HomeMy WebLinkAbout20230233 Station Lane Site Plan Barton & Loguidice First Comment Letter
539.072.001 Station Lane-2025 -first comment letter (ID 3296644).docx–February 13, 2025
10 Airline Drive, Suite 200, Albany, NY 12205 · Office: 518-218-1801 · Fax: 518-218-1805 · BartonandLoguidice.com
March 24, 2025
James Salaway, P.E., City Engineer
City of Saratoga Springs
474 Broadway
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Re: Saratoga Station Park Site Plan Review – DE services
PB# 20241018/PO #250813
File: 539.072.001
Dear Mr. Salaway:
Barton & Loguidice, D.P.C. (B&L) has completed a first review of the following reports and information
from EP Land Services, LLC for a project located at Station Lane as proposed by Prime Companies:
Stormwater Management Report dated July 12, 2024;
Project Narrative for Saratoga Station Park;
Water and Sewer Report dated July 12, 2024;
FEAF dated July 12, 2024 and signed by James Easton, PE;
Building Elevations, dated August 11, 2022 as prepared by Mackenzie Architects, PC;
Traffic Impact Evaluation, dated July 9, 2024 as prepared by VHB.
ACOE Nationwide permit received via e-mail from James Salaway, PE from city of Saratoga
Springs on February 24, 2025.
This review was conducted on behalf of the City of Saratoga Springs. The above referenced documents
and information were reviewed only with respect to our scope outlined in our task order/proposal.
General
1. The Army Corps of Engineers has approved coverage under its Nationwide Permit 29 based on a
small degree of wetland disturbance. Conditions and notification requirements apply.
Coordinate with regulatory agencies as required.
2. The layout of this residential project is quite dense. There are some concerns for stormwater
impacts due to significant increase in impervious area from project but can be addressed with
reasonable infiltration rates and adequate area. See subsequent comments below.
3. There are two separate areas with soil groups of A/D. Please furnish copy of soils report, test
locations and soil logs, which would help better understand seasonal high groundwater/mottling
in these areas. Entire site was modeled as A soils only. In drier portions of the year it will runoff
James Salaway, P.E., City Engineer
City of Saratoga Springs
March 24, 2025
539.072.001 Station Lane-2025 -first comment letter (ID 3296644).docx
as an A type soil but groundwater can be 2’ shallow in isolated areas and react as a D soil. See
stormwater and plan comments below.
4. Labeling of key features on the plans such as building numbers, stormwater practices, site
features and related needs to be improved.
5. City comments will be distributed separately.
FEAF
1. Include NYSDEC stormwater permit in list of required agency approvals.
Project Narrative
1. Number of units in section 1.3 seems to add up to 349 units and not 344. Please clarify.
2. What is the status of lot mergers tax map nos. 2.70, 2.19 and 2.18?
3. State number of bedrooms of the 46 townhouse units in section 1.4.
4. Discuss parking at the 110 room hotel if fully occupied with only 99 spaces in section 1.5. Is there
overflow and employee parking nearby?
5. What is the status of the concept of dedication of road ROW and Stormwater Parcels to the city
in section 1.6?
6. The amenities proposed seem amenable but fire pits are noted. Will there be restricted hours,
adult supervision and fire control measures? Include discussion in section 1.7.
7. Add brief section on number of Auto and ebike charging stations and rationale on number
provided.
8. It would be extremely helpful if a version of the map in section 2.1 at a blown up scale with all of
the 13 lots shown.
9. What is the status of the special use permit for the multi-family facilities? What is the status of
the area variances for frontage less than 70% in section 2.3?
10. The concept of a Dog Park would likely be popular and used. The likelihood of dog fights and
possible injuries to humans and animals is perhaps small but if the public is able to come the city
should be absolved of liability in my opinion. We recommend coordination with city planning and
attorney offices on this amenity.
11. Include requirements of flow reservation, review and approval from Saratoga County Sewer
District. Include ant correspondence with SCSD in next submission.
Cost estimate
12. Not provided, please submit per City standards.
13. Include all work for all three phases and offsite work.
FEAF
1. Break down 13 lots in a brief summary in section A.
2. Include Stormwater permit from NYSDEC in Part 1, section B.
James Salaway, P.E., City Engineer
City of Saratoga Springs
March 24, 2025
539.072.001 Station Lane-2025 -first comment letter (ID 3296644).docx
3. Confirm 17 acres of disturbance of 17.6 acres site. Only 0.60 acres are not disturbed?
4. Intermittent dewatering in areas of A/D soils is likely during construction. Revise part 1 section
D.2.iv.
5. Screening via vegetation has more value than just light blocking light. See Part 1-secion D.2.n.ii.
Complete Streets Checklist
1. Not provided, please submit per City standards. Confirm if City will accept main road and
infrastructure ownership.
