HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250266 16 Excelsior Spring Ave Area Variance Correspondence- Public CommentOutlook
FW: 20250266 16 Excelsior Spring Ave Area Variance Application
From Richard Roman <Richard.Roman@saratoga-springs.org>
Date Wed 5/7/2025 12:17 PM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratoga-springs.org>
Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals:
The applicant for this zoning variance, Jessica Crawford, purchased this property located at 16 Excelsior
Spring Ave. in 2024 with the knowledge a subdivision without moving the original building would be
nonconforming to zoning at the time of purchase. The applicant has created their own hardship.
Impact on the neighborhood:
Whereas the proposed concrete sidewalk along Excelsior Spring Ave. shown on the site map is a very
positive neighborhood improvement which I enthusiastically support, the absence of a sidewalk on
Audrey Lane causes me to oppose this zoning variance application.
Whereas Lake Ave. without sidewalks or crosswalks is an extremely dangerous environment for non-
motorized travel (recent citizen traffic survey found 50 MPH high speed and 43 MPH 85th percentile)
people in the Elizabeth Lane and Patricia Lane neighborhoods use Audrey Lane as a walking and biking
connector to get to St. Clements School and Church, Eastside Rec fields and downtown. Historically and
currently there are no houses with an Audrey Lane address; there are no houses on Audrey Lane. The
proposed Lot #2 of this subdivision will add a driveway to Audrey Lane and further impact the
walkability and bikeability of the area. The lane is a narrow hazardous roadway - a dangerous
environment where walkers and bikers frequently encounter a motor vehicle. Families with young
children have moved into these neighborhoods. Audrey Lane is their only walking and biking access to
area destinations.
I would reassess my opposition to this application if the applicant committed to a concrete sidewalk on
Audrey Lane in addition to the sidewalk on Excelsior Spring Ave. As it currently stands, I am opposed
and urge the Planning Board to render an advisory rejection and the Zoning Board to reject this variance
application. However, if the applicant committed to a sidewalk on Audrey Lane fronting both Lot #1 and
the proposed Lot #2 connecting to the proposed sidewalk on Excelsior Springs Ave., that would be a
dramatic improvement to this project and the neighborhood.
Jim Schneider
30 Elizabeth Lane
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-421-4975
5/7/25, 12:18 PM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAKHRsO7BGUi5sBxl3nCjKyw…1/1