HomeMy WebLinkAbout20190504 Drambour Residence Correspondance (2) Bensonhurst Avenue Net.'bors
of 42 Newton Avenue
Saratoga Springs,NY 12866
518-281-8727
July 11, 2019
City of Saratoga Springs
City Hall-474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs,NY 12866
RE: Drambour Residence at 42 Newton Avenue
(ZBA#20190504/Area Variance Application)
To: Saratoga Springs Building Department
Saratoga Springs Office of Code Enforcement
cc: Zoning Board of Appeals
The Zoning Board of Appeals approved an Area Variance Application for the referenced
property on Monday evening July 8th.Beyond the issue of setbacks, this approval did not
specifically address the new(and as yet uncompleted) "shed/accessory structure"that is
currently part of a larger action by your departments.
This shed is more accurately described as a micro house.It was built to be occupied and
seemed to be for some time this spring.We understand that removing the interior finishes
(making it uninhabitable)clears the way for a building permit as a shed.That however will
not correct the offense of the two-story structure itself(cathedral.ceiling that would
accommodate a future loft?). And,moving it closer to property lines,as per the Area Variance,
only makes it more obtrusive with even greater effect on neighboring property values.
The zoning ordinance does not include height restrictions on sheds,an oversight with
unintended consequences here. The City imposes strict height limitations on primary
structures.The omission of similar language related to sheds should not preclude our City
departments from preserving the intent of our regulations,We all know a shed when we see
one. This is not a shed by any reasonable standard.
Saratoga Springs has high standards that specifically protect the character of our
neighborhoods and preclude actions that detrimentally affect other property owners.
Approving an after-the-fact"cops,"even if the intent is to make a situation better,only
enables individual bad actors to benefit at the expense of their neighbors.What kind of
precedent does this backyard micro house set?
We ask that you be proactive here and deny a permit for this structure lest others rely upon
this approval to build similar structure. Please maintain our high City standards, looking to
the spirit and intent of the regulations,and recognizing the likelihood that the omitted
language will be added with a future update of our zoning regulations.
Bensonhursi.Avenue Neighbors
of 42 Newton Avenue
Page 2
Thank you tor your consideration,
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26 Bensonhurst Avenue
Steven Kasseitnan
28 Bensonhurst Avenue
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29 Bensonhurst Avenue
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31 Bensonhurst Avenue