Water and Sewer Report for Station Park
1. Provide M&E report that confirms NFPA/NYS codes for required fire flow demands for each
building type that includes all head losses (and backflow prevention devices, fittings and pipe
lengths). Will a booster pump be required to provide fire flows for the upper flows of the four
story buildings?
2. Is there any mitigation for offsite sewer system proposed beyond funding installation of proposed
pump station improvements? Providing spare check valves for the 24 year old check valves in the
valve vault should be considered.
3. Confirm pumps include non-clog type of impellers.
4. Has this report been provided to Saratoga County Sewer District (SCSD) and design flow
reservation been obtained? Coordinate with SCSD.
5. Pump selection of 293 GPM is barely above the peak pumping rate required at 289 GPM. Confirm
the pump selection calculations includes all head losses including fittings, valves and the check
valves. The selection of C=110 for a frictional coefficient seems reasonable but a ductile iron force
main will degrade over time. We recommend a pump (operating by itself) operate at least 300-
305 GPM.
6. Revise section 2.3.1 to include natural gas powered generator.
7. There are a number of gravity sewer sections with less than 2 feet/second velocities (MH’s 6-10),
some significantly. This is due to slopes less than 0.50%. Can greater slopes be provided by
lessening upstream slopes without piping conflicts to increase slope downstream in runs from
MH6 through MH10? These concerns are particularly acute with the widespread use of
“flushable” and non-flushable wipes.
Traffic Impact Evaluation
1. The traffic impact evaluation was completed in accordance with industry accepted practices and
methodology.
2. The proposed development consists of two multifamily housing buildings with 192-units and
152-units (totaling 344 units), 46 row homes, and a hotel with a maximum of 110-rooms that
are expected to generate 206 new vehicle trips during the weekday AM peak hour and 213 new
vehicle trips during the weekday PM peak hour.
James Salaway, P.E., City Engineer
City of Saratoga Springs
March 24, 2025
539.072.001 Station Lane-2025 -first comment letter (ID 3296644).docx
3. We take no exception to the use of Land Use Code (LUC) 221 – Affordable Housing, LUC 215 –
Single-Family Attached Housing, and LUC 310 – Hotel, or the respective trip generation results
for each of those LUCs provided by the ITE Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition.
4. The PM right turn movement on Figure 2 for the Washington Street (NY 29) westbound
approach identifies a lower volume of vehicles when compared to the Traffic Volume Data in
Attachment B (61 verses 65 vehicles). However, the difference is not considered significant to
warrant adjustment because the westbound Thru/Right movement and overall Approach Level
of Service remain at C for the No-Build 2028 and Build 2028 scenarios.
5. We take no exception to the sight distance analysis provided.
6. Coordinate with city of Saratoga Springs regarding refuse truck access and CDTA for provisions
for public transportation. Please provide correspondence from CDTA.
Stormwater Management
1. The practices recommended for water quality and volume treatment include a wet swale,
infiltration basin and a subsurface infiltration areas utilizing perforated pipes. A few proprietary
units are proposed for strictly water quality treatment. The practices selected are sound choices
but there are concerns for sizing and long term performance based on use of the design
infiltration rate of 200 inches per hour. Is groundwater level mounding or hydro-compaction in a
wet season possible under array?
2. We request the full geotechnical report be submitted as just some of the results we shown in
the stormwater report. The Saratoga County Soil survey indicates permeability of Windsor soils
in the range of 20-100 inches per hour. 200 inches per hour seems quite excessive especially
since conservative design per NYSDEC computation sheets are applied on the infiltration basin
bottom only and not the side slopes as currently modeled in the H&H computations. It should
be noted other permeability tests onsite were considerably less and indicative of varying soil
profiles and infiltration capacity. Revise peak elevation data as needed.
3. Please include NYSDEC computation sheets for sizing underground infiltration and wet swale
practices in next submission.
4. It is conceivable that the sub-surface infiltration array can be lengthened towards or even under
the dog park and likely would have to be. Infiltration in areas of A/D soils is unlikely due to
seasonal groundwater but in areas of deep sand is very feasible. This practice treats almost 4
times the area as the infiltration basin and only undersized sumps in drainage structures keeps
sediment out of system. Increase sediment removal capacity with 2-3’ deep sumps currently
shown as only 6” deep.
5. If additional capacity is needed consideration of drywells and/or infiltration trenches at the
beginning of watershed areas should be given. Smaller drainage areas with less runoff could be
good candidates for these applications.
