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Home My WebLink About20260091 Lexington Rd & Bemis Heights Rd Subdivision Modification Public Comment (22)Outlook Fw: Lexington Rd/Bemis Point proposed Subdivision, project #20240614, 20260090 and 20260091 From Susan Barden <Susan.Barden@saratogaspringsny.gov> Date Wed 6/17/2026 8:46 AM To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratogaspringsny.gov> Public comment for Bemis. 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: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 6:37 PM To: Susan Barden <Susan.Barden@saratogaspringsny.gov> Subject: Lexington Rd/Bemis Point proposed Subdivision, project #20240614, 20260090 and 20260091 External sender <scooterpie126@gmail.com> Make sure you trust this sender before taking any actions. Dear Planning Board, I was able to meet recently with Susan Barden and Patrick Cogan to discuss the continued concerns and questions regarding this proposed subdivision. I am very appreciative of the time both Patrick and Susan took for this to happen. During our discussion, the ZBA approval document was brought up. I'm aware this zoning waiver approval came before so many changes and compromises occurred, pushing this application further along the review and possible approval process, with all the "dotting of i's and crossing of t's", but I feel it is important to remind the board of the numerous differences between the original application narrative that the ZBA determination was based upon and what the 'final product' is shaping up to look like: Several reasons were given within the ZBA's final approval document to justify the granting of waivers for these new lots. Originally, this subdivision was going to continue the character of the established neighborhood. One reason cited on the ZBA final approval was that no undesirable change(s) would occur. I beg to differ and refer you to the following comparison list between "Current" and "Proposed". 6/17/26, 11:17 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAK6uiY2HJStDlxEI8RbYtJk%3D 1/3 Current (original) V. Proposed (new) * 28' wide streets * 24' wide streets * 30' setbacks * 11.5' setbacks * no mandatory fencing * mandatory fencing * no mandatory signage * mandatory signage * no deed restrictions * deed restrictions * no conservation easements * conservation easements * full basements * crawlspace or slab foundations * full use of lot * significant lot use restrictions * no buffer or Wetland encroachment * buffer and Wetland encroachment * no HOA * HOA being recommended for new homes Another reason was "Substantiality" which stated, "...sufficient distance from the federal wetlands located on the rear of the lots while allowing room for a modest rear yard." This is a gross misrepresentation of what the useability of the individual lots will actually be. All the lots and houses will be located on cleared buffer zone area and will have little to no backyard access because of a fence to separate the buffer from the Wetlands. Another reason cited was there would be "no adverse effect or impact" on the original neighborhood. The document states, "...will not have significant adverse physical or environmental effects on the neighborhood...Per the applicant, natural buffers to the adjacent neighborhood and wetlands will be maintained." What "natural buffers"?, I ask you. There will be clearing and construction on the buffer. There will also be significant clearing of the buffer/Wetland boundary to erect a fence around the entirety of the Lexington Rd extension. This includes a significant stretch alongside a running stream, whose banks have already been compromised with the slapdash clearing of beaver dams, leading to stream bank erosion. Additionally, there is a 40+ year history of water issues for many of the closest neighbors to this proposed subdivision. Destruction of the current wooded and Wetland environment, the filling in of wetland areas and the construction of slab and crawlspace foundations could very well disrupt the fragile system of underground springs and streams that exist. Who will take responsibility for the remediation and mitigation of any future water concerns created by the construction upheaval and creation of an additional street and homes? Finally, there is a questionable approval by the Fire Department that could have tragic effects if access in/out of the entire development (old and new) is compromised. I honestly don't even know what to "formerly" request from you as a