HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230861 400 Louden SUP Unitarian Universalist Congregation Letter to PB 2023 12 15
December 15, 2023
City of Saratoga Springs
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Attn: Planning Board
Attn: - Susan Barden and Planning Board Members
Dear members of the Planning Board,
We are writing this narrative to clarify the design of the building and submit the most recent images and
floor plans. We are also responding to some of the concerns presented at the Planning Board meeting of
11/30/2023.
In designing this church, we strive to reflect the ideals that are symbiotic with the princi ples of the
Unitarian Universalist Church. The principles and progressive values are intertwined with liberal
humanistic ideals and visibly expressed in the architecture. These principles and main ideas include the
following:
The sanctuary is designed to be equal in form and shape reflecting equality in humanity.
The shape is designed to be an octagon which s ymbolizes renewal, rebirth, regeneration, and
transition.
The sanctuary is designed to offer flexible seating arrangements.
The materials will include large glass windows in key locations to allow for a connection to nature
and the outside environment.
The lightwell in the sanctuary is designed to incorporate natural light from above.
The materials are to be natural, environmentally friendly, warm, and inviting to allow the building
to blend with the natural site.
The entry is designed to allow for informal gatherings before and after church with a direct
connection to the exterior deck and outside. The view upon entering is to the exterior nature
preserve.
The primary functions of the church are located on the main level with a glass floor area to allow
light and connection to the lower level.
The lower level will accommodate educational and administrative offices and classrooms with the
ability to have a walk-out to the outside and blend into the site.
Since the original submission, the building has been reduced in overall footprint from 4,304 sf to 3,629 sf.
(a reduction of 675 sf or 15%).
The height of the sanctuary has been reduced from 14 feet high walls to 10 feet high walls.
The overall building size will not exceed the size of a large residential home and n ot be perceived as a
large structure. The materials are residential in character and the building is designed to have minimal
impact to the site both visually and environmentally.
The location on the lot is to take advantage of the views and have the rear of the church open to grade on
the rear of the building and to consider safety concerns of the parking lot to the entry.
The reduction of size will also minimize the capacity. The current congregation includes on average
seventy-five people in person once a week for a Sunday service.
The Planning Board criteria for review of a project is based on compatibility of the neighborhood.
We would like to emphasize that there are numerous examples within Saratoga Springs of churches that
are located within a neighborhood context. The current Unitarian Church is located on North Broadway
within a residential neighborhood, and this is not a negative impact to the neighbors. They are quiet
peaceful neighbors and do not draw large crowds. Other examples of churches within a residential
neighborhood include St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian
United Church of Christ to name a few. These churches co-exist symbiotically within a neighborhood
context, and do not create a negative impact.
The Congregation Shara Thille is located off Weibel Avenue - near the proposed location of the Unitarian
Church and thus there is a precedent of a religious use within this neighborhood.
Regarding traffic concerns, the impact of a small congregation (75 people) once a week on a Sunday
morning is not a large impact off the Louden Rd. corridor. This is the time when stores are closed, thus
traffic is at a minimum. The number of cars for parking has been reduced and the parking lot is desig ned
to have reinforced turf to keep as much green space as possible. This is reflected on the Site Plan.
As a compromise, the side street originally proposed to Bog Meadow Run will be eliminated.
It is critical to emphasize that there is a significant buffer from the proposed structure to other residential
homes. The distance is equal to the size of a football field which will be maintained with woods and
natural landscape features. Thus, visually, the impact of the structure will not be seen from the current
neighborhood.
In summary, we want to express the following:
The church is not larger than a residential house.
The materials and scale of the design are visually appealing and residential in character.
There is a precedent of churches within a neighborhood context.
Overall size and height which will minimize impact.
The elimination of the side street on to Bog Meadow Road as a compromise to the neighbors.
Utility usage is minimal – less than a 4 BR house.
We would like to see the Planning Board make a final determination based on the criteria of compatibility
to the neighborhood and there have been modifications made to respond to concerns expressed by the
neighbors.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully Submitted;
Susan L. Davis RA (NY and CT.) - LEED Green Associate
Donald Davis RA (NY and NJ) - LEED Green Residential Examiner - ICC Certified
SD ATELIER – Architecture, L.L.C.
www.sdatelier.com
www.sdatelier.com