HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250099 182 Grand Ave Use Variance Public Comment (2)Outlook
Online Form Submittal: Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
From noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Date Thu 2/27/2025 5:32 PM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratoga-springs.org>; Aneisha Samuels <Aneisha.Samuels@saratoga-
springs.org>
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 Zoning Board of Appeals
Name John Freer
Email Address freerj@freerengineering.com
Business Name Field not completed.
Address 200 Grand Avenue
City Saratoga Springs
State NY
Zip Code 12866
Phone Number Field not completed.
Project Name 182 Grand Ave Use Variance
Project Number Field not completed.
Project Address 182 Grand Avenue
Comments Please find attached comments. Thank you.
Attach Photo (optional)Zoning Board of Appeals - 182 Grand Avenue.pdf
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2/28/25, 7:54 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAKK9WDHnHvxGlODS0rus0OI…1/1
Zoning Board of Appeals Members:
Thank you in advance for your consideration. My wife and I have been happy residents of Saratoga
Springs since purchasing our home on Grand Avenue between Walnut and Birch streets in 2007, and we
have the privilege of raising 3 children in the neighborhood. We purchased, in part, because of the
zoning regulations in place in the neighborhood (UR‐2), and have for many years enjoyed the character
of the neighborhood that the zoning guidelines protect.
During recent years we have observed a number of positive transitions in the neighborhood, bringing
properties closer to the spirit of UR‐2 guidelines of single‐family homes, allowing for a vibrant
neighborhood supporting families. Positive changes (non‐exhaustive list) include transition to single
family at 196 Grand, significant reduction in density with the subdivision of 190‐194 Grand (6 units to 3),
and improvements/transition at 170 Grand with single family use. We see these transitions towards UR‐
2 both positive and improving of quality of life in the neighborhood.
In recent years, we also have observed an undesirable increase in non‐owner‐occupied multi‐family
structures, renting units often with owners downstate or a significant distance from Saratoga. We have
also observed a very significant increase in short term rental activity in the neighborhood with, at times,
10 or more units for rent on Airbnb within 1 block on either side of the 182 Grand subject property. We
see these transitions as movement away from the spirit of UR‐2 standards, as well as a detriment to
quality of life, as evidenced by significant numbers of transient tenants and short‐term renters in a
family neighborhood.
Given the above, we humbly request that the Zoning Board of Appeals decline to approve the Use
Variance requested by Key Chain Realty LLC, uphold the UR‐2 guidelines as adopted, and continue to
support moving the community to the single‐family standards currently in place.
We appreciate your consideration.