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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20180204 Hyde St Subdivision Narrative City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board 474 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Re: Hyde Street Subdivision Dear Board Members: Enclosed you will find an application for final subdivision approval for the proposed 3 lot subdivision at 32 Hyde Street. With this application I have included 2 copies of the following: an application form, an application checklist, a complete streets checklist, a site plan, a stormwater and utility plan, a completed SEQR form, a completed water service connection fee agreement, a stormwater management and utility report, and photos of the site. Previously, Witt Construction submitted an application for sketch plan subdivision approval on March 5, 2018. After several discussions with the City's Planning Department, I am enclosing a revised subdivision map and application for final subdivision approval which I hope addresses all staff questions and comments previously raised. Moreover, we have worked with our surveyor to ensure that the revised subdivision map meets the guidelines set forth in Appendix H, General Requirements and Subdivision Design Standards. Notably, the enclosed map demonstrates proposed improvements to (1) Birch Street (west side of the proposed subdivision) in the form of a street tree; and (2) Hyde Street (east side of the proposed subdivision) in the form of installation of sidewalks, curbs, two street trees, and one street light on Hyde Street. However, we have not proposed a sidewalk on Birch Street as we are requesting a waiver for the installation of sidewalks, curbs and street lights on Birch Street pursuant to Sec. 241-16 of the City's Subdivision Regulations and Sec. 2(B) of Appendix H to the Subdivision Regulations, The General Requirements and Subdivision Design Standards. A review of the layout of the existing conditions on Birch Street demonstrates significant impediments to sidewalk installation and would impact existing neighboring improvements. I have included photographs of the homes on Birch to provide a visual reference for the Planning Board. The house to the south (see picture 1) has a significant grade with retaining walls along the driveway where future sidewalks would be impossible to install. The homes to the north (see picture 2) are five feet off the front property line and installing a sidewalk to meet city guidelines would put the sidewalk flush to the existing front steps. Furthermore, neither Birch Street nor the newly constructed adjacent street(Willow Lane) has sidewalks or street lights in large part because of existing conditions and available sidewalks on the adjacent blocks. Finally, picture 3 indicates the tree located in the Right of Way that will be preserved. I have included a complete streets checklist, as well as a map of the proposed subdivision with this letter demonstrating the location at which each picture referenced above was taken. We would like to assure the Board that we will not alter the site until subdivision approval is granted. We respectfully request a place on the next scheduled Planning Board meeting agenda, or as soon as practicable thereafter, to have our application be considered by the Board. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Katie Gehl Land Development Coordinator Witt Construction, Inc.