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Home My WebLink About20241018 NYS Route 29 Prime Station Lane Site Plan NarrativePrepared by: EP Land Services LLC 621 Columbia Street Ext. Cohoes, NY 12047 (518) 785-9000 Project Narrative for Saratoga Station Park Tax Parcels 165-2-70, 165-2-18, & 165-2-19 NYS Route 29 City of Saratoga Springs Saratoga County, New York Prepared for Prime Companies 621 Columbia Street Extension Cohoes NY 12047 July 12, 2024 July 2024 PROJECT NARRATIVE for SARATOGA STATION PARK CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, SARATOGA COUNTY, NY Table of Contents 1.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION ......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Project Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Location ........................................................................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Multifamily Units ............................................................................................................................................. 1 1.4 Townhouse Units ............................................................................................................................................ 2 1.5 Hotel and Maintenance Building ................................................................................................................... 2 1.6 Subdivision and City Roads .......................................................................................................................... 2 1.7 Amenities ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 2.0 CITY CODE ........................................................................................................................................................ 5 2.1 Zoning .............................................................................................................................................................. 5 2.2 Proposed Uses ................................................................................................................................................ 5 2.3 Area Variance .................................................................................................................................................. 5 2.4 Civic Space ...................................................................................................................................................... 5 3.0 WETLANDS ....................................................................................................................................................... 6 3.1 Federal Wetlands ............................................................................................................................................ 6 3.2 NYSDEC Environmental Mapper ................................................................................................................... 6 3.3 NYSDEC and Federal (ACOE) Wetlands ....................................................................................................... 7 4.0 ENVIROMENTAL IMPACTS REVIEW AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ................................................... 8 4.1 NYSDEC Environmental Mapper ................................................................................................................... 8 4.2 Federal Endanger and Threaten Species ..................................................................................................... 8 4.3 100- Year Flood Plain ...................................................................................................................................... 8 4.4 NYSOPRHP ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 4.5 Agricultural District ........................................................................................................................................ 9 4.6 Soils ................................................................................................................................................................ 10 4.7 Stormwater .................................................................................................................................................... 11 4.8 Traffic and NYSDOT ...................................................................................................................................... 11 4.9 Utilities (Water and Sewer) and NYSDOH ................................................................................................... 11 4.10 Utilities (Electrical and Gas) ........................................................................................................................ 11 4.11 Solid Waste .................................................................................................................................................... 12 4.12 Schools .......................................................................................................................................................... 12 5.0 EXHIBITS ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 Exhibit 1 – IPaC Data .............................................................................................................................................. 14 Exhibit 2 – NYSOPRHP........................................................................................................................................... 15 I:\ENGINEERING PROJECTS\PRIME COMPANIES\2022\2022-02-SARATOGA STATION\03-ADMIN\REPORTS\NARRATIVE\PROJECT NARRATIVE 7.12.24.DOCX Project Narrative July 2024 Page 1 1.