HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240517 128, 132 Washington Two Family Construction Public Comment (3)
September 17, 2024
RE: 20240517 128, 132 Washington Two Family Construction
Zoning Board Members,
I disagree with the interior side setback variance requested by Lori Sames for her property at 128 &
132 Washington Street. Please consider that the need to override the side setbacks is being driven
by the desire to replace a single-family dwelling with a two-family dwelling. It appears that the
property would easily support a single-family dwelling with parking and a garage that supports the
needs of the family with wheelchair access requirements.
I disagree with using examples where the setback has not been met as evidence for this request.
The City developed setback requirements to maintain standards of property separation moving
forward. Featured examples are grandfathered in and not ideal. Also, some of them do not involve
driveways with parking.
Have other options for the property been considered such as building a two-family dwelling that
shares a common center wall using the current green space (see Figure 1) between the main
structures of the dwellings. This should allow for a third parking space without a variance. Could a
carriage-style garage be built facing Washington Street and used for rental parking, with living space
behind and above it. I suggest that more design options should be considered before discussion of
an interior setback variance is even considered.
If the variance was approved and a driveway off Washington Street was built it would directly
impact my home and quality of life. If approved the driveway would locate a car and car exhaust 6
feet from my living room sliding door and my dining room windows (see Figure 2).
The city of Saratoga Springs worked hard to establish the new setbacks requirement to maintain the
quality of life of all residents and I strongly object to allowing this variance that is not a critical need
to development on the 128 & 132 Washington Street property.
Regards, Eileen Scheier
1 Dublin Square Lane
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-383-4660
snowfairy32@gmail.com
Figure 1 Green Space Use
Figure 2 Washington Street View
Picture is taken from Washington
Street. 1 Dublin Square is on the
left. Proposed driveway would
be adjacent to the wooden picket
fence.
Move second family unit
into current green space,
sharing common wall
with main residence and
thereby recover space for
parking