HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260091 Lexington Rd & Bemis Heights Rd Subdivision Modification Public Comment (15)Outlook
Fw: Fire Code Concerns with the Proposed Lexington Rd/Bemis Point subdivision, application
#20240614, 20260090 and 20260091
From Susan Barden <Susan.Barden@saratoga-springs.org>
Date Thu 5/21/2026 10:36 AM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratoga-springs.org>
Please include in public comment for Lexington and Bemis SUB.
Susan B. Barden, AICP
Administrator, OPED
City of Saratoga Springs
susan.barden@saratoga-springs.org
518-587-3550 ext. 2493
From: jules anderson <scooterpie126@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 10:34 AM
To: Susan Barden <Susan.Barden@saratoga-springs.org>
Subject: Fire Code Concerns with the Proposed Lexington Rd/Bemis Point subdivision, application #20240614,
20260090 and 20260091
Dear Planning Board members,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the decision from the City's Assistant Fire Chief that this
proposed subdivision falls within acceptable limits to NYS Fire Code Appendix D, section D107. The
Independence Square neighborhood already comprises 68 homes spread among 5 streets that share
ONLY ONE point of entry/exit at Lexington Rd and Lake Avenue/Rt 29. This currently exceeds Fire
Code D107 limit of 30 homes. Adding an additional 13 homes as the proposed application is seeking
to do, will bring the number of homes utilizing this SINGLE access point at Lexington Rd and Lake
Ave/Rt 29 to 81.
I am requesting documentation as to how the Assistant Fire Chief, Aaron Dyer reached this decision.
Specifically,
* Where in the public records can the analysis supporting the SSFD's determination be found;
* What factors were considered in this determination, including the potential for increased traffic
volume, emergency response demand and evacuation conditions and overall map of the affected
neighborhood, including all 68 homes of Independence Square, the 13 proposed Lexington Rd/Bemis
Point subdivision homes and the SINGLE access point at Lexington and Lake Ave/Rt 29 that will service
ALL 81 homes.
The basis of the request is the following:
5/22/26, 6:36 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAFrVGtDYUL5OkK3qyP1BXD…1/2
It has been relayed to the public that the SSFD determined the proposed 13 homes are a separate
subdivision from the existing Independence Square neighborhood of 68 homes, with 2 points of access
via Lexington Rd and Bemis Heights Dr. AND that it is also under the limit of 30 homes cited within the
above mentioned fire code.
However, this proposed subdivision has been classified as being within the original UR-1
Zoning parameters (per current Zoning Board determination and granting of variance), which means it
is a continuation of the existing Independence Square neighborhood (that was originally approved
under UR-1 Zoning regulations in the 1970's). If this subdivision is truly an extension of the existing 68
homes, then the additional proposed 13 new homes fall within this existing neighborhood, bringing
the total number of homes served via ONE SINGLE access point to 81, far exceeding the 30 home limit
cited in NYS Fire Code Appendix D, section D107. 81 total homes should require an additional access
point to the neighborhood, thereby making it compliant under the NYS Fire Code.
If, however, the proposed project is to be considered a separate and therefore, NEW subdivision, than
it should fall within the current RR Zoning restrictions which differ substantially from UR-1
requirements.
I am not the only one confused about these determinations; how can the subdivision application be
considered a continuation of a 50 year old approved project under UR-1 that has not had any changes
or modifications done to it in over 40 years while AT THE SAME TIME be considered a new and
separate development that would thereby deem it should fall within the new zoning classification of
RR yet remains UR-1?
I also request clarification of this discrepancy from the Board or Code Enforcement official that made
these conflicting determinations. What is the basis for and factors contributing to these decisions and
where are they in the public records?
I am making this submission to ensure these issues are addressed in a clear and transparent manner
prior to any final approval or decision made by the City's Planning Board. At this time, the current
public record does not clearly or adequately reflect how the decision by the SSFD or the Zoning
Board/Code Enforcement Officer was determined and ultimately reached.
Respectfully submitted,
Julia Anderson
8 Bemis Heights Drive
5/22/26, 6:36 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
https://outlook.cloud.microsoft/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAFrVGtDYUL5OkK3qyP1BXD…2/2