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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20190187 Allen Drive Apts Correspondance (2) THE LAW OFFICES OF M . ELIZABETH CORENG ESQ.P.C. Libby Coreno, Esq. libbycorenolaw.com June 4, 2019 Mark Torpey, Chair Saratoga Springs Planning Board City of Saratoga Springs 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 Re: NRP Group—Allen Drive (Special Use Permit) Dear Chairman Torpey: On April 18, 2019, we appeared on behalf of NRP Group regarding the above referenced special use permit application. Several items concerning the project were raised by the Board at that time which was most specifically directed at additional traffic information concerning the Route 29/Kirby Road intersection. It is my understanding the CME has provided the updated traffic information requested by the Board under separate cover. However, there were several other items which we were asked to address and the responses are set forth below. 1. Comment 1: Is it possible to have an internal wheelchair pick-up within the project area that is ADA compliant? Response to Comment 1: It is possible and can be incorporated into the site design. 2. Comment 2: Can CDTA adjust its route along the entryway to the project site prior to reaching the existing Kirby Road stop? Response to Comment 2: Comment noted. Applicant will attempt to communicate with CDTA concerning a route modification. 3. Comment 3: Identify the range of uses proposed within the 5,000 sq. ft. commercial/community space for the special use permit. Response to Comment 3: The most intensive use for the 5000 sq.ft of commercial/community space is retail. Therefore, the applicant proposes that the Planning Board examine the impacts of a retail use under both the Special Use Permit and SEQRA review standards so that the most intensive use has been evaluated as part of the project evaluation. 4. Comment 4: What is the bridge width over the railway for potential bike/pedestrian striping? Response to Comment 4: The curb to curb width is about 36 feet. The bridge has 11-foot lanes with 7-foot shoulders. In order to provide 4-foot sidewalks the existing shoulders would need to be narrowed. Additionally, the approaches to the bridge would Law Office of M. Elizabeth Coreno, Esq. P.C. 63 Putnam Street, Suite 202 Saratoga Springs,New York 12866 (518)421-1366 THE LAW OFFICES OF M . ELIZABETH CORENO,EsQ.P.C. Libby Coreno, Esq. libby@corenolawcom need to be modified to provide adequate shoulder width. Currently there are steep embankments on either side of the approaches, which would likely need to be reconstructed to provide a sidewalk. Any improvements or addition of sidewalks would need to be reviewed and approved by NYSDOT, however, the applicant will propose marking the single lane as -multiuse" to allow fbi pedestrian and bike access without the need to install a sidewalk. 5. Comment 5: Applicant should consider providing for a sheltered bike rack on the plan. Response to Comment 5: Comment noted. Applicant has no objection to providing a sheltered bike rack 6. Comment 6: Applicant should explore possible microtransit options. Response to Comment 6:Applicant is unaware at this time of any microtransit options at this time. 7. Comment 7: Show route of how residents could walk to Kirby to catch the bus or walk to West Avenue. What is the condition of the sidewalldwalking path? Response to Comment 7: The closest existing CDTA bus stop is at the intersection of Kirby Road and Moore Avenue, approximately 1,500 feet from the Allen Drive project area. Aerial view of walking route and street view photos will be included in the next Planning Board presentation. Discussions with CDTA concerning ridership may indicate whether a stop along Alien Drive or maintaining the Kirby Road stop is the better approach. 8. Comment 8: City staff to request that DPS apply to DOT for reduction of speed limit along Church Street. Response to Comment 8: Comment noted. Applicant does not object to any request for a reduction in speed. Should the Chair have any additional questions or comments, please contact me or Doug Heller at The LA Group. I wish to thank the Board for its time and courtesies in this matter. Sincere , 7 / • y. . , lizabet 'oreno' 'MEC! cc: cc: Doug Heller, LA Group Law Office of M. Elizabeth Coreno, Esq. P.C. 63 Putnam Street,Suite 202 Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 (518)421-1366