HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240773 Pitney Meadows interpretative panels advisory opinion
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Tamie Ehinger, Chair
Rob DuBoff, Vice Chair
Chris Bennett
Leslie DiCarlo
Jeff Gritsavage
Tad Roemer
Ellen Sheehan
Karen Cavotta, Alternate
CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS
D ESIGN R EVIEW B OARD
❖
City Hall - 474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Tel: 518-587-3550 x.2515 fax: 518-580-9480
www.saratoga-springs.org
October 3, 2024
To: Brooke McConnell, Executive Director
Pitney Meadows Community Farms
223 West Avenue
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
RE: Advisory Opinion to Pitney Meadows Community Farm – Interpretative Panels (App #20240773)
Dear Pitney Meadows Community Farm,
On September 25, 2024 the Design Review Board heard your presentation proposing approximately 16
interpretative panels (2 in the Community Garden and 14 along the 1.7-mile perimeter trail loop) around the
farm property. Preliminary graphics for the panels were shared as well as photos of a full-scale mockup of the
panel mounting system.
The proposal is for Cultivating Connections: Sustaining Heritage through Interpretative Signage. A
comprehensive interpretative signage program aimed at fostering visitation, education, and cultural enrichment
on our farm acreage. This program aims to create a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors by integrating
informative signage throughout the farm, emphasizing regenerative farming practices, identification of native
plants and animals, wayfinding, and the rich history of the land, with a focus on Eastern Algonquian history and
language, specifically Abenaki and Mahican, and Irioquoian Mohawk translations.
The Board was overwhelmingly in support of the project and complimentary of the services the organization
provides. There were a few clarification questions about the final materials for the panel posts, which will be black
4” aluminum posts.
Following general discussion on the matter, the DRB issued the following finding:
The DRB hereby finds that the proposed interpretative panels that serve both educational and wayfinding
purposes are consistent with the intent and objectives of the Architectural Review Overlay and the design
process. The DRB issues a favorable recommendation on the panel proposal which includes various installation
locations throughout the property located at 223 West Avenue for approximately 16 panels.
The DRB motion for a favorable advisory opinion to Pitney Farms is demonstrated by the following vote - passed
6-0 (R. DuBoff, C. Bennett, J. Gritsavage, L. DiCarlo, T. Roemer, E. Sheehan, T. Ehinger was absent)
Respectfully,
Rob DuBoff,
Design Review Board Vice Chair