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION 1.1 Project Overview Prime Companies proposes to construct multi-family apartments, hotel and townhouse dwelling units on 17.6-acres located between NYS Route 29 and Station Lane in the City of Saratoga. The parcels total is 17.6 acres and is comprised of tax parcels 165-2-70, 165-2-18 and 165-2-19. The parcel is bounded by Station Lane to the north, NYS Route 29 to the south, the railroad tracks to the west, and Multifamily/vacant land to the east. The proposed multi-family apartments will consist of four multi-family apartment buildings having a total of 344 units. Each building will be 4 stories tall with garage parking below each of the buildings. Additional surface parking will be provided to meet the city off-street parking requirement. The Townhouse dwelling units will be constructed in pods of four or six units over eight pad sites. There will be 46 townhouse dwelling units and these units will be for-sale or rent. The townhouse dwelling units will be two stories high with garages in the rear of each unit. A 110 room Hotel and two- story maintenance building is also proposed with this project. 1.2 Location The site is located between NYS Route 29 and Station Lane in the City of Saratoga. The parcels have frontage on along both roads. See below for site highlighted in yellow. 1.3 Multifamily Units The project will build two multi-family apartment buildings having a total of 344 units. Building #1 will have 184 units while Building #2 will have 165 units. While the footprints of the building will be the same, the 165-unit building will have larger units. The multi-family apartments buildings will be comprised of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units. Based upon preliminary designs there will be 177 one-bedroom units, 147 two-bedroom units and 20 three-bedroom units. The two buildings will meet City code height requirement. Project Narrative July 2024 Page 2 From the preliminary plans there will be 322 underground/basement parking stalls within the two-apartment buildings with an additional 102 surface parking spaces in five parking lots, while there will be 157 on street parking stalls. 1.4 Townhouse Units The project will build a total of 46 townhouse units. These 46 units will be for sale or rent. They will be grouped together in pods of four or six. Each townhouse will have a one bay or two bay garage in the rear with additional surface parking outside the garages and in dedicated parking areas. The townhouses will be two stories with fronts main entry of each unit facing the road. 1.5 Hotel and Maintenance Building The project will build a 4-story hotel with 110 rooms. The hotel will have a dedicated 99 parking stalls in the rear of the Hotel for customer use. A two-story maintenance building is also proposed for this project due to the size of the multifamily complex. The 2,000 sf building will store maintenance materials to maintain the site and the units. 1.6 Subdivision and City Roads The two multifamily buildings, hotel and each of the 46 townhouse units will be placed on their own individual lot for tax purposes. It is anticipated additional lots for stormwater and dedication of main road system to City will be required for this project. The main internal roadway system is anticipated to have water, sewer and stormwater system within the right-of-way. Typical city residential road section will be utilized for this project. Project Narrative July 2024 Page 3 1.7 Amenities Within the core of the two multifamily buildings there is approximately 50,000 of recreation space available. The recreation space will allow tenants of the multifamily units, along with owners/renters of townhouse units to use the recreation space. Within the recreation space it is anticipated as a multi-functional space. This recreational area will not be open to public or service as community civic space. Items anticipated within the recreational space are as follows: · Swimming pools · Outdoor putting green · Fire pits · Grills · Tenant gathering space · Outdoor Pavilion · Open space for activities (i.e. frisbee, bocce, cornhole, etc) In additional in outdoor amenities there will be a club house within one of the four apartment buildings containing the following: · Exercise room (treadmills, ellipticals, weight room, etc.) · Billiards Room · Community kitchen area · Meeting rooms Project Narrative July 2024 Page 4 Below are photos simulation based upon proposed civil site plans of the proposed courtyard. Project Narrative July 2024 Page 5 2.0 CITY CODE 2.1 Zoning The property is located on north of NYS Route 29 and south of Station Lane. The existing tax parcels are a total of 17.6 acres, and is comprised of tax parcels 165-2-70, 165-2-18 and 165-2-19. All three parcels are zoned Neighborhood Center (NC) District. (T-5) The parcels to the north, south, east, and west are zoned also zoned Neighborhood Center (NC) District. 2.2 Proposed Uses In accordance with City of Saratoga Springs UDO zoning code multi-family and townhomes are allowed uses within Neighborhood Center (NC) District per Article 8, Table 8-A. The multi-family will require a special use permit by the City while townhomes area permitted use under this table. 2.3 Area Variance Based upon the site design, concept plan and location of new city roads 70% buildout along frontage cannot be achieved. (Table 4-C of City UDO code). This is mainly a result of existing wetlands or steep slopes surrounding the parcel to the north and south. A steep slope variance and height variance maybe required depending on code review by the city. 2.4 Civic Space There is no proposed civic space for this project for the public to use. This is based upon the Planning Board request that lands located to the east of the site on tax parcel 15-2-72.12 be developed into a City Park. Per City Code 9.3.C, the public civic space of 5% of the total lot area is required. This equates to or 0.885 acres are required for public use on this project site. The project proposes a dog park and playground area along the western property line. These two areas comprise 14,400 sf or 0.33 acres. While currently not proposed as civic space these two features could be used towards the civic space requirements if the City so inclines to allow public access to these two areas. Project Narrative July 2024 Page 6 3.0 WETLANDS 3.1 Federal Wetlands There is federal jurisdictional Army Corp or Engineer (ACOE) wetlands within the project limits based upon National Wetland Inventory mapper. 