James Salaway, P.E., City Engineer
City of Saratoga Springs
March 24, 2025
539.072.001 Station Lane-2025 -first comment letter (ID 3296644).docx
6. Please provide full sized sheets of pre-and post development watershed maps that include all
sub-catchments, location of 13 lots, time of concentration lines and components (use 100’
maximum for sheet flow), better labeling/locations of stormwater practices, soil groups and
related. Current mapping is too small to read well.
7. Include NYSDEC de-compaction data as an appendix in SWPPP and notate need on plans in
strategic areas.
8. Has infiltration trench and/or drywell practices been considered to reduce area dependent on
underground array?
9. On page 3 of the Stormwater Management Report (SWMR), post development 3 is stated to be
8.5 acres in size but is slightly over 3 acres. Please clarify.
10. Drainage areas are not consistent. Table 1 of SWMR totals 21.5 acres but site is 17.6 acres. Show
offsite areas on pre and post development maps requested.
11. Show WQv calculations with input values and not just formula.
12. Provide a brief discussion on why no tailwater was assumed for the wet swale in section 5.5. 20
inches per hour infiltration was assumed and confirm testing data supports that rate.
13. Is there an internal or external bypass for the water quality units?
14. Re-check impervious area calculations of post development comptations in Exhibit A. They seem
low based on dense layout with hard surfaces most everyhere.
15. Does 18.5 acres listed in soil survey map unit legend include offsite area? Include all drainage
areas on watershed maps and hydrologic modeling.
16. Label WQv units applicable to each WQv calculation in Exhibit B.
17. Include a complete routing diagram for pre-condition and post condition H&H modeling. Many
nodes beyond 10, 11, 12 and 13 are not shown.
18. Post 2 piping diagram should label discharges consistent on modeling and FES numbers on the
plans and Figure 3. Label outfall numbers. Label infiltration basin, underground array and wet
swale on diagrams.
19. Provide a construction sequence schedule for each phase in section 2.4 of the SWPPP. Complete
stabilization of each phase before proceeding with next phase should be noted to ensure less
than 5 acres are un-stabilized at any time.
James Salaway, P.E., City Engineer
City of Saratoga Springs
March 24, 2025
539.072.001 Station Lane-2025 -first comment letter (ID 3296644).docx
20. Include final inspection and approval of city staff and SWPPP monitoring professional in section
7.4 before filing Notice of Termination.
21. Include Residential housing in NOI question 2.
22. What does Part III mean in the title of the post construction maintenance manual.
23. Notate that all sediments will be cleaned of all drainage structures, infiltration basin and
underground array be cleaned of sediment deposits and drainage areas stabilized in
maintenance manual.
24. Mark up Contech data with specific units of water quality units proposed in data chart. Label on
plans and SWMR calculation sheets.
Building Elevations
1. What are siding and trim materials on the exterior of all building types. Economy materials are
discouraged while quality products will enhance the desirability and aesthetic intent of the project.
Submit samples of siding proposed to City of Saratoga Springs.
2. Submit full sheet and colored elevations.
3. Label building types and include all four elevations for all buildings including row houses. Provide
maximum top of roof and finished floor elevations of buildings.
Plans
1. The plans were reviewed but additional future comments are likely given the comments herein
and the breadth of revisions or clarifications needed.
2. The plans are labeled preliminary and some of the comments listed below relate to improving
labeling, need for legends and clarity of design intent. Future submissions will need some more
detailing and likely re-sizing of the subsurface stormwater infiltration system.
Sheet C-1-Cover:
1. Include all plan sheets in sheet index. Landscaping (L) sheets are missing.
Sheet C-2-Notes:
1. Label Hotel building in green space calculation after building number.
2. Verify impervious area and green space computations. Paver areas are considered impervious and
not green areas.
Sheet C-3-UDO Compliance Plan:
1. Plan views would be improved if at 1”=60’ or better labeling of; top of roof spot elevation(s), building
numbers, private road labeling, and a descriptive note for the steep slope stabilization near rote 29.
Reference sheet for proposed grading and stabilization techniques.
2. Variance for building height is required and potential bonus points from the Design Review Board
review pertain to the proposed height. What is the status of that review?
James Salaway, P.E., City Engineer
City of Saratoga Springs
March 24, 2025
539.072.001 Station Lane-2025 -first comment letter (ID 3296644).docx
Sheet C-4-Existing Conditions and Removal Plan
1. Label the areas of tree retention that comprise the 52 to be retained.
Sheet C-5-Subdivision Plan:
1. Narrative discusses 13 lots and Lot legend shows 10 lots. Please clarify.
Sheet C-6-Easement Plan:
1. Notate the proposed parties of the easement, intent and ultimately records of filing easement to the
city.
