HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240720 30-30 1/2 Caroline Building Expansion Public Comment (51)Outlook
Online Form Submittal: Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
From noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Date Mon 4/28/2025 11:24 PM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratoga-springs.org>; beige.berryman@saratoga-springs.org
<beige.berryman@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 Design Review Board
Name Rachel Beck
Email Address racheleisenhauer@gmail.com
Business Name Field not completed.
Address 235 Nelson Ave
City Saratoga Springs
State NY
Zip Code 12866
Phone Number Field not completed.
Project Name 30-30 1/2 Caroline Street
Project Number Field not completed.
Project Address Field not completed.
Comments April 28, 2025
To the City of Saratoga Springs Design Review Board:
As a Saratoga Springs resident and a member of the Saratoga
Springs Preservation Foundation, I write to express opposition
to the proposed addition at 30–30 ½ Caroline Street.
Despite updated proposed renderings, the height, mass, and
4/29/25, 8:15 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
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scale of the addition remains incompatible with the historic
former Sperry’s Restaurant building. The limited setback does
not adequately preserve its character or the integrity of the
surrounding streetscape. A more thoughtful and contextual
design—one that steps back and better reflects the district’s
architectural rhythm—is needed. An assessment from the New
York State Historic Preservation Office also (in a November 5,
2024 letter) also reinforces the need for a revised approach.
Like all of us who have chosen to live in Saratoga Springs, I
care deeply about the architectural continuity and historic
character that define our community. Preserving that legacy is
a shared responsibility and a privilege. My husband and I
recently preserved a home on Nelson Avenue—outside the
historic district boundary—and chose to honor the character of
the neighborhood even when not required to do so. That
decision reflects my belief in the long-term value of thoughtful
preservation—not only for maintaining the unique identity of our
city, but for ensuring that future generations can continue to live
in, learn from, and be inspired by the historic fabric that makes
our town truly special.
I regret that I am unable to attend the meeting in person, but I
hope you will accept these remarks as a serious concern for
the future of our historic city. I respectfully urge the Design
Review Board to require a more appropriate, sensitive design
that protects our historic legacy and upholds the standards that
make Saratoga Springs so special.
Sincerely,
Rachel Beck
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4/29/25, 8:15 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
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