prominent and pedestrian friendly. The proposed subterranean cavity entrance area gives
a sense of unease, evoking neither a welcoming nor safe feeling. The DRC recommends that the entrance
be at or above the sidewalk level and a more pronounced addition to the streetscape.
The DRC is requesting the applicants to engage in further studies in order analyze impacts of mass and scale:
- Street cross section analysis – to better understand the street wall and the relationship to the width of
the street and the Park Place building across Broadway.
- Sunlight study to understand how the sun tracks throughout the year.
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Record of vote:
Record of vote: motion to approve made by T. Ehinger, seconded by J. Gritsavage: passed 6-0
In favor: T. Ehinger K. Cavotta, R. DuBoff, T. Roemer, E. Sheehan, J. Gritsavage
Absent: C. Bennett, L. DiCarlo
August 30, 2021
Chair Received by Accounts
cc: Building Department File
Accounts Dept.
Applicant/Agent
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