HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230216 118, 121-125 Woodlawn Special Use Permit Public Comment (8)7/20/23, 12:19 PM Zimbra
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From :Susan Barden <susan.barden@saratoga-springs.org>
Subject :Fwd: 118 Woodlawn Ave
To :Julia Destino <julia.destino@saratoga-springs.org>
Zimbra julia.destino@saratoga-springs.org
Fwd: 118 Woodlawn Ave
Thu, Jul 20, 2023 11:43 AM
Susan B. Barden, AICP
Principal Planner
City of Saratoga Springs
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY
518-587-3550 ext. 2493
From: "Karen Sosler" <ksosler@icloud.com>
To: "Susan Barden" <susan.barden@saratoga-springs.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2023 7:15:18 AM
Subject: 118 Woodlawn Ave
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Dear Ms. Barden,
I live at 157 Woodlawn Ave, which is just up the street from 118 Woodlawn Ave. I submit these comments in
opposi on to proposed use of 118 Woodlawn as a social club.
1. 118 Woodlawn is located next to residen al zones. Despite there being commercial businesses nearby on
Van Dam, there are no commercial businesses on Woodlawn itself.
2. The proposed use for 118 Woodlawn will affect public health, safety or welfare. The intersec on of
Woodlawn and Van Dam is extremely conjested most mes of the day and evening. It is impossible to cross in a
vehicle over Van Dam with the traffic lined up at the light. Cars on Van Dam constantly block this intersec on.
Walking is even worse. Despite there being a marked crosswalk, it ’s the rare vehicle that will stop if you’re in
the crosswalk (they don’t even stop if you have a stroller or walking with a small child - I have been there). In
addi on, the traffic is also moving very quickly with people trying to make the light in either direc on. Having a
social club at 118 Woodlawn will only add to all of this conjes on making it even less safe and affec ng the
welfare of the residents of the area.
3. This is a residen al neighborhood. Although a church may be considered a commercial use, a bar/social club
is completely different. We have lived in this neighborhood for over 20 years and it ’s amazing to see how things
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have changed from many mul -family, student houses to single family homes. We’ve also had an influx of
young families with kids riding bikes, scooters, and skateboards up and down the street and sidewalks. Having
a social club in our neighborhood will completely change the residen al nature of where we live.
4. As men oned above, there are already issues with safe and efficient pedestrian and vehicular access and
circula on with all of the traffic on Van Dam and having a social club at 118 Woodlawn will only exacerbate this
issue. In addi on, Woodlawn Ave is a very narrow street. It is already very difficult to navigate with the
neighbors’ cars parked on the street. In the winter, it ’s even worse with the snow banks. In fact, the School
District has refused to add any bus stops on Woodlawn because of this issue. Adding addi onal cars from a
social club will make this worse. Having traffic directed through the back alley (Bolster) will not help this either.
This alley is very narrow, is the last to get plowed in the winter, and should not be used commercially. Families'
back yards abut the alley and there are o en children playing or riding their bikes down it.
5. There will be increased demand on the infrastructure, public facili es and services — i.e., the need for more
police ac vity with respect to a bar serving alcohol, traffic accidents, etc.
6. The proposed use for 118 Woodlawn will no doubt have an environmental impact given the light and noise
pollu on that will occur.
We have a wonderful, family neighborhood. Please do not change this by allowing 118 Woodlawn to be used
as a social club.
Sincerely,
Karen Sosler
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