HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240682 25 New St. Subdivision Public Comment (8)Outlook
Online Form Submittal: Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
From noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Date Sat 11/22/2025 9:19 PM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratoga-springs.org>; Susan Barden <Susan.Barden@saratoga-springs.org>
Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
SUBMIT COMMENTS REGARDING CITY PROJECTS
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Land Use Board Planning Board
Name Elzbieta Lepkowska-White
Email Address elepkows@skidmore.edu
Business Name Field not completed.
Address 2 Joseph Street
City Saratoga Springs
State New York
Zip Code 12866
Phone Number 5185832830
Project Name 25 New Street Subdivision
Project Number 20240682
Project Address 25 New Street
Comments Please find comments regarding 25 New Street Subdivision
Attach Photo (optional)Railroad_Run_Memo.docx
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11/24/25, 7:44 AM Inbox - Mark Graham - Outlook
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MEMORANDUM To: Saratoga Springs Planning Board From: Ela Lepkowska-White Re: Questions Regarding the Proposed 36-Unit Development Adjacent to Railroad Run Date: 11/22/2025 The following questions and concerns are respectfully submitted for the Planning Board’s review regarding the proposed development of 36 residential units on the Rail Road Run trail. Given the magnitude of impact to a vital public resource, we request clear, timely, and transparent responses to each item below.
1. Landscaping Plan and Public Review
• When will the public be provided the full landscaping plan for both sides of the 25 New Street parcel, including proposed species, sizes, and exact planting locations?
• Will this plan be released with sufficient time for community review and comment prior to any approvals?
2. National Grid Easement
• Has National Grid formally approved the planting of trees along the entire eastern boundary of the 25 New Street parcel?
• If trees are now permissible within the 75-foot easement, will an 8-foot safety fence be required or provided given truck traffic and snow-removal operations?
3. Public Comment Period
• Given the substantial and long-term impact on Railroad Run we request confirmation that public comment will remain open until all critical project details have been disclosed and allowed to be commented and discussed with the public.
4. Sanitary Sewer Crossing and Protection
• How will the proposed sanitary sewer line be installed across Railroad Run?
• What protections will be implemented to avoid a repeat of poor restoration work and tree damage from past construction activities?
5. Storage and Visual Impact
• What restrictions will be placed on exterior storage or any possible visible utilities to prevent visual degradation to Railroad Run?
• What protective measures comparable to existing deed restrictions (on existing properties on Rail Road Run) will be required for these new homes?
6. Noise, Light Pollution, and Visibility Impacts
• Why were noise, light pollution, and visibility impacts not taken very seriously during the 11/24 review?
• What mitigation standards or conditions of approval will the Planning Board require from the developer regarding noise from trucks and Price Chopper, light pollution and visibility impact?
• Can the Planning Board pay special attention to the fact that if these properties are built, since they will be in a distance closer than 250’ from Price Chopper, the residential regulations regarding noise will apply to Price Chopper and all the other businesses in vicinity (less than 250 ‘). So, for example, the loud noise from trucks loading and unloading in the middle of the night that I hear now on Joseph Street and the noise of refrigeration will be in violation with current residential laws.
7. Emergency Access Feasibility
• How does the proposed emergency egress meet required standards when turning radii for emergency vehicles do not comply with specifications?
• How will 38 households receive police, fire, and EMS services if New Street ingress/egress is blocked? How will emergency services navigate a 20-foot private gravel path lacking lighting, drainage, sanding, and snow removal? What happens in the winter in case of fire in the new development, when the New Street entrance is blocked and the 20-foot gravel road is not plowed? Will they call the low truck first and then enter the new development? This will endanger lives people in the new development. What is the road is not sanded? This may endanger the lives of first respondents. In closing, Railroad Run has historically not received the care and respect it deserves. It is an invaluable community resource used by families, runners, walkers, bicyclists, high school students, seniors, local residents, and visitors. This trail should be protected and recognized as a vital asset to our city. Instead, we continue to watch its condition deteriorate, even at a time when cities everywhere are investing in trails that promote health, safety, and meaningful social connection. Its value to Saratoga Springs must be acknowledged and supported with the attention and maintenance it urgently needs rather than developments that will degrade it.