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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20220918 142 East Avenue Area Variance Public Comment 12/7/22, 10:14 AM Zimbra Zimbra aneisha.samuels@saratoga-springs.org 142 East Avenue Variance Application From : Margo Thompson Tue, Dec 06, 2022 04: 18 PM <margoxthompson@g mail.com> Subject : 142 East Avenue Variance Application To : aneisha samuels <aneisha.samuels@sa ratoga-springs.org> CAUTION: This email originated outside of the City network. Please contact IT Support if you need assistance determining if it's a threat before opening attachments or clicking any links. Re. Project #20220918 142 East Avenue Variance Application Dear Ms. Samuels-Sanford, Thanks so much for speaking with me about the proposed variance submitted by the owner(s) of 142 East Avenue Saratoga Springs, NY. It was very helpful information since I was unable to attend the Public Hearing on November 28th. https://m.saratoga-springs.org/h/printmessage?id=26653&tz=America/New_York 1/4 12/7/22, 10:14 AM Zimbra I am a neighbor living at 16 Lefferts Street, approximately one block away from 142 East Avenue. I have owned this home since 2012. I am very concerned about the proposed project at 142 East Avenue. Not only is it closer to the lot lines than necessary given the size of the property, but the project is completely out of scale and over-sized for an accessory structure on a single family lot. While there are a number of other two-car garages in the neighborhood, there is nothing of that size and scale. All other one- and two-car garages in the neighborhood are approximately 15'-16' in height and do not include dormers, etc. that extend the height of the building to approximately 22 . At a more modest height, the owner(s) would still be able to accommodate storage on the second floor. The proposed project more closely resembles a single family dwelling as opposed to a garage with storage. The proposed project is not the "reconstruction" of a garage nor in keeping with existing precedents in the neighborhood. It could easily set a new precedent whereby the density of structures could be increased significantly and change the character of the neighborhood entirely. The scale of the project (essentially the height and design) will certainly decrease the value of adjoining properties - particularly the one to the east. Their light and sunlight exposure will be significantly decreased and the view to the west will be essentially "a wall." The proposed project will create unnecessary hardship for neighbors when the goal of a two-car garage with storage could be achieved with an alternate design that is in fact, in character with the neighborhood. https://m.saratoga-springs.org/h/printmessage?id=26653&tz=America/New_York 2/4 12/7/22, 10:14 AM Zimbra Although the current project description and variance application do not include a request for habitable space, the proposed structure certainly looks to be headed in that direction. Since a half-bath on the first floor and electrical provisions are permitted under existing zoning regulations, plumbing and an electrical panel could be installed legally under the current proposed project. Once those features are brought to the interior of the building, it becomes very easy to extend them to the second floor, virtually out-of- sight and without a permit. It then falls to the code enforcement/building department or neighbors to identify a potential future zoning violation. As a neighbor, I do not want to be obliged to monitor the comings-and-goings of various people at nearby residences. I think that is a hardship that will be imposed on both existing residents in the neighborhood and City personnel. Lastly, I walk my dog by 142 East Avenue almost every day. Prior to the public hearing, I did notice the sign posted in the yard regarding a Variance Application and Public Hearing on November 28th at 7 PM. However, the sign was located way up next to the shrubbery near the house and it was turned sideways so as not to be visible from the street or to passing cars. I could see it only because I was on-foot walking in a north-south direction. I thought it was placed in a rather inconspicuous location and now I understand why; the owner(s) obviously did not want to call attention to the Variance Application nor to the proposed project. I do not like that type of intentional concealment. Thank you for considering my comments. Margo Thompson https://m.saratoga-springs.org/h/printmessage?id=26653&tz=America/New_York 3/4 12/7/22, 10:14 AM Zimbra 16 Lefferts Street Saratoga Springs, NY (443) 223-9239 https://m.saratoga-springs.org/h/printmessage?id=26653&tz=America/New_York 4/4