HomeMy WebLinkAbout20211117 85 Beekman Modification Public Comment January 29,2022
To the Zoning Board of Appeals:
We submitted the letter below a year ago. Our comments remain the same. If the variances to heat and
finish the interior are granted,we ask the board to specify that there is to be no commercial use other
than dead storage and vehicle parking/maintenance area. We agree with neighbor Mark Konieczny that
any commercial activity should be excluded from permitted uses of the new garage.
To ZBA Feb 1,2021
85 Beekman garage area variance request
As property owners at 143 Grand Ave at the corner of Beekman and longtime members of the Beekman
St Arts District,we have several concerns about the applicant's project. Since we are not available to
attend the meeting tonight,we are writing to express our concerns.
Along with many other business owners in the city, we hope that we can return to a normal summer of
public events and outdoor activities, including the annual Beekman St Arts Fair in June. We request that
if this garage project is approved, any construction that involves sidewalk or street closure happen
before June or after mid September, so that our busy summer season is not compromised.
At the recent ZBA zoom meeting,we were troubled by two misleading statements the applicant made.
He asserted that the proposed garage was strictly for tenant use. In fact,we found out later in the
meeting,that the tenants will not be allowed to use the garage. The applicant stated that his neighbors
bordering the north and west all approved of the project. In fact, all 3 properties referenced were either
owned or co-owned by the applicant himself.
Since the applicant displayed a lack of transparency in response to routine questioning by Board
members, our main concerns are about his plans for future use of this property. With that in mind,we
suggest the following conditions be stipulated if the Board approves the area variance.
-the 2 new parking spaces should not be leased or used by anyone other than the occupants of the
single family house on this lot.
-use of the accessory structure should be strictly for residential use, no commercial use. 2�d floor should
not be finished space if intended for storage as applicant stated.
-current lot configuration should remain intact. No expansion or merging with any adjacent lot.
Thank you for your careful consideration of this application.
Sincerely,
Richard and Cecilia Lockwood
143 Grand Ave at Beekman Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-583-2129