HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-5 UDO Text Amendment - Homeless Shelters Public Comment7/27/23, 2:37 PM Zimbra
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From :Susan Barden <susan.barden@saratoga-springs.org>
Subject :Fwd: Planning Board follow up questions
To :Julia Destino <julia.destino@saratoga-springs.org>
Zimbra julia.destino@saratoga-springs.org
Fwd: Planning Board follow up questions
Thu, Jul 27, 2023 12:15 PM
7 attachments
Please upload the attachments to the UDO amendment for homeless shelters. Thanks!
Susan B. Barden, AICP
Principal Planner
City of Saratoga Springs
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY
518-587-3550 ext. 2493
From: "Dina Henke" <dinahenke555@gmail.com>
To: "Susan Barden" <susan.barden@saratoga-springs.org>
Cc: "Tony Izzo" <tony.izzo@saratoga-springs.org>, "Aneisha Samuels"
<aneisha.samuels@saratoga-springs.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2023 11:20:46 AM
Subject: Planning Board follow up questions
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Hi Susan,
I attached my letter, the updated shelter call log, and some other documents to illustrate my
points. I’ll copy and paste my letter here as well so it is easier if you want to click on the
hyperlinks. I’m hoping you can maybe clarify some things for me. I copied Aneisha since
talked with her about this as well. She might have some of the documents or answers. I
copied Mr. Izzo in case he can clarify anything legally or procedurally that I have stated.
Have a great day.
Kindly,
Dina
7/27/23
Dear Susan,
7/27/23, 2:37 PM Zimbra
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I’m writing to follow up on my visits to the Planning Department last Wednesday and Thursday. I did
see agendas posted for today. One is for a meeting and one says it's for a workshop. When I
checked yesterday it said the workshop agenda was posted 7/27 at 5 pm which is weird because they
are usually time stamped when they are actually posted.
I stopped in on Wednesday 7/19 to ask for the documents the Mayor said were available during the
7/18 City Council meeting. You were in a meeting so Aneisha tried to help me. Since the Mayor did
not specify what documentshe was referring to, I focused on the 3 in the UDO text amendment file.
-The short letter from Lisa Ribis
-The Text Amendment sentence
-The Buffer Map, which is not to scale
Aneisha provided me with a clear copy of the map because I wasn’t able to see a scale on it online.
She confirmed that the map was not to scale which is consistent with the capabilities of the software
creating the buffers. Not being to scale, when the map was reported to be to scale by the Mayor
(correcting Commisioner Moran who said it was not to scale) in the 5/16 City Council meeting,
provides an exaggerated picture to the viewer. The Amendment is based on Text and should be
based on data which does not include a map that is not to scale. The data shows the dangers to
children should a homeless shelter be based near an educational facility primary or secondary (public,
private or parochial- per UDO definition of educational facility). The comprehensive well being of the
most vulnerable population, the children who are the future is at stake. There is a consistent pattern
recorded over more than 2.5 years showing real data of these potential dangers emotional, physical,
educational which should be taken seriously. There are no mitigating measures that eliminate these
risks. The data exists to prove that as well. City Council, The Planning Board, and The Task Force on
Homelessness have this data. To say no to this buffer knowing this data proves the dangers is
something I can’t believe anyone, especially a parent, could do.
I thought about what documents might be available that have not been made public so I again went to
the Planning Board Office Thursday 7/20 to ask about documents
-I requested a completed application with all components required by the City Council for advisory
review. The County referral application was posted on the City Council agenda which only made me
wonder more why the City application was missing. Article 13 of the UDO explains the application is
required which we discussed during my visit.
-I requested the required Environmental Assessment Form which is to accompany a Text
Amendment Application
-I also wanted the full project number, not just 2023. Every text amendment that has been before
the board for advisory has a full 4 digit project number after 2023. There are many examples over the
last year to reference in previous agendas.