Sheet C-7-Layout Plan:
1. What surface is proposed for the southerly tab of lot 8? Grass? South of the center feature.
2. Label all features that appear a boxes and center feature between walks between buildings.
Sheet C-8-Grading Plan:
1. Show existing contours where proposed contours tie into them around property lines. West area of
the site employs retaining walls but need to be verified that grading will only occur on the property.
Coordinate with the railroad on any permits or other requirements for working so close to their land.
Show temporary
Sheet C-9-Spot Grading Plan:
1. Provide all contouring within basin to reflect actual bottom elevations relevant to bottom of wall
elevations. Some of the forebays only look 1’ deep. Please clarify.
2. Show the outline of the underground infiltration array.
Sheet C-11-Utility Plan:
1. There is room to lengthen the four perforated pipes at the underground infiltration array in both the
north and south directions. With a lower infiltration rate additional area will be required. A fifth pipe
could also be used.
Sheet C-13-Site Lighting Plan:
1. Is lighting proposed at the pavilion between buildings 1 and 2? Are these lights factored into the
plan?
2. Are the dog park and playground to receive lighting? It does appear so in the light values shown.
3. What are the hours these area will be open? Provide signage with hours of operation.
Sheet C-15-Site features & Land Coverage Plan:
1. What are the proposed hours and availability for the gas fire pit near building 2? What controls on its
usage for its use?
Sheet C-16-Erosion Control Plan:
James Salaway, P.E., City Engineer
City of Saratoga Springs
March 24, 2025
539.072.001 Station Lane-2025 -first comment letter (ID 3296644).docx
1. Include notes for protection of underground infiltration array from staging or equipment travel or
storage at these two features. Show staging areas that do not harm installed infrastructure and
impact soil permeability.
2. Notate the removal of sediment fronm structures and infiltration basin once runoff area is atabilized
or allowable limits of accumulation have been reached.
3. Show concrete washout areas for all three areas and reference removal/restoration information.
4. Show limits of phases, perhaps with a unique line type as it does not show well.
Sheet C-17-5 Acre Disturbance Plan:
1. Notate stabilization of surfaces for previous phase before starting a new phase.
Sheet C-18-Plan and Profile:
1. Provide match lines on plan views for partial plans and profiles.
2. What is a P drainage structure? Good legends would go a long way to plan clarity.
Sheet C-19-Plan and Profile:
1. Show all water and sanitary sewer laterals. Sewer laterals entering sanitary sewer manholes should
be above concrete benching.
Sheet C-20-NYS Route 29 Improvements:
1. We recommend dry mix concrete beneath curbing and concrete backing at joints and intermittent
backing of curb to ensure stability.
2. Extend rip rap protection down to toe of slope below stormwater discharges.
Sheet W-1-ACOE Impacts:
1. Label the wet swale in the buffer impact plan.
2. Provide velocity os 24-inch cross culvert (with infill) to verify if turf reinforcement material can
remain stable during 50-100 year storm peak rates of runoff. Specify mat or other material selected
and provide length and width.
Sheet D-1-Details:
1. Private road section shows an underdrain,
2. For private road why 90% compaction and not 95 % standard proctor?
3. Add a note 11 to the group for accessible sidewalks and curb ramps to indicate materials,
dimensions, specifications to comply with applicable NYSDOT standard sheets.
4. Revise note 4 to add medium broom finish in private sidewalk detail.
5. See previous comments and curb base and backing.
Sheet D-2-Details:
1. Confirm the PVC material (vertical “boards”) are all on all sides and not just the front.
2. Will retaining walls have an underdrain as detailed? Show on plans to discharge if providing them.
James Salaway, P.E., City Engineer
City of Saratoga Springs
March 24, 2025
539.072.001 Station Lane-2025 -first comment letter (ID 3296644).docx
Sheet D-3-Details:
1. Catch basin sumps should be deeper, we recommend 3’ depth. See previous comments for
protecting infiltration systems.
2. Specify perforated stormwater pattern.
3. Provide a table of all pipe/structure elevations for each WQv unit.
Sheet D-5-Details:
1. Specify soil mix for plantings with soil amendments as native sand soils would need it.
2. Notate stabilization of surfaces for previous phase before starting a new phase.
Sheet L101-Planting Plan:
1. Screening east of the hotel near the property line would benefit with two more trees, possibly
conifers for better screening.
2. Label exterior structures and shapes on all the landscaping sheets.
Please provide a response letter with detailed responses below DE and City comments in a different
font. Identify how addressed and specific document page(s) of where in revised submission they are
addressed.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office.
Sincerely,
BARTON & LOGUIDICE, D.P.C.
Bradley D. Grant
Senior Project Manager
BDG/bdg
Cc via email- James Salaway, PE-City Engineer
Susan Barden, Planning
Matt Zeno, Cty of Saratoga Springs
James Easton, PE-EP Land services