HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220555 44 Ruggles Rd. Subdivision Modification Correspondance (4) To: Saratoga Springs Planning Board
From: Leeanne Raga, The Raga Family Trust
50 Ruggles Rd, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Date: June 27, 2022
Re: 20220555 44 Ruggles Rd. Subdivision Modification - 44 Ruggles Rd.
The narrative explanation provided by Geraldine Eberlein on 6/6/2022 regarding the
construction undertaken at 44 Ruggles Rd in February-March 2022 is not accurate. I
urge the Planning Board to obtain information from City of Saratoga Springs employees
regarding the accurate sequence of events regarding 44 Ruggles Rd. and the accuracy
of Ms. Eberlein's Application - 20220555 44 Ruggles Rd. Subdivision Modification.
She stated that the property was marked with conservation stakes on February 22,
2022. The STOP WORK ORDER issued by the City Engineer dated March 17, 2022,
stated that Ms. Eberlein "failed to delineate no-cut buffers and conservation areas prior
to clearing, cutting, site work, and construction in accordance with the Planning Board's
Notice of Decision."
Ms. Eberlein also stated that she was on site at 44 Ruggles Rd. with Baker Logging and
Forestry to discuss the Conservation requirements. We live at 50 Ruggles RD and
observed loggers assessing the entire area including approximately 350-400 ft from
Ruggles Rd. prior to any tree cutting. Ms. Eberlein was not with them. It appeared that
they were assessing the timber that would be harvested.
I n February and March 2022 there were no buffers or conservation areas marked on the
50 Ruggles Rd. side, as required. We observed the loggers assessing the entire
property prior to cutting. We did not see Ms. Eberlein at the property until the City of
Saratoga Springs became involved. When the loggers began cutting, they cut multiple
trees over the entire property. They were cutting more than just a driveway or entrance
clearing. Our house at 50 Ruggles Rd. is approximately 300 ft from Ruggles Rd., and
the loggers were on our side of the ridge (50 Ruggles Rd side) beyond 300 ft from
Ruggles Rd cutting trees. The proposed driveway runs along the 42 Ruggles Rd side of
the property. As the Baker Logging and Forestry website states they provide Lot
Clearing and Timber Harvesting. It appears Baker Logging and Forestry was hired to
Lot Clear and Timber Harvest. They did more than cut in a driveway entrance. Ms.
Eberlein's statement that "I merely wanted a straight driveway cut in" is not accurate.
The Feb 24, 2022, text message from Ms. Eberlein to Tyler states "Now the town is
involved so I have to cease taking anymore trees down until they go out and inspect."
This indicates that Ms. Eberlein was fully aware of the lot clearing and timber harvesting
that was taking place in February. The Baker website states "Top Prices Paid" for
Timber Harvest; so, the landowner is reimbursed for the timber harvest. Timber was
being harvested at 44 Ruggles Rd.
In a text message to Tyler on March 1, 2022, Ms. Eberlein states that "I don't want
anyone coming back to the property in the morning. I have a big problem with the city
with what was cut down apparently today I need to meet with them, and I need to
discuss with you what happened". This indicates that Ms. Eberlein was fully aware that
she hired Baker Logging and Forestry to Lot Clear and Timber Harvest.
The reason that the loggers kept coming back to 44 Ruggles Rd is because they were
hired by Ms. Eberlein to Lot Clear and Timber Harvest. The required Conservation Area
signs were not placed until about May 2022.
Ms. Eberlein states that "that they had cut 5 trees down in the conservation area." City
of Saratoga Springs employees can verify exactly how many trees were cut down in the
conservation area.
Ms. Eberlein has willfully ignored all pre-construction and construction requirements that
were required of the 44 Ruggles Rd. subdivision. She states "I will sign something to the
effect that I will convey all the information in the subdivision to the new owner. Letting
them know they will need to confer with the town for any cutting or construction.". Given
the current history of 44 Ruggles Rd. it is doubtful if Ms. Eberlein would comply with any
codes, regulations, or requirements.
Again, I urge the Planning Board to obtain information from City of Saratoga Springs
employees regarding the accurate sequence of events regarding 44 Ruggles Rd. and
the accuracy of Ms. Eberlein's Application - 20220555 44 Ruggles Rd. Subdivision
Modification.
Thank you,
Leeanne Raga, The Raga Family Trust
50 Ruggles Rd., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866