HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250563 55 Union Ave. PB mtg. mins. 10.10.20122. 12.038 UNION GABLES BED & BREAKFAST INN, 55 UNION AVENUE,
modification to site plan for swimming pool in the Urban Residential-4 District.
SEQRA:
Action is less than 4,000 square feet, thus appears to be a Type II action, no further review under SEQR is required.
BACKGROUND:
Permanent Special Use Permit for a 10 room Bed and Breakfast was issued on October 2, 1991.
Renewable Special Use Permit issued for 24 public gatherings February 1, 1995.
Permanent Special Use Permit issued for special events (24 public gatherings) July 27, 1999.
Last site plan modification was approved by this Board on March 7, 2007.
Applicant: Tom Fox
Agent: Tom Frost, Frost Hurff Architects
Mr. Frost stated updated information has been provided to the Board regarding changes to the property since the last
appearance before the Board, mostly landscaping and plantings. The applicant is before the Board this evening to
request a modification to the site plan for a swimming pool in the yard to the east, with an approximate size of 20 x
40. What triggers us is the amount of impermeable which has been increased to 5.5%. The property will be
accessed during the construction along the east side of the carriage house. The parking lot will not be affected by
the construction.
Discussion ensued regarding the handicapped parking space and its location to the ramp. The Board discussed the
possibility of relocation of the handicapped space closer to the ramp for ease in navigation.
The applicant was amenable to the relocation of the handicapped parking space.
Discussion was held regarding replanting following construction and safety measures during construction.
Amy Durland asked for a rendering of what the fence will look like since this is Union Avenue which borders on the
historic district and she would like some sense of how it would be consistent with a visual impression of that area.
Also, she questioned the Board's authority and the degree of review and what triggered this is the increase in
impermeable area on the property it is also the addition of a pool. Do we have the authority to review the site plan
standards with regard to this pool for this commercial property and the impact on the neighbors since this is a
modification to the site plan.
Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated there are three triggers for site plan review. A pool is a permitted structure in
this area. You have your standard list to review with regard to the pool on the site, everything from circulation,
screening from neighbors to landscaping on site. There is two permanent Special Use Permits on this site. One is
for the 10 unit Bed and Breakfast which is on the site and the other is the commercial activities which take place on
the site.
Amy Durland questioned the plans for the pool and the impact on the neighbors and to make sure those impacts are
mitigated. The events that are allowed and the hours of operation are also listed. I want to be assured that the
inclusion of the pool is not going to alter any of this at all.
City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes — October 10, 2012 - Page 3 of 6
Tom Frost stated the pool will take away half of the space used for wedding and events of that nature.
There will be a reduction in the size and scope of the allowed parties that he can have here. The pool will
substantially reduce the public use of that space.
Tom Fox stated the pool will closed at 10:00 PM and reopen at 9:00 AM.
Discussion ensued regarding the lighting, and neighborhood feedback regarding the pool addition.
Tom Frost stated this is not a problem in terms of the historic character of the area because it is set so far back from
Broadway; approximately 60 feet from the sidewalk. It will have almost no effect on the perception of the property
from Union Avenue.
Kate Maynard, Principal Planner confirmed that the pool will not be tied into any storm or sanitary sewer.
Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to comment on this application.
None heard.
Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman asked if there were any further questions from the Board.
Amy Durland questioned if the street trees and trees on the property would be affected.
Tom Fox stated no trees will be disturbed.
Philip Klein asked if there was any intention of adding any cabanas or a restroom facility.
Tom Fox stated his intent is not to put in any additional buildings.
Philip Klein made a motion in the matter of the Union Gables Bed and Breakfast Inn, 55 Union Avenue modification
to the site plan, with the reconfiguration of the handicapped parking space and the parking lot re -striping.
Dan Gaba seconded the motion.
VOTE:
Philip Klein, in favor; Amy Durland, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor
Tom L. Lewis, Vice Chairman, in favor;
MOTION PASSES: 5-0
3. 12.027 HOME OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY,
394-402 CHURCH STREET, sketch plan review for senior housing, senior
assisted living in the Urban Residential-1 District.
Applicant: Home of the Good Shepherd
Agent: Jason Tommell, Tommell and Associates;
Owen Neitzel, Harris A. Sanders Architects, P.C.,
Jeremy Schneibel, Tommell and Associates
City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes — October 10, 2012 - Page 4 of 6