HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250266 16 Excelsior Spring Ave Area Variance Public Comment (3)Outlook
Fw: 20250266 16 Excelsior Spring Ave Area Variance Application
From Susan Barden <Susan.Barden@saratoga-springs.org>
Date Mon 5/12/2025 3:23 PM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratoga-springs.org>
Please upload following public comment for 16 Excelsior Spring. Thanks
From: Jim Schneider <metadatajim@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 5:27 PM
To: Susan Barden <Susan.Barden@saratoga-springs.org>
Cc: tonyay@nycap.rr.com <tonyay@nycap.rr.com>
Subject: 20250266 16 Excelsior Spring Ave Area Variance Applica on
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Saratoga Springs Zoning Board and Saratoga Springs Planning Board:
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.
5/12/25, 3:24 PM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAAiLyioAdXNMjYDtRBkXtAw%3D 1/2
Jim Schneider
30 Elizabeth Lane
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-421-4975
5/12/25, 3:24 PM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
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