HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230378 Washington Land Disturbance Public Comment (31)Outlook
Online Form Submittal: Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
From noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Date Mon 12/9/2024 3:03 PM
To Julia Destino <Julia.Destino@saratoga-springs.org>; Susan Barden <Susan.Barden@saratoga-springs.org>
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Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
SUBMIT COMMENTS REGARDING CITY PROJECTS
Thank you for submitting your comments. Your feedback will be forwarded to the
City's Planning Department and Land Use Board members. NOTE: Comments
submitted later than 12:00 noon on the day before the Land Use Board meeting
may not be reviewed prior to their meeting. All comments will be added to the
project file in the Planning Department.
Land Use Board Planning Board
Name Michael DeLorenzo
Email Address md001i@yahoo.com
Business Name Field not completed.
Address 13 Central Ave
City Saratoga Springs
State NY
Zip Code 12866
Phone Number 5857272746
Project Name 239 Washington St Land Disturbance
Project Number 20230378
Project Address 13 Central Ave
Comments Dear Members of the Saratoga Springs Planning Board,
I am writing to express concerns regarding the approval of the
20230378 Washington Land Disturbance project in the
absence of a comprehensive site development plan. As
outlined in the Saratoga Springs Unified Development
12/9/24, 3:32 PM Mail - Julia Destino - Outlook
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Ordinance (UDO), a site plan review is critical to ensuring that
proposed activities align with the City’s goals for sustainable
development, environmental protection, and responsible land
use.
Inadequacy of Current Submittals
The UDO mandates a complete site plan review (Article 13.5)
before granting any zoning approval or land disturbance activity
permit. This process includes a detailed evaluation of the
project’s impact on natural features, wetlands, stormwater
management, and adjacent infrastructure. Approving the
20230378 project based solely on plans to clear trees and fill
wetlands, without a full site development plan, contradicts
these requirements and risks premature disruption of the
natural landscape.
Implications of Pending Wetland Regulations
I would also like to highlight the forthcoming changes to New
York State wetland regulations, effective January 1, 2025.
These changes will significantly expand protections for small
wetlands, particularly those classified under the “urban” criteria,
which includes areas near Saratoga Springs.
Using the U.S. Census Bureau’s urban area map, many areas
traditionally considered suburban—such as Guilderland,
Colonie, Clifton Park, and Halfmoon—fall under this
classification. As a result, wetlands as small as 0.10 acres will
require a 100-foot buffer and discretionary permits from the
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for
development. This regulatory shift could directly impact the
20230378 Washington project.
I strongly encourage that the Planning Board and the NYS DEC
take the time necessary to review these updated criteria before
approving a project based on an incomplete site development
plan.
Sincerely,
Mike
13 Central Ave
Attach Photo (optional)Field not completed.
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12/9/24, 3:32 PM Mail - Julia Destino - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkADI5NDIzZGRiLTQwNjEtNGM1MS05ZmQxLTUyZTNkMzFiZDJiZQAQAHme3doZcJlMpGOre%2Bx5…2/2