HomeMy WebLinkAbout20210598 Driscoll Use Variance supporting correspondence from applicant 9/2/21, 1:43 PM Zimbra
Zimbra aneisha.samuels@saratoga-springs.org
Re: comps
From :JoeD <drisc@nycap.rr.com> Wed, Sep 01, 2021 01:20 PM
Subject : Re: comps
To :Aneisha Samuels <aneisha.samuels@saratoga-
springs.org>
Cc : dcsmith155 <dcsmith155@hotmail.com>
Ms. Samuels,
I'm still searching for the original purchase contract. It was a direct sale from my mother to
myself where she held the mortgage. As I paid the mortgage back to her the money was
used for her care as she succumbed to Alzheimer's.
As for the board's recommendation to consider using the property as a B&B or rooming
house, I offer the following explanation: as most Saratogians who know me from the 1970's,
1980's, and beyond they will confirm that I invented Social Distancing long before COVID
made it fashionable. I am not a "people person" and the thought of dealing with strangers
coming into my home while I care for their culinary, housekeeping, and other needs makes
me physically ill. My wife would confirm this. She IS a "people person and considered
running a B&B a dream job. However it would not have been financially viable for her to
leave her job to transform to a live-in hostess. Especially if my services were required at the
house to perform routine maintenance. We have a nice life living in the country with few
neighbors and the people living in Saratoga Springs should be thankful that I stay here. In
addition, in discussions with the immediate neighbors on Washington St. It is clear that
having strangers move in on a weekly basis is not desirable. I have known some of those
people since birth and I have no intention of alienating them.
Thanks,
Joe Driscoll
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 1, 2021, at 9:36 AM, Aneisha Samuels <aneisha.samuels@saratoga-
springs.org> wrote:
Hello Joe,
Thank you for providing this information. However, at the last meeting the Board
requested that you provide an original listing of property sale/purchase in 1994,
rental advertisements or contracts, and physical proof that the hardship was not
self-created. Since based on our records, the lot has been zoned as single-family
continuously since 1961. the Board needs more information as it relates to your
financial hardship and lack of reasonable return and more information supporting
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9/2/21, 1:43 PM Zimbra
your argument that the hardship was not self created.
The board also suggested that you may consider selling property or use as bed
and breakfast or rooming house if non of these options work for you, please
provide a narrative as to why these options would not work. The final Alternative
would be to apply to city council for zoninng change.
Use variances have more stringent requirements than an area variance and the
following criteria must be met along with the discretion of the Board:
A use variance provides relief to allow the use of land for a purpose that is
otherwise not allowed or is prohibited by the applicable zoning regulations.
A. Evaluation Criteria
1.The ZBA shall not grant a use variance unless the applicant has demonstrated
that applicable zoning regulations and restrictions have caused unnecessary
hardship. In order to prove unnecessary hardship, the applicant must demonstrate
that for each and every permitted use for the particular district where the
property is located: The applicant cannot realize a reasonable return, provided
that lack of return is substantial as demonstrated by competent financial
evidence;
2. The alleged hardship relating to the property in question is unique and does not
apply to a substantial portion of the district or neighborhood;
3. The requested use variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of
the neighborhood;
4. The alleged hardship has not been self-created.
MINIMUM VARIANCE The ZBA, in granting a use or area variance, shall grant the
minimum variance that it shall deem necessary and adequate while, at the same
time, preserving and protecting the character of the neighborhood and the health,
safety and welfare of the community.
Aneisha Samuels-Sanford, MRP
Senior Planner
City Hall, Suite 32
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 587-3550 ext. 2494
**Visit our website for the new 2021 Application Forms and Fee Schedule.
From: "Joseph Driscoll" <drisc@nycap.rr.com>
To: "Aneisha Samuels" <aneisha.samuels@saratoga-springs.org>
Cc: "dcsmith155" <dcsmith155@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 7:28:28 PM
Subject: Fwd: comps
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9/2/21, 1:43 PM Zimbra
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Ms. Samuels,
I have attached 3 comps provided to me by a realtor in Saratoga Springs which
sold in the last 12 months. Single family, Criteria is listed below:
Here are potential comps using the following criteria:
• 1500 to 3500 sq ft
• 2 story
• Built before 1945
• Active, Pending, Sold within the last 12 months and last 24 months
Thanks
Joe Driscoll
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Joe Driscoll <drisc125@gmail.com>
Date: August 31, 2021 at 7:23:53 PM EDT
To: drisc@nycap.rr.com
Subject: comps
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