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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20190539 Zoning Amendment Change Response to UDO Tech Report 6-5-19 (2) 6/5/2019 Zimbra Zimbra jennifer.merriman©saratoga-springs.org Fwd: UDO - for action, and on record (6/5 deadline)- "multifamily" definition From : Lisa Shields <lisa.shields©saratoga-springs.org> Wed, Jun 05, 2019 02:16 PM Subject Fwd: UDO - for action, and on record (65 deadline)- multifamily" definition To : Jennifer Merriman lennifer.merriman@saratoga- 11q fl springs,org> JUN 05 Cc : Amanda Tucker <amanda.tucker©saratoga- 2019 springs.org>, Vincent DeLeonardis By <vincent.deleonardis©saratoga-springstorg> Just want to copy you also on the feedback below. Lisa Shields Deputy Mayor City Hall, Suite 9 474 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 587-3550 x2514 PLEASE NOTE OUR TEMPORARY LOCATION AT THE RECREATION CENTER, 15 VANDERBILT AVENUE - - From: "Sam Brewton" <sannbrewton@earthlinkinet> To: "Meg Kelly" <meg.kelly@saratoga-springs.org>, "Brad Birge" <bbirge@saratoga- springs.org>, "Susan Barden" <susan.barden@saratoga-springs.org>, "Lynn Bachner" <m.lynn.bachner@saratoga-springs.org>, "Lisa Shields" <lisaishields@saratoga-springs.org> Sent: Wednesday, June 5, 2019 2:12:48 PM Subject: UDO - for action, and on record (6/5 deadline)- "multifamily" definition Mayor Kelly, Mr. Birge, Ms. Barden, Ms. Bachner, Ms. Shields, Thank you for your help. We know you are swamped, but want to make sure this gets recorded before the 6/5 deadline. With regard to in-progress UDO. For the record and to pick back up on task that previous UDO committee had vowed to complete: IN SHORT: The definition "RESIDENCE - MULTIFAMILY" in the zoning code, needs to be updated, clarified and strengthened. https://rn.saratoga-springs.orglhiprintmessage?id86222-&tzAmericalNew_York 113 6/5/2019 Z mbrd Because of the weak current definition, zoning was and will continue to be skirted in the future. (Explanation below) The previous UDO committee agreed, was well-aware of the need to update the definition, and had stated that it would be part of their plans for the final UDO. Our collective neighborhood, bolstered by hundreds of signatures of city residents in a petition, wants to make sure that the bail does not get dropped. We urge the current committee to follow through on what is critical for our zoning code. BACKGROUND/DETAILS: The current definition: "RESIDENCE - MULTIFAMILY: A residential structure containing three or more dwelling units." in 2016, against neighborhood opposition, a developer, through granting of mere area variances, successfully won zoning board approval in UR-3 for "Downton Walk" (Jumel Place): seven houses on a lot zoned for only one, WITHOUT having to subdivide the property. UR-3 does not allow "multifamily", but by calling the houses "condominiums", the developer was able to win approval, and skirt zoning. The developer's reasoning was this: each house is a "residential structure" and therefore, as the definition of "multifamily" currently stands, multiple "residential structures" (houses) on one nondivided lot do not constitute "multifamily", only a "structure" that contains "three or more dwelling units" WITHIN ITSELF. In other words, a mere area variance can permit multiple houses (seven in the case of Downton Walk) on a lot that is zoned for one, even in a zoning district that does not permit"multifamily". This is now a device that a developers in the future will use to avoid subdividing and to cram multiple houses into a small space. The zoning board expressed to us (the neighbors in opposition) that its hands were tied by the weak definition of "residence - multifamily". Our wish is to save others from our fate and to ensure that zoning is not skirted in the future. Please review and update the definition of"RESIDENCE - MULTIFAMILY", to make clear that multiple houses on one lot are indeed "multifamily". Thank you, Sam Brewton 206A Lake Ave Saratoga Springs (518) 429 5210 Confidentiality/Privilege Notice: This e-mail communication and any files transmitted with it contain privileged and confidential information from the City of Saratoga Springs and are intended solely for the use of the individual(s) or entity to which it has been addressed. If https://m.saratoga-springs.org/h/printrnessageM=862248az=AmericaiNew_York 2/3