3.2 NYSDEC Environmental Mapper There are jurisdictional NYSDEC State wetlands or buffer within the project limits based upon NYSDEC mapper. See civil site plans site plans for 100-foot buffer location. Project Narrative July 2024 Page 7 3.3 NYSDEC and Federal (ACOE) Wetlands The project site contains a small area of Federal and NYSDEC wetlands of near Station Lane. This wetland area was previously delineated back in 2016-2017. As there has been some time since last wetland delineation was previously done, Van Guilder Land Surveying PLLC preform a new wetland on June 3, 2022. The new wetland delineation follows the prior wetland delineation, and it is anticipated less than 0.04 acres of Federal jurisdictional wetlands will be disturbed for this project based upon the proposed concept plan. The 100-foot NYSDEC wetland buffer is not disturbed by the proposed project. See civil site plans. 2016-2017 Wetland Delineation with 100-foot NYSDEC Buffer shown 2022 Wetland Delineation Project Narrative July 2024 Page 8 4.0 ENVIROMENTAL IMPACTS REVIEW AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 4.1 NYSDEC Environmental Mapper There are no jurisdictional NYSDEC State no rare or endangered species located in this area by NYSDEC mapper. 4.2 Federal Endanger and Threaten Species The US Fish and Wildlife Service Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) was reviewed for this project. Based upon finding in Exhibit #1 there is no endangered species for the site. 4.3 100- Year Flood Plain Per National Flood Insurance Map (FIRM) panel 36091C0433 dated August 16, 1995 the proposed project is outside the limits of AE zone (100-year flood plain). Project Narrative July 2024 Page 9 4.4 NYSOPRHP The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYSOPRHP) was reviewed for the project site. NYSOPRHP Cultural Resource Information System (CRIS) determined the project is partially located inside an archaeological sensitivity area. Per Curtin Archaeological Consulting, INC report dated October 2017 there are no archaeological matters at the site. See enclosed NYSOPRHP no effect letter. 4.5 Agricultural District Cornell University Geospatial Information Repository (CUGIR) mapping was reviewed, and the project site is outside a classified agricultural district. Also, Saratoga County Planning Department 2022 Agricultural District map was reviewed, and site is greater than 1,000 feet from any Agricultural District. CUGIR Data Project Narrative July 2024 Page 10 Saratoga County Planning Department 4.6 Soils United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service soils maps were review for the project site. Based upon available data the site is mostly sand, no bedrock outcropping and water table varies from 2 feet to greater than 10 feet. The Hydrologic soil groups (HSG) was identified as Soils Group A to D. Over 95% of the site has a HSG of A or has a high capacity of infiltration of rainfall. Project Narrative July 2024 Page 11 4.7 Stormwater The project will impact stormwater runoff. As the soils within the site are mainly HSG A, infiltration of stormwater runoff is being proposed. See the stormwater report demonstrating the project is in conformance with NYSDEC Stormwater Design Manual General Permit 00-20-001 and local laws. 4.8 Traffic and NYSDOT A Traffic consultant (VHB) has prepared a traffic report for the proposed new concept plan for the site. The traffic consultant will review the existing and proposed impacts the project has on West Ave and Station Lane intersection, NYS Route 29 access, NYS Route 29 and West Ave intersection and NYS Route 9N and West Ave intersection were reviewed. See VHB Traffic report dated July 9, 2024 for detailed information on traffic impacts.. Based upon the findings of the traffic report, NYSDOT permits, and approvals will be required for this project for the development of this project. 4.9 Utilities (Water and Sewer) and NYSDOH The project will utilize the existing water and sewer systems within this area for the project site. See Water and Sewer report dated 7/12/24 for information. 4.10 Utilities (Electrical and Gas) Based upon National Grid Distribution System Data Portal the existing electrical lines on NYS Route 29 and on Station Lane have capacity to service the project site. Natural Gas capacity and distribution information is not available to the public as natural gas lines data is a protected under federal law. Project Narrative July 2024 Page 12 4.11 Solid Waste Waste generated by the project will vary and the typical average of 4 lbs per apartment unit per day is a common value used in the industry. The Multifamily units will produce about 1,376 lbs or about 0.69 tons per day of soil waste. The hotel will produce about 1 lbs per room or produce per day on average about 110 lbs or 0.6 tons The townhouse dwelling will have typical average of 8 lbs per dwelling unit per day is also common value used in the industry waste. The townhouse dwelling units will produce about 368 lbs or about 0.18 tons per day of soil waste The projected total is about 0.93 tons per day or about 6.5 tons a week is anticipated. All solid waste will be sent to Town of Colonie Solid waste facility. Per NYSDEC MSW Landfill Capacity the annual permit tons to the landfill is 255,840 while in 2018 only 253,687 tons was disposed of there. The landfill has a capacity of 7,290,392 tons or based upon NYSDEC permit another 30 years of capacity before landfill expansion would be required. 