These documents were not available
-I was able to get one notice of a public hearing dated 5/17 from the city clerk's office. It did not
mention SEQR. As we discussed based on Article 13.15 D. 4. Public hearings are to be scheduled
after the advisory opinions are received. Also, SEQR EAF is required with the Text Amendment
Application. https://www.saratoga-springs.org/DocumentCenter/View/12431/Zoning-Amendment-
Application
On Thursday while you were on the phone Aneisha brought me out a copy of the 7/20 Planning Board
meeting agenda. It had changed in the ½ hour since I left my car to go into city hall. She told me that
the UDO advisory was not just for the buffer, but for 24 or 26 other changes. That is when I had to
explain to her that it was always just for the buffer and that I was interrupted by the Mayor during
7/27/23, 2:37 PM Zimbra
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the Public Hearing 7/18. He made it very clear that the Buffer was completely separate
(1:25:03) from the merit for review advisory opinion on what he is calling ‘staff changes’ He said those
are required to refer it after vote to both City and County Planning Boards. “Two issues, two separate
issues” (1:25:50). Then he said he would keep the public hearing open (1:27:03) which was strange
because there was never a public hearing for the large grouping of UDO amendments. They
discussed merit for review and voted to refer the grouped amendments at the 7/6 city council meeting
(47.27). https://saratogaspringsny.new.swagit.com/videos/267196 7/18 City Council Meeting Video
My concern is that if these amendments were put into the Planning Board agenda for 7/20 (meeting
canceled), they could be put in again which as the Mayor has said are two separate things. When I
spoke to you and you saw the agenda, you were surprised by that and said you would fix it. I believe
you did because the agenda changed again after our conversation.
I am very confused because the Buffer Amendment is called Local Law no.3 of 2023. There has
already been a proposed law called Local Law no. 3 of 2023. The last public hearing for that was on
the 4/4/23 City Council agenda. The meeting minutes state that they would keep hearings open and
come back with different wording. That law has nothing to do with the buffer and went through
advisory opinion. It even had a 4 digit project code.
I’m not sure how the City can have two completely different proposed laws with the same number.
The Municipality Home Rule Law which is mentioned on the Buffer Text Amendment (no other text
amendment in the past has a mention of it). When the city files a law it has to be in numeric order for
the year. https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/06/0239-f-l.pdf
I point these things out because I know you are very busy and may not be aware that there was
already a different Local Law No.3 of 2023. Here is the Original Local Law No. 3 of 2023
http://agenda.saratoga-springs.org/agendainternal/AttachmentViewer.ashx?
AttachmentID=22944&ItemID=22358 Here is the red-lined example which is standard-Redlined
example
http://agenda.saratoga-springs.org/agendainternal/Bluesheet.aspx?ItemID=22358&MeetingID=1609
The 1,000 Foot Buffer Amendment does not have the required previous text with the redlined
adjustments which is mentioned in the text amendment process in Article 13.
The grouping of amendments that are completely separate from the buffer have a chart with changes,
each section with the redline changes etc. The Mayor calls these errors and omissions- typos, yet they
are so much more detailed than the Buffer amendment.
I was surprised to find that the grouped amendments consisted of:
http://agenda.saratoga-springs.org/agendainternal/Bluesheet.aspx?ItemID=22917&MeetingID=1617
-zoning changes (to make daycares consistent) which are still not consistent in that variance in
zoning. I would think permitting a use in a zone would take much more public involvement and a
SEQR.
-A clause was removed from Interpretation subheading and placed before Clarification subheading
into what should be a new subheading. However, there is no subheading to which this clause now
refers. That actually creates an error.
-Text added to clarify a sketch which has an error in the wording dimensions versus what is on the
sketch
-Variances
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-The Staff Changes Chart does not include the details of changes to Articles 6, 13 and 15 which are
listed in the agenda as having changes. When a person clicks on the links to sections 6, 13 and 15
there is no red-lined information. These Articles apply to Industrial Districts, Applications to Land Use
Boards and Infrastructure. This should be public information. Based on General Municipal Law
Section 239 they do need to formally go to the planning boards. One has no idea what these
changes may be, do you? They seem to be much more than just typos.
Do you have an idea when the grouping of amendments which are separate from the buffer
amendment will go in front of the Planning Board for advisory? I did not see it on today’s agenda or
the agenda for 8/3?
I’ve included some other attachments to help illustrate some points above.
Attached is the new updated call log. I’ve added 18 more calls to the shelter in the last 7 days.
