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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230773 182 Excelsior Site Plan Public Comment (14)12/14/23, 11:32 AM Zimbra https://m.saratoga-springs.org/h/printmessage?id=23241&tz=America/New_York 1/4 From :Susan Barden <susan.barden@saratoga-springs.org> Subject :Fwd: Subject: Concerns at 182 Excelsior Ave. Site Plan Review - To :Julia Destino <julia.destino@saratoga-springs.org> Zimbra julia.destino@saratoga-springs.org Fwd: Subject: Concerns at 182 Excelsior Ave. Site Plan Review - Thu, Dec 14, 2023 10:20 AM Please include following email in public comments for 182 Excelsior. Susan B. Barden, AICP Principal Planner City of Saratoga Springs 474 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 518-587-3550 ext. 2493 From: "Carl DeBrule" <carldebr@gmail.com> To: "Susan Barden" <susan.barden@saratoga-springs.org> Cc: "TerryJill13" <terryjill13@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, December 13, 2023 8:15:49 PM Subject: Subject: Concerns at 182 Excelsior Ave. Site Plan Review - CAUTION: This email originated outside of the City network. Please contact IT Support if you need assistance determining if it's a threat before opening attachments or clicking any links. 12/14/23, 11:32 AM Zimbra https://m.saratoga-springs.org/h/printmessage?id=23241&tz=America/New_York 2/4 Dear Planning Board; We’re writing to you today neighbors of the community who are concerned with its welfare. We understand the critical importance of planning, comprehensive consideration, and balanced decision-making for developments that impact our neighborhood. At the forefront of our concerns is the planned construction at 182 Excelsior Ave., a matter that we trust will be thoughtfully deliberated during the upcoming Planning Board meeting on December 14, 2023. We wanted to underscore critical areas which we hope will be considered in these deliberations: 1. **Road Hazards:** The safety of both pedestrians and motorists should be paramount. This would include relocation of the project's driveways from Excelsior Spring Ave. to Excelsior Ave. This adjustment holds the potential to significantly enhance safety by avoiding the creation of dangerous curb cuts through City-built sidewalks, especially at a T intersection on a hilly terrain. a. **Complete Streets:** It is imperative that the developer's submission concerning Complete Streets be carefully evaluated. The proposal should align seamlessly with the city's ongoing efforts in this regard, ensuring the safety of pedestrians, ADA compliance, and the inclusion of enhancements like wider shoulders, speed bumps, and sidewalks on Excelsior Spring Ave. and Excelsior Ave. b. **Public Transportation:** The absence of a CDTA bus stop and a safe school bus stop near the development site necessitates a remedy to promote public transit accessibility and enhance safety for all. c. **Sidewalks:** The factual discrepancy regarding the presence of sidewalks along Excelsior Spring Ave. must be resolved to ensure that pedestrians are not inconvenienced or endangered. d. **Traffic Mitigation:** We strongly emphasize the need for the Planning Board to impose conditions of approval that require the developer to implement effective traffic and pedestrian safety measures, incorporating community input, on both Excelsior Spring Ave. and Excelsior Ave. 2. **Reorient the Development:** The redesign of the project to have townhouses fronting onto Excelsior Avenue is a visionary approach that aligns with our city's urban planning objectives. This change would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood but also pay homage to its historic character. 3. **Traffic Study:** The outdated traffic study does not accurately reflect the impact of 45 new units on the existing road infrastructure. A contemporary traffic study is essential to understanding the project's true implications. a. **Traffic Volume:** We reiterate the importance of scrutinizing the data presented in the current study, which appears incongruent with the proposed increase in housing units. b. **Excelsior Spring Ave. Conditions:** The treacherous conditions on Excelsior Spring Ave. must be factored in when assessing the project's traffic impact. 12/14/23, 11:32 AM Zimbra https://m.saratoga-springs.org/h/printmessage?id=23241&tz=America/New_York 3/4 4. **Preserving Historic Buildings:** To ensure the safeguarding of historic buildings, it is vital that the Planning Board requires the rehabilitation of the main house and carriage house either before or concurrently with the construction of new buildings. Implementing safeguards, possibly in the form of a bond, will guarantee the protection of these structures. 5. **Additional Massing Images:** We strongly urge the inclusion of images that provide a view from Excelsior Spring Ave. to allow residents to visualize the project's impact fully. 6. **Add Green Features:** Incorporating green roofs, rain gardens, and native plantings into the project can not only enhance the beauty of the development but also mitigate adverse environmental impacts. 7. **Winter Hazards:** Thoughtful planning should address snow, ice, and water runoff concerns on Excelsior Spring Ave., ensuring safety during winter months. 8. **Construction Vehicles and Noise:** A well-thought-out plan for construction vehicle ingress and egress is vital to minimize disruptions on Excelsior Spring Ave., a residential road unsuitable for heavy truck traffic. 9. **Lighting Plan:** It is imperative that the project employs minimal lighting and adheres to practices that protect the night sky, respecting the habitat of nocturnal animals and preserving our unique night sky within the city. 10. **Short EAF Form:** Clarifications are necessary regarding the absence of information concerning remediated areas, wetlands, and natural resources along Spring Run Brook. We truly believe that addressing these concerns will lead to a more holistic, harmonious, and community-centric development that aligns seamlessly with the character and aspirations of our neighborhood and city. Your dedication to our community is highly appreciated, and we look forward with great anticipation to positive outcomes of the Planning Board ‘smeeting on December 14, 2023. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to making informed decisions that benefit us all. Best regards, Carl & Terry DeBrule 12/14/23, 11:32 AM Zimbra https://m.saratoga-springs.org/h/printmessage?id=23241&tz=America/New_York 4/4 Confidentiality/Privilege Notice: This e-mail communication and any files transmitted with it contain privileged and confidential information from the City of Saratoga Springs and are intended solely for the use of the individual(s) or entity to which it has been addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or taking any other action with respect to the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please delete it and notify the sender by return e-mail. Thank you for your cooperation.