4.12 Schools The school district will see additional students as a result of the proposed 344 multi-family units and 46 townhouse dwellings. Using National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) data for an apartment building with 20 or more units would see about 17 school age kids per 100 units. Thus using NAHB data, the 334 proposed apartment unit could have 57 school age kids or on average about 4 children per grade (K-12). The Townhouse dwelling units will also have an increase in school age kids as a result of the proposed use. It is anticipated that 29 school age kids or on average about 3 children per grade (K-12). All school age children for this proposed project would are within Saratoga School District. The project site will send children to Saratoga High School, Saratoga Junior High School and to Division Street Elementary School. The enrollment of student is the district are listed below based upon data available through New York State Education Department. Overall District Division Street Elementary Year Enrollment Year Enrollment 2020-2021 1,987 2020-2021 403 2019-2010 2,040 2019-2010 448 2018-2019 2,073 2018-2019 448 2017-2018 2,121 2017-2018 450 2016-2017 2,135 2016-2017 429 2015-2016 2,168 2015-2016 371 2014-2015 2,087 2014-2015 364 2013-2014 2,125 2013-2014 383 As see above there has been an overall decrease in the student population. Thus, based upon the proposed project, the number of new students (7 children per grade) will not adversely affect the school district. Project Narrative July 2024 Page 13 5.0 EXHIBITS Project Narrative July 2024 Page 14 Exhibit 1 – IPaC Data August 04, 2022 United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE New York Ecological Services Field Office 3817 Luker Road Cortland, NY 13045-9385 Phone: (607) 753-9334 Fax: (607) 753-9699 Email Address: fw5es_nyfo@fws.gov In Reply Refer To: Project Code: 2022-0071374 Project Name: Saratoga Station Park Subject:List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location or may be affected by your proposed project To Whom It May Concern: The enclosed species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as well as proposed and final designated critical habitat, that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. The species list fulfills the requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally proposed, listed, and candidate species and federally designated and proposed critical habitat. Please note that under 50 CFR 402.12(e) of the regulations implementing section 7 of the Act, the accuracy of this species list should be verified after 90 days. This verification can be completed formally or informally as desired. The Service recommends that verification be completed by visiting the ECOS-IPaC website at regular intervals during project planning and implementation for updates to species lists and information. An updated list may be requested through the ECOS-IPaC system by completing the same process used to receive the enclosed list. The purpose of the Act is to provide a means whereby threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect threatened and endangered species and/or designated critical habitat. A Biological Assessment is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) 08/04/2022 2 (c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological evaluation similar to a Biological Assessment be prepared to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended contents of a Biological Assessment are described at 50 CFR 402.12. If a Federal agency determines, based on the Biological Assessment or biological evaluation, that listed species and/or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the agency is required to consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed species and proposed critical habitat be addressed within the consultation. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/TOC-GLOS.PDF Migratory Birds: In addition to responsibilities to protect threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), there are additional responsibilities under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to protect native birds from project-related impacts. Any activity, intentional or unintentional, resulting in take of migratory birds, including eagles, is prohibited unless otherwise permitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a)). For more information regarding these Acts see https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations.php. The MBTA has no provision for allowing take of migratory birds that may be unintentionally killed or injured by otherwise lawful activities. It is the responsibility of the project proponent to comply with these Acts by identifying potential impacts to migratory birds and eagles within applicable NEPA documents (when there is a federal nexus) or a Bird/Eagle Conservation Plan (when there is no federal nexus). Proponents should implement conservation measures to avoid or minimize the production of project-related stressors or minimize the exposure of birds and their resources to the project-related stressors. For more information on avian stressors and recommended conservation measures see https://www.fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/threats-to- birds.php. In addition to MBTA and BGEPA, Executive Order 13186: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds, obligates all Federal agencies that engage in or authorize activities that might affect migratory birds, to minimize those effects and encourage conservation measures that will improve bird populations. Executive Order 13186 provides for the protection of both migratory birds and migratory bird habitat. For information regarding the implementation of Executive Order 13186, please visit https://www.fws.gov/birds/policies-and-regulations/ executive-orders/e0-13186.php. We appreciate your concern for threatened and endangered species. The Service encourages Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project planning to further the purposes of the Act. Please include the Consultation Code in the header of this letter with any request for consultation or correspondence about your project that you submit to our office. 