Again, this list is still missing some calls. There are more people intoxicated and high on drugs
causing conflicts and assaults, people so intoxicated that they are passed out on the ground outside
the shelter property, suicidal persons to add the already long list of calls that will put a school on a soft
or hard lockdown or shelter in place impacting the education of school children. There are individuals
who have been arrested at the shelter. One was previously arrested for stabbings, kidnapping, home
invasion, weapons possession, and assault before being arrested at the shelter for weapons withh
intent to harm among other charges, An individual who was previousy arrested for prostituting a 14
year old girl. These are just a couple of examples to go along with the other data. I do hope the
planning board considers the real-time facts along with the data already provided with local and
national examples, research studies (longitudenal and syntheses), triggers for school lockdowns, and I
really wish my expertise as a child who grew up in, around and witnessed the impacts of
homelessness on a child longterm into adulthood.
Thank you for any clarification you can provide on missing documents, full project number, duplicate
local law no. 3s, and scheduling of the grouped amendments for advisory
Respectfully,
Dina Henke
7/27/23, 2:37 PM Zimbra
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Text Amendment example 3.pdf
212 KB
23.pdf
80 KB
23.pdf
119 KB
UDO_2023_Staff_Changes.pdf
69 KB
ProposedChangeComment Article Section Title Edit to UDO1 Any application that has multiple LUB applications, would fall under the ordinance in which the first application was submitted (formal app. does not include Sketch).1 1.5.J.1 Title, Purpose, AuthorityAdd "first" application2 "where a district boundary line divides a lot in single ownership..." This clause needs to be moved out from under 2.2.C. There was never supposed to be a requirement to establish that there was uncertainty as to the location of the district boundary2 2.2.C.4 This needs to be a separate item, not a clause under "Interpretation of Boundary Lines" ; Suggest moving this up a level in the outline, making it a new Section 2.2.D ; current 2.2.D becomes 2.2E3 Requirements for transparency and garage size need to be removed from image or included in the text8 8.4.KK.2 Uses Add to text KK.2.c. - transparency and garage size4 Lodging House definition 8 8.4.RRR.1 Uses Delete "that" and add after dwelling "where a resident/owner" provides5 In T-6 district, does it make sense that Child Day Care Center is a permitted use, but Small Day Care Center requires Special Use Permit?8 Matrix Uses Change small day care to "P" as a less intense use6 Can't find any language that excludes uncovered front steps from building coverage or front setback requirements. Was this intentional? Shouldn't we have this as an allowed encroachment? Are we considering it the same allowed encroachment as the stoop?9 9.5 Stoop and uncovered front steps7 clarify whether the set back distance is based on the building height or the equipment height9 9.5.O.2.a Change to " two feet for every one foot of equipment height."8 Should we establish a reasonable limit on the extent of encroachment into the rear / side?9 9.5.O.3.a a maximum of 12 inches.9 Gazebo or Pergola - "Prohibited in front yard" 9 Table 9-B Should be on the next line. Interior Side and Rear should be allowed encroachments into setback - still required to be 5'10 Greenhouse - rear and interior side should be allowed encroachment 9 Table 9-B Rear and interior side should be allowed encroachment11 Patio - discuss encroachment into rear setback ; consider making a new section for patios9 Table 9-B Yes for rear. No for front and corner side12 Gas Station - 4 stacking spaces per accessory car wash bay - car wash was removed as an accessory use to gas stations10 Table 10-C Remove from gas station13 Remove RV Park from parking calc table 10 Table 10-C Remove RV Park from parking calc table14 Change "will approve" to "will have the authority to approve"18 18.5.C.1 & 2 Change "will approve" to "will have the authority to approve"
Adelphi 6/13/23-
7/24/23
109 Calls in Total not including FOILS Yet to be Provided and Not
Comprehensive
Incident Date
Incident
Time
Incident
Number Source IncidentType Case Address
New Shelter Opening Day FOILs have been requested. This call log is not inclusive a myriad of additional calls
Wednesday,June 14,2023 4:38 AM Police Calls for Service Disturbance 2 males outside fighting 4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,June 14,2023 3:05 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 16,2023 7:08 AM Police Calls for Service Disturbance 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 16,2023 10:24 AM Police Calls for Service OI-Property Check 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 16,2023 10:25 AM Police Calls for Service OI-Property Check 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 16,2023 11:09 AM Police Calls for Service Mental Health 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 16,2023 11:13 AM Police Calls for Service Suicidal Person 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 16,2023 11:14:01 AM Police Calls for Service Additional units back up 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 16,2023 11:14:36 AM EMS EMS back up 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 16,2023 8:44 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Saturday,June 17,2023 9:07 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Sunday,June 18,2023 8:35 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist/ Welfare Check 4 Adelphi Street
