HomeMy WebLinkAbout20190432 Blackler Residence Correspondance 12/12/2019 Zimbra
Zimbra jennifer.merriman@saratoga-springs.org
Fwd: 62 Van Dam DRC followup
From : Bradley Birge <bbirge@saratoga-springs.org> Thu, Dec 12, 2019 11:46 AM
Subject : Fwd: 62 Van Dam DRC followup
To : Chris Bennett <cbenny35@gmail.com>, Diane
Buzanowski <dianebuzanowski@gmail.com>, Karen
Cavotta <kcavotta@nycap.rr.com>, Leslie DiCarlo
<leslie.dicarlo@gmail.com>, Rob DuBoff
<robduboff@ejazzlines.com>, Tamie Ehinger
<tamieehinger@yahoo.com>, Leslie Mechem
<Imechem@skidmore.edu>, Jennifer Merriman
<jennifer.merriman@saratoga-springs.org>, Ken
Ritzenberg <kritzenberg@youngsommer.com>, Steven
Rowland <rowlands@brmarchitects.com>, Ellen Sheehan
<ellensheehancard@gmail.com>
Cc : Patrick Cogan <patrick.cogan@saratoga-springs.org>
Interesting post-mtg. communication this morning (#2).
From: "A Vil" <corlisshouserental@gmail.com>
To: "Bradley Birge" <bbirge@saratoga-springs.org>
Cc: "Louis Chicatelli" <Ichicatelli@therolawfirm.com>, "Jennifer Merriman"
<jennifer.merriman@saratoga-springs.org>
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2019 8:56:36 AM
Subject: 62 Van Dam DRC followup
Dear Mr. Birge;
First I want to thank you and the DRC board for your patience as I bumbled through the review of our
application for 62 Van Dam Street exteriors. I was amazed by the variation in requests to the board
and impressed by their abilities to easily switch gears and give attention to all details in all matters.
I also want to apologize for the fact that we seem to be making many city departments angry (for lack
of a better word) at our inexperience with city process and the subsequent issues that have been
raised. It has never been our intention to create bad feelings with the city. But with that said we feel
that there have been instances of misunderstanding that lacked clarification which lead to errors.
To therefore clarify what you questioned at the late evening meeting on 12-11 and to help in your fact
finding for the board I would like to submit to you and to the DRC members a review of circumstances:
We initially applied to the ZBA for a variance with regard to a back deck and small second floor
addition. This process was lengthy. We also applied for a building permit at that time --back 2 years
ago. In that period we discussed windows and were told replacing windows did not need review. --I
now understand this not the case. The process stalled and eventually a violation was issued with a
notice to cure being to re-apply to the ZBA which we did again. The variance was eventually denied
and the stop work order was issued back in early fall last year. The court was delayed and the matter
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12/12/2019 Zimbra
was finally heard and a fine imposed and paid for in Spring of 2019. At that time our attorney and the
city attorney agreed that we would further cure the matter by applying for a new building permit which
would include a siding request and work to return the back of the building to its original state. This
was done in early May, and in early May the first DRC application for the siding only was submitted. --
There was no information given by the city at that time to suggest that the May DRC application was
incomplete. After that, the building department was very patient and kind in working with us to get
the building department application, the architectural plans and all accompanying schedules up to
compliance with code. Eventually a building permit was issued in July. We did not pick it up until early
October because we questioned the additional fine (which we eventually paid). At that time I
questioned the status of the DRC application, and you advised me in October of its further needs. Let
me be clear in saying that we never touched the building from the time the stop work order was
imposed in the fall of last year.
And so at that point, approved windows (according to architect's schedules)were installed. Clearly if
we had been made aware earlier that the DRC would not approve the window type we would have
addressed this back at the start of the project. Hindsight being 20/20, and thanks to learning through
doing, I now know that the DRC should be the first step anyone should take in rehabilitation projects
within Saratoga Springs. Misunderstandings of the process has lead to tremendous difficulties in
getting this project finished. And so with heartfelt apologies I ask that the compromise for the windows
as discussed on 12-11 be considered for approval, by using wood 2 over 2 windows on the front face
of the building and the other permit approved windows be allowed in the rest of the building.
Thank you again for your consideration and time, and happy holidays to you and the board.
Ann Villet & Stephen Blackler
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