HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230861 400 Louden SUP Unitarian Universalist Congregation Transmittal Memo
38 High Rock Avenue, Suite 3 | P.O. Box 272 | Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | 518.450.4030
October 10, 2023
City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board
474 Broadway
City Hall
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Re: Unitarian Universalists Congregation of Saratoga Springs, Proposed New Church Special Use
Permit Application, 400 Louden Road, Saratoga Springs, NY – Tax Map Parcel No. 154-2-41.4.
Dear Mr. Chairman and Planning Board Members:
Attached please find application materials for a Special Use Permit for the proposed New Church for the
Unitarian Universalists Congregation of Saratoga Springs. Materials enclosed include:
1. City of Saratoga Springs Special Use Permit Application Form;
2. Justification narrative as required by Section 7.1.3 “Evaluation Criteria for Special Use Permits”
of the City Zoning Ordinance;
3. Color Rendered Site Plan, scale 1”=30’;
4. Schematic Site Plan illustrating conceptual grading and site development, scale 1”=30’;
5. Schematic Building Floor Plans and Elevations;
6. Long Environmental Assessment Form;
7. Copy of Deed Covenants related to Conservation Easement pertaining to Lot No. 4 of the Wade
D. & Brienne Newman Conservation Subdivision; and
8. Application Fees, $1,200 + $ 50 application fee.
As per comments received from City Planning Board Members at the September 21, 2023 Planning
Board Meeting “Conceptual Review” of the project, several pertinent adjustments and refinements to
the design have been implemented and are noted for your convenience. They include:
1. A phased approach to the development of the parking lot has been prepared. The initial
construction phase includes the entire driveway system and ±35 parking spaces closest to the
church building with finished surfaces. The remainder of the parking spaces on the Saratoga
Springs portion of the site will be graded, however, will be developed as lawn surface “overflow”
parking. The parking spaces proposed on the Town of Wilton portion of the site will be graded,
but not developed, and seeded with a wildflower cover type. Any future completion of the
above parking spaces will depend on volume of church activity and therefore, demand.
2. The parking spaces on the Town of Wilton parcel have been reduced by two. The two parking
bays closest to Louden Road have been removed from the site plan to allow for a larger planted
buffer to remain along the road. The buffer will include maintaining select existing tree
individuals and supplementing the area with evergreen trees.
3. Following additional site analysis and research on utilities, it was determined that the water line
located on the north side of Louden Road is not available to service the project. This water line
conveys “raw” water and not “potable water” for fire suppression service to the Wilton Mall. As
a result, the project will now be serviced by an on-site well.
The water line in Louden Road, however, does contain fire hydrants that are proximate to the
site and will, therefore, be available for fire suppression service for the Church.
4. We are aware of the existing water line in the Old Louden Road right-of-way that provides
supplemental “raw” water to Loughberry Lake. As such, Studio A engineers will work with City
engineering staff to identify it’s location and depth so as to assure that it is not disrupted during
construction.
5. The optional secondary egress along the Old Louden Road right-of-way remains in the proposal
for consideration by the City. Applicants believe this to be a safety measure should the primary
entrance to the site at Louden Road be blocked for any reason (accident, fallen trees, etc.).
Applicant will abide by the City’s decision to approve or disapprove this element of the project.
6. Detailed metes and bounds description for the Conservation Easement on the site will be
included on the final plans and required to be staked in the field prior to construction to assure
the protection of such conservancy areas on the site both during and after construction.
7. A Stormwater Management Plan will be prepared for the project that incorporates “green
infrastructure” practices to the fullest extent practicable such a permeable pavements,
infiltration devices, grass swales, etc. It will be prepared during the Site Plan Review Process.
We trust that all of the above items can be further discussed during the Site Plan Review and Approval
phase of the project with the City Planning Board. Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
S. Jeffrey Anthony, RLA, ASLA
For
Studio A Landscape Architecture + Engineering, D.P.C
Cc. Unitarian Universalists Congregation of Saratoga Springs