HomeMy WebLinkAbout20221079 313 Jefferson Final Subdivision Planning Board LetterJanuary 10, 2023
Susan Barden, Principal Planner, and
Planning Board Members
474 Broadway Suite 32
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Re: Request for modification of subdivision
Dear Board Members,
I am the owner the lot located at 313 Jefferson Street and the adjacent home at 1 Taylor Street. The
properties as they currently exist were created as a result of the McAllister subdivision in 2021. As part
of the request for the request to change the subdivision, I would like to address the issue concerning the
removal of certain trees along Taylor Street in violation of a condition of the original subdivision.
First, I would like to state that my actions were not arbitrary or capricious. Upon purchasing the
property, it was apparent that the trees on the property were never managed or maintained. Many of
the trees were damaged or diseased. Falling branches were common, and one tree was already partially
fallen over towards Jefferson Street. There is a school bus stop at the corner, and parents and
schoolchildren frequently the area. Since most, if not all, were on my property, I did not want to assume
the liability from injury or damage.
I contacted several tree services to inspect the trees on the properties, and they agreed that most trees
were not worth retaining. Citing my concerns, in December 2021, I contacted Steve Lashomb, the city
arborist, for his opinion. He also agreed that he felt certain trees should be removed and that he would
schedule a survey to determine whose in whose jurisdiction the trees were located. In January, based on
his recommendation to have the trees inspected by an arborist, I had Jeff Anthony of Studio A
Landscape and Architecture + Engineering to inspect the trees. He also felt that the trees were
damaged, and if some of the trees were left without a grouping, that they would be vulnerable to wind.
Another concern was the damage to the trees’ roots systems when the trenching was done for the
relocation of the electrical service. Several months passed and I had not heard back from Steve
regarding the survey, so I emailed him again in February 2022. When I did not receive a response, I left
several voice mails, on which the last of these I indicated I could no longer wait to act.
As a result of the original subdivision, additional infrastructure work was required; relocation of utilities,
construction of sidewalks, etc. At the time, I was under the impression that the work needed to be
performed by June 30, 2022. Because of this deadline, and my concern at the condition of the trees, I
decided to proceed with the removal and lined up a contractor to perform the infrastructure work.
Unfortunately, the contractor “ghosted” me and the work was never performed.
It was then that I learned about extending the June 30 deadline. If I was aware of the ability to extend
the deadline, I would have gone through the process of requesting the change order.
I admit that I acted contrary to the Planning Board’s decision. However, I was willing to remove the trees
at my expense, even if they were located in the City’s jurisdiction, and I was always willing to replant
trees that were healthier, more attractive, and more congruous with the surrounding neighborhood. I
believe that this would be in best public interest of the neighborhood and the city.
I have attached the email correspondence with Steve Lashomb. I have also attached a lrom Jeff Anthony
which includes a proposed replanting plan.
Thank you for consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
John S. Famosi