HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250456 65 Phila St Area Variance Public Comment (6)Outlook
Online Form Submittal: Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
From noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Date Fri 7/11/2025 9:29 AM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@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 Andy Williams
Email Address awilliamsny@gmail.com
Business Name Field not completed.
Address 14 Lafayette Street
City Saratoga Springs
State NY
Zip Code 12866
Phone Number 917-854-8118
Project Name 65 Phila Street Area Variance
Project Number 20250456
Project Address 65 Phila Street
Comments Following the DRB’s advisory opinion on this case, we wish to
reiterate our strong objection to the applicant’s request for an
area variance, specifically for the plans currently submitted as
of July 10, 2025.
Our objection remains focused on the size, mass, and scale of
the proposed garage structure — a two-story, two-car building
set just five feet from our property line. The size, mass, and
scale of the proposed structure goes against everything that is
7/11/25, 3:02 PM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
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written in the city code and building guidelines for the historic
district. This structure would significantly impair our use and
enjoyment of our property by blocking openness, natural light,
and visual space.
In addition, this application poses a very real threat to the
mature, “historic” trees on our property — that word was used
by the Saratoga Springs Design Review Board at their last
meeting. At that meeting, the discussion regarding these trees
was extensive, with multiple members expressing concern
about the severe impact the proposed garage’s proximity would
have on the trees’ root systems and overall health. One
member even acknowledged the likelihood of serious damage
but noted that the DRB’s authority does not extend to tree
protection. If the trees suffer because of the City's decision on
this application, then we would hold the city and the property
owners responsible.
Given these concerns, we respectfully request that the Zoning
Board deny the application for an area variance.
(Prior letter submitted at the last Zoning Board Meeting in June
is attached for reference)
Attach Photo (optional)FINAL 65 Phila Street Zoning Variance Objection.pdf
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Andy Williams and Leslie LeBon
June 18, 2025
To: Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals
From: Andy Williams, Leslie LeBon, and adjacent and nearby property owners
Re: Application for Area Variance, 65 Phila Street, File# 20250456
We are the owners of 14 Lafayette Street, directly adjacent to 65 Phila Street along its north
property line. Along with the adjacent neighbors listed below, we strongly object to the
applicant’s request for an area variance to increase lot coverage by 27.5% (this is the
actual increase from the 40% allowed to the 51% proposed) for a rear addition and a
two-story, two-car garage with office.
While we welcome the continued renovation of 65 Phila Street, it is vital to preserve the
open space, and the quiet and historic character of our neighborhood. We urge the Board to
deny the project as proposed for the following reasons:
1. Out of Scale and Character
According to the City of Saratoga Springs Guidelines for Construction in the Historic District:
“A secondary/accessory building should be distinct from, and smaller in scale
than, the primary structure... it should not visually compete with the primary
structure.”
The proposed garage footprint (686 sq. ft.) would be unusually large — nearly 70% of the
main house’s current footprint (988 sq. ft.) — with a bathroom and office above. This is
excessive for a small lot and out of character for the neighborhood. If an office is needed, it
could reasonably be accommodated within the addition to the main house.
2. Excessive Lot Coverage
The proposed construction and paved driveway would consume nearly all open space on the
property, adversely affecting neighborhood aesthetics and green space. The application
attempts to justify this by showing photos of prior overdevelopment on Phila Street — a
precedent we believe should not continue. Let’s protect the remaining trees and open /
green areas.
3. Threat to Mature Trees
Four significant trees on our property border the north side of applicant’s lot. The proximity
of the proposed garage would endanger these trees, harming both the neighborhood’s
character and our property’s enjoyment.
14 Lafayette Street | Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | Phone: (917) 854-8118 | Email: awilliamsny@gmail.com
Andy Williams and Leslie LeBon
4. Water Runoff Concerns
As one of the lowest property among its neighbors, adding extensive hardscape to 65 Phila
would likely exacerbate runoff issues onto Phila Street — a serious consideration for the city.
5. Inaccurate Application Photo
The aerial photo submitted with the application inaccurately depicts the proposed structures
as much smaller and farther from our property line than shown in the actual plans. Relying
on this image could lead to a false impression of the project’s true scale and impact.
In Summary:
We respectfully request that the Zoning Board deny the area variance and require the
applicants to comply with current zoning limits to preserve the integrity of our historic
neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Andy Williams & Leslie LeBon
Property Owners, 14 Lafayette Street
Neighbors Supporting This Objection:
● Anthony & Michelle Harrington — 18 Lafayette Street — (770) 823-1850
● David Lewis — 12 Lafayette Street — (518) 466-0154
● Peter Lopatka — 15 Lafayette Street — (646) 483-8231
● Lafayette St, LLC — 20 Lafayette Street — (646) 483-8231
● Bill Justice & Bob Black — 11 Lafayette Street — (859) 619-4441
14 Lafayette Street | Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | Phone: (917) 854-8118 | Email: awilliamsny@gmail.com