08/04/2022 3 ▪ Attachment(s): Official Species List 08/04/2022 1 Official Species List This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action". This species list is provided by: New York Ecological Services Field Office 3817 Luker Road Cortland, NY 13045-9385 (607) 753-9334 08/04/2022 2 Project Summary Project Code:2022-0071374 Project Name:Saratoga Station Park Project Type:Commercial Development Project Description:Development of multi-family units and townhouse units Project Location: Approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https:// www.google.com/maps/@43.080737299999996,-73.80905137617495,14z Counties:Saratoga County, New York 08/04/2022 3 1. Endangered Species Act Species There is a total of 2 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list. Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries , as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the Department of Commerce. See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce. Insects NAME STATUS Karner Blue Butterfly Lycaeides melissa samuelis There is proposed critical habitat for this species. The location of the critical habitat is not available. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6656 Endangered Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/9743 Candidate Critical habitats THERE ARE NO CRITICAL HABITATS WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA UNDER THIS OFFICE'S JURISDICTION. 1 08/04/2022 4 IPaC User Contact Information Agency:EP Land Services LLC Name:James Easton Address:621 Columbia Street Ext. City:Cohoes State:NY Zip:12047 Email jeaston@theprimecompanies.com Phone:5187859000 Project Narrative July 2024 Page 15 Exhibit 2 – NYSOPRHP KATHY HOCHUL Governor RANDY SIMONS Commissioner Pro Tempore July 01, 2024 James Easton Project Engineer EP Land Services 621 Columbia Street Cohoes, NY 12047 Re: USACE Station Park Subdivision NYS Route 29, City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, NY 23PR07392 Dear James Easton: Thank you for requesting the comments of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). We have reviewed the project in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. These comments are those of the SHPO and relate only to Historic/Cultural resources. They do not include potential environmental impacts to New York State Parkland that may be involved in or near your project. Based upon this review, it is the opinion of the New York SHPO that no historic properties, including archaeological and/or historic resources, will be affected by this undertaking. If further correspondence is required regarding this project, please be sure to refer to the OPRHP Project Review (PR) number noted above. If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Krupa at the following email address: Leslie.Krupa@parks.ny.gov Sincerely, R. Daniel Mackay Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Division for Historic Preservation New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Division for Historic Preservation, Peebles Island, PO Box 189, Waterford, New York 12188-0189 (518) 237-8643 • https://parks.ny.gov/shpo New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Division for Historic Preservation, Peebles Island, PO Box 189, Waterford, New York 12188-0189 (518) 237-8643 • https://parks.ny.gov/shpo KATHY HOCHUL ERIK KULLESEID Governor Commissioner September 5, 2023 James Easton Project Engineer EP Land Services 621 Columbia Street Cohoes, NY 12047 Re: DEC Station Park Subdivision City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, NY 23PR07392 Dear James Easton: Thank you for requesting the comments of the Division for Historic Preservation of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). We have reviewed the submitted materials in accordance with the New York State Historic Preservation Act of 1980 (section 14.09 of the New York Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law). These comments are those of the Division for Historic Preservation and relate only to Historic/Cultural resources. They do not include potential environmental impacts to New York State Parkland that may be involved in or near your project. Such impacts must be considered as part of the environmental review of the project pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (New York Environmental Conservation Law Article 8) and its implementing regulations (6NYCRR Part 617). OPRHP has reviewed the Phase I Archaeological Survey Report prepared for this project (October 2017; 23SR00470). No archaeological sites were identified by the survey. Therefore, it is the opinion of the OPRHP that no properties, including archaeological and/or historic resources, listed in or eligible for the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places will be impacted by this project. If you have any questions, I can be reached at Jessica.Schreyer@parks.ny.gov. Sincerely, Jessica Schreyer Historic Preservation Program Analyst - Archaeologist