Sunday,June 18,2023 10:03 PM Police Calls for Service Disturbance 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,June 19,2023 10:54 AM Police Calls for Service
Disturbance Fight in Progress result
pepper spray used 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,June 19,2023 1:30 PM Police Calls for Service 911 Hang Up 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,June 19,2023 4:37 PM Police Calls for Service Assist EMS 4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,June 20,2023 1:47 PM Police Calls for Service Mental Health 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,June 22,2023 5:33:00 PM Police Calls for Service Disturbance 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,June 22,2023 5:33:32 PM Police Calls for Service Disturbance- verbal dispute 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,June 22,2023
5:33:58 PM
Police Calls for Service
Disturbance- 3 subjects now involved
in fight 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,June 22,2023
5:34:37 PM
Police Calls for Service
Weapon- Man with a chain
threatening to kill people 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,June 22,2023 7:33 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,June 22,2023
11:06 PM
Police Calls for Service
Trespassing- Subject acting agressive
refused to leave 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 23,2023 4:53 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 23,2023 7:08 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Saturday,June 24,2023 12:41 PM Police Calls for Service Disturbance 4 Adelphi Street
Saturday,June 24,2023 5:49 PM Police Calls for Service
Sexual Assault Active EMS was also
called regarding this incident 4 Adelphi Street
Saturday,June 24,2023 5:55 PM Police Calls for Service 911 Hang Up 4 Adelphi Street
Saturday,June 24,2023 6:12 PM Police Calls for Service Sexual Assault Active 4 Adelphi Street
Saturday,June 24,2023
6:58 PM
Police Calls for Service
Sexual Assault Active Subject in middle
of the road won't cooperate.4 Adelphi Street
Monday,June 26,2023 11:51 PM Police Calls for Service Panic Alarm- Police removed subject 4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,June 28,2023 4:15 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,June 28,2023
10:47 PM
Police Calls for Service
Disturbance- Locked herself in
bathroom and refused to leave 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,June 29,2023 8:31 PM Police Calls for Service Trespassing 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 30,2023 7:23 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 30,2023 11:05 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Saturday,July 1,2023 5:48 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 3,2023 2:25 PM Police Calls for Service Domestic- Inactive 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 3,2023 6:54 PM Police Calls for Service Assist Other Agency 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 3,2023 7:51 PM Police Calls for Service Disturbance 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 3,2023 8:35 PM Police Calls for Service Trespassing 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 3,2023 11:57 PM Police Calls for Service Panic Alarm 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 3,2023
12:02:57 AM
Police Calls for Service
Disturbance- Man who destroyed all
the windshields at SPAC 4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 4,2023 6:57 AM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 4,2023 6:23 PM Police Calls for Service Assist Fire 4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 4,2023 6:51 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 4,2023 7:53 PM Police Calls for Service Assist Fire 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 6,2023 2:26 AM Police Calls for Service Area Check 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 6,2023 3:04 AM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 6,2023 4:09 AM Police Calls for Service Trespassing 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 6,2023 4:13 AM Police Calls for Service Assist EMS 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,July 7,2023 6:43 PM Police Calls for Service Disturbance 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,July 7,2023 9:40 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist-Welfare Check 4 Adelphi Street
Saturday,July 8,2023 11:51 AM Police Calls for Service Trespassing 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 10,2023 12:02 AM Police Calls for Service Trespassing 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 10,2023 12:04 AM Police Calls for Service Trespassing 4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 11,2023 8:11 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 11,2023 5:25 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist-Welfare Check 4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,July 12,2023 8:13 PM Police Calls for Service Mental Health 4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,July 12,2023 8:32 PM Police Calls for Service Panic Alarm 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,July 14,2023 5:53 PM Police Calls for Service Assist Fire 4 Adelphi Street
Sunday,July 16,2023 9:02 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Sunday,July 16,2023 11:50 PM Police Calls for Service Assist Fire 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 17,2023 9:37 AM Police Calls for Service Animal Complaint 4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 17,2023 10:45 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,July 19,2023
4:53 PM
Police Calls for Service
Courtesy Transport turned into
assistance given 4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,July 19,2023 7:53 PM Police Calls for Service Assist EMS 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 20,2023 12:02 AM Police Calls for Service 911-hang up -fighting 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 20,2023 4:20 PM Police Calls for Service Disturbance 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 20,2023 8:23 PM Police Calls for Service Trespassing 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 20,2023 10:40 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist-Welfare Check 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,July 21,2023 11:55 AM Police Calls for Service OI-Property Check 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,July 21,2023 1:33 PM Police Calls for Service Trespass 4 Adelphi Street
Saturday,July 22,2023 7:00 PM Police Calls for Service Public Assist 4 Adelphi Street
Saturday,July 22,2023 8:47 PM Police Calls for Service Suicidal Person 4 Adelphi Street
Sunday,July 23,2023
1:00 PM
Police Calls for Service
Disturbance- Intoxicated person high
on drugs "possibly crack"4 Adelphi Street
Sunday,July 23,2023 3:20 PM Police Calls for Service Assault 4 Adelphi Street
Sunday,July 23,2023 3:55 PM Police Calls for Service Trespassing 4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,June 28,2023
10:02 PM Police Calls for Service
Saratoga County Sheriff
Public Assist
4 Adelphi Street
Friday,June 30,2023
7:22 PM Police Calls for Service
Saratoga County Sheriff
Public Assist
4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 3,2023
6:52 PM Police Calls for Service
Saratoga County Sheriff
Assist Other Agency
4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 4,2023
6:56 AM Police Calls for Service
Saratoga County Sheriff
Public Assist
4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 6,2023
3:30 AM Police Calls for Service
Saratoga County Sheriff
Public Assist
4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 11,2023
8:11 PM Police Calls for Service
Saratoga County Sheriff
Public Assist
4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,July 12,2023
6:35 PM Police Calls for Service
Saratoga County Sheriff
Public Assist
4 Adelphi Street
EMS Calls for Service at the new shelter are not complete a FOIL has been requested
Saturday,June 17,2023 9:35 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Sunday,June 18,2023 10:07 PM Shelter Staff alteraction escalated to
the point she was nearly physically
assaulted.
4 Adelphi Street
Monday,June 19,2023 11:01 AM Fight lead to pepper spray being used
EMS called to wash out man's eyes
after pepper spray was used on him.
4 Adelphi Street
Monday,June 19,2023 4:21 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Overdose of heroin in the bathroom.
Saturday,June 24,2023 5:49 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Male assaulted a person and then left
Saturday,June 24,2023 7:03 PM Medical Emergency 5 Finley Street
Monday,June 26,2023 10:02 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,June 29,2023 2:45 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,June 29,2023 9:01 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Sunday,July 2,2023 8:24 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 4,2023 6:21 PM Medical Emergency -Ambulance
needed- Subject intoxicated. Drinking
is permitted in the shelter. refused
ambulance
4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 4,2023 7:52 PM Medical Emergency -Ambulance
needed- Subject intoxicated. Drinking
is permitted in the shelter. Same guy
took ambulance
4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 4,2023 10:35 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 6,2023 4:11 AM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 6,2023 3:11 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Sunday,July 2,2023 12:45 AM Individuals partying with open
containers across the street from 4
Adelphi. See Times Union article
where the owner of 5 Finley Street
found "8-10 syringes on the loading
dock from a shooting up" on his
property next to the shelter.
5 Finley Street next
door to shelter
Friday,July 7,2023 9:41 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 11,2023 8:15 AM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Tuesday,July 11,2023 5:38 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,July 12,2023 8:14 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,July 12,2023 8:32 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 13,2023 12:43 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Friday,July 14,2023 5:53 PM Medical Emergency- highly intoxicated
individual fell and knocked themselves
unconscious. Drinking is permitted in
the shelter.
4 Adelphi Street
Sunday,July 16,2023 11:48 PM Medical Emergency a different highly
intoxicated individual fell and knocked
themselves unconscious. Drinking is
permitted in the shelter.
4 Adelphi Street
Monday,July 17,2023 2:32 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Wednesday,July 19,2023 8:09 PM Medical Emergency 4 Adelphi Street
Thursday,July 20,2023 10:46 PM Medical Emergency- Highly
intoxicated person on the ground
outside of Shelter
4 Adelphi Street
Several other calls since the new shelter opened including:
A woman threatining to get a gun and kill someone
Area searches for those who caused disturbances and worse as listed above and fled the scene
Silent Panic Alarm as a result of a man at the shelter who was actually convicted of profiting off of prostituting a 14 year old girl.
Calls to have individuals removed who either have trepass orders on file or who were issued a trespass order after an incident
Several serious arrests resulting from incidents at the new shelter
One man arrested at the shelter was previously arrested for stabbings, home invasion, kidnapping, criminal possession of a weapon, assault
**These calls have been compiled as acurately as possible with available resources. Additions and edits will be made when FOILs are complete
Nearly 400 combined calls for service were logged during the 2022-2023 school year
This number would likely be higher as not all data was released
7/27/23
Dear Susan,
I’m writing to follow up on my visits to the Planning Department last Wednesday and Thursday.I
did see agendas posted for today.One is for a meeting and one says it's for a workshop.When
I checked yesterday it said the workshop agenda was posted 7/27 at 5 pm which is weird
because they are usually time stamped when they are actually posted.
I stopped in on Wednesday 7/19 to ask for the documents the Mayor said were available during
the 7/18 City Council meeting.You were in a meeting so Aneisha tried to help me.Since the
Mayor did not specify what documentshe was referring to,I focused on the 3 in the UDO text
amendment file.
●-The short letter from Lisa Ribis
●-The Text Amendment sentence
●-The Buffer Map,which is not to scale
Aneisha provided me with a clear copy of the map because I wasn’t able to see a scale on it
online.She confirmed that the map was not to scale which is consistent with the capabilities of
the software creating the buffers.Not being to scale,when the map was reported to be to scale
by the Mayor (correcting Commisioner Moran who said it was not to scale)in the 5/16 City
Council meeting,provides an exaggerated picture to the viewer.The Amendment is based on
Text and should be based on data which does not include a map that is not to scale.The data
shows the dangers to children should a homeless shelter be based near an educational facility
primary or secondary (public,private or parochial-per UDO definition of educational facility).
The comprehensive well being of the most vulnerable population,the children who are the
future is at stake.There is a consistent pattern recorded over more than 2.5 years showing real
data of these potential dangers emotional,physical,educational which should be taken
seriously.There are no mitigating measures that eliminate these risks.The data exists to prove
that as well.City Council,The Planning Board,and The Task Force on Homelessness have this
data.To say no to this buffer knowing this data proves the dangers is something I can’t believe
anyone,especially a parent,could do.
I thought about what documents might be available that have not been made public so I again
went to the Planning Board Office Thursday 7/20 to ask about documents
-I requested a completed application with all components required by the City Council for
advisory review.The County referral application was posted on the City Council agenda which
only made me wonder more why the City application was missing.Article 13 of the UDO
explains the application is required which we discussed during my visit.
-I requested the required Environmental Assessment Form which is to accompany a Text
Amendment Application
-I also wanted the full project number,not just 2023.Every text amendment that has been
before the board for advisory has a full 4 digit project number after 2023.There are many
examples over the last year to reference in previous agendas.
These documents were not available
-I was able to get one notice of a public hearing dated 5/17 from the city clerk's office.It did not
mention SEQR.As we discussed based on Article 13.15 D.4.Public hearings are to be
scheduled after the advisory opinions are received.Also,SEQR EAF is required with the Text
Amendment Application.
https://www.saratoga-springs.org/DocumentCenter/View/12431/Zoning-Amendment-Application
On Thursday while you were on the phone Aneisha brought me out a copy of the 7/20 Planning
Board meeting agenda.It had changed in the ½hour since I left my car to go into city hall.She
told me that the UDO advisory was not just for the buffer,but for 24 or 26 other changes.That
is when I had to explain to her that it was always just for the buffer and that I was interrupted
by the Mayor during the Public Hearing 7/18.He made it very clear that the Buffer was
completely separate (1:25:03)from the merit for review advisory opinion on what he is calling
‘staff changes’He said those are required to refer it after vote to both City and County Planning
Boards.“Two issues,two separate issues”(1:25:50).Then he said he would keep the public
hearing open (1:27:03)which was strange because there was never a public hearing for the
large grouping of UDO amendments.They discussed merit for review and voted to refer the
grouped amendments at the 7/6 city council meeting (47.27).
https://saratogaspringsny.new.swagit.com/videos/267196 7/18 City Council Meeting Video
My concern is that if these amendments were put into the Planning Board agenda for 7/20
(meeting canceled),they could be put in again which as the Mayor has said are two separate
things.When I spoke to you and you saw the agenda,you were surprised by that and said you
would fix it.I believe you did because the agenda changed again after our conversation.
I am very confused because the Buffer Amendment is called Local Law no.3 of 2023.There
has already been a proposed law called Local Law no.3 of 2023.The last public hearing for
that was on the 4/4/23 City Council agenda.The meeting minutes state that they would keep
hearings open and come back with different wording.That law has nothing to do with the buffer
and went through advisory opinion.It even had a 4 digit project code.
I’m not sure how the City can have two completely different proposed laws with the same
number.The Municipality Home Rule Law which is mentioned on the Buffer Text Amendment
(no other text amendment in the past has a mention of it).When the city files a law it has to be
in numeric order for the year.https://dos.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/06/0239-f-l.pdf
I point these things out because I know you are very busy and may not be aware that there was
already a different Local Law No.3 of 2023.Here is the Original Local Law No.3 of 2023
http://agenda.saratoga-springs.org/agendainternal/AttachmentViewer.ashx?AttachmentID=2294
4&ItemID=22358 Here is the red-lined example which is standard-Redlined example
http://agenda.saratoga-springs.org/agendainternal/Bluesheet.aspx?ItemID=22358&MeetingID=1
609
The 1,000 Foot Buffer Amendment does not have the required previous text with the redlined
adjustments which is mentioned in the text amendment process in Article 13.
The grouping of amendments that are completely separate from the buffer have a chart with
changes,each section with the redline changes etc.The Mayor calls these errors and
omissions-typos,yet they are so much more detailed than the Buffer amendment.
I was surprised to find that the grouped amendments consisted of:
http://agenda.saratoga-springs.org/agendainternal/Bluesheet.aspx?ItemID=22917&MeetingID=1
617
-zoning changes (to make daycares consistent)which are still not consistent in that variance in
zoning.I would think permitting a use in a zone would take much more public involvement and
a SEQR.
-A clause was removed from Interpretation subheading and placed before Clarification
subheading into what should be a new subheading.However,there is no subheading to which
this clause now refers.That actually creates an error.
-Text added to clarify a sketch which has an error in the wording dimensions versus what is on
the sketch
-Variances
-The Staff Changes Chart does not include the details of changes to Articles 6,13 and 15 which
are listed in the agenda as having changes.When a person clicks on the links to sections 6,13
and 15 there is no red-lined information.These Articles apply to Industrial Districts,Applications
to Land Use Boards and Infrastructure.This should be public information.Based on General
Municipal Law Section 239 they do need to formally go to the planning boards.One has no
idea what these changes may be,do you?They seem to be much more than just typos.
Do you have an idea when the grouping of amendments which are separate from the buffer
amendment will go in front of the Planning Board for advisory?I did not see it on today’s
agenda or the agenda for 8/3?
I’ve included some other attachments to help illustrate some points above.
Attached is the new updated call log.I’ve added 18 more calls to the shelter in the last 7
days.Again,this list is still missing some calls.There are more people intoxicated and high on
drugs causing conflicts and assaults,people so intoxicated that they are passed out on the
ground outside the shelter property,suicidal persons to add the already long list of calls that will
put a school on a soft or hard lockdown or shelter in place impacting the education of school
children.There are individuals who have been arrested at the shelter.One was previously
arrested for stabbings,kidnapping,home invasion,weapons possession,and assault before
being arrested at the shelter for weapons withh intent to harm among other charges,An
individual who was previousy arrested for prostituting a 14 year old girl.These are just a couple
of examples to go along with the other data.I do hope the planning board considers the
real-time facts along with the data already provided with local and national examples,research
studies (longitudenal and syntheses),triggers for school lockdowns,and I really wish my
expertise as a child who grew up in,around and witnessed the impacts of homelessness on a
child longterm into adulthood.
Thank you for any clarification you can provide on missing documents,full project number,
duplicate local law no.3s,and scheduling of the grouped amendments for advisory
Respectfully,
Dina Henke
3/13/23, 2:22 PM (40) PB Agenda to Publish - Smartsheet.com
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20230064 Hutchins Road SUP 2271 Rt
50
2271 NYS Rt 50 Special use permit for a multi-family residential project totaling 16
dwelling units in the Gateway Commercial - Rural (GC-R) district.
UDO
20220031 182 Excelsior Zoning
Amendment
182 Excelsior Consideration of advisory opinion to the City Council for a proposed
text amendment to the UDO.
UDO
20230008 Duplainville Site Plan 00 Duplainville Site plan review of a proposed 45,480 sq. ft. flex commercial
warehouse with corporate office and 25,000 sq. ft. cold storage
accessory building and associated site work in the Industrial -
General (IND-G) district.
UDO
20220502 Advisory Opinion to City
Council - UDO Amendments
Consideration of advisory opinion to the City Council for proposed
amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Agenda
Order Project #Project Project Location Project Description Ordinance
Type Project Index
Mark Torpey (Chair)
Kerry Mayo
Charles (Chuck) Marshall
Todd Fabozzi
William J. McTygue
Mark Pingel (Vice Chair)
Patricia Morrison
PB MembersCity of Saratoga Springs
PLANNING BOARD
City Hall • 474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
518.587.3550
PLEASE NOTE:
The Planning Board meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers in City Hall
•Comments may be submitted up to 12PM on the day of the meeting using the Public Comment form
on the Planning Department page.
PLANNING BOARD MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
Salute the Flag
Roll Call
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes:
2. Possible Consent Agenda Items
Note: The intent of a consent agenda is to identify any applications that appear to be ‘approvable’ without need for further evaluation or discussion. If anyone wishes to further discuss any
proposed consent agenda item, then that item would be pulled from the ‘consent agenda’ and dealt with individually.
GENERAL MEETING GUIDELINES
The Planning Board reviews a wide variety of applications and its primary responsibilities include four land development decisions including New York State Environmental Quality Review
(SEQR), Special Use Permit (SUP), Site Plan (SP) and Subdivision (SD).
The rules regarding public input depends on the type of application before the Planning Board.
SEQR and SP: The Planning Board reserves the right to allow public comment as deemed necessary. The total duration for all public comments should not exceed fifteen (15) minutes with each
individual speaker limited to a total of two (2) minutes.
SUP and SD: The Planning Board is required to conduct a public hearing with proper notice to all neighbors residing within 250 feet of the project. Each individual speaker will be limited to a total
of three (3) minutes.
For all applications: Speakers providing public input will be timed to ensure compliance. Applicants’ initial presentation to the Board will be limited to 15 minutes.
Planning Board members are volunteers appointed by the Mayor to serve seven-year terms. Each member has a single vote and a quorum (4 or more members) is required to vote on an
application.
Note: This agenda is subject to change. Please check the website for latest version.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SPEAKERS
•All meetings are video recorded and webcast; please provide public input in a respectful manner.
•Public input will occur after the Applicant has presented the project to the Planning Board.
•Speak clearly into the microphone and state your name and address.
3. PB Applications Under Consideration - NOTE: Agenda item discussion will not begin past 10:00 p.m.
1 20230028 3368 S Broadway Hotel
Expansion Site Plan
3368 S Broadway Site plan review for an addition to an existing
hotel to incorporate 17 new rooms in the
Gateway Commercial - Rural (GC-R) district.
UDO
Agenda
Order Project #Project Project Location Project Description Ordinance
Type Project Index
3/13/23, 2:22 PM (40) PB Agenda to Publish - Smartsheet.com
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•Speakers will be timed – two (2) minute limit for public comment and three (3) minute limit for public hearing. Be concise, it’s OK to speak for less than the time limit.
•Individuals may not donate their allotted time to other speakers.
•Face the Planning Board at all times, do not engage in direct discussions with the audience.
•Do not repeat points made by previous speakers.
•No laughing, heckling, speaking or clapping from the audience.
•Comments to the Board should specifically relate to the application under consideration and be directly relevant to the evaluation criteria.
•It is best to identify a designated speaker to summarize comments from multiple individuals.
•Written comments will be distributed to the Board and made part of the public record.
•Please note that the Planning Board has no jurisdiction over code enforcement.
•The Planning Board appreciates meaningful and thoughtful input from the community.
To learn more about the application review process, please contact the City Planning Department. Susan Barden: 518-587-3550 x2493 susan.barden@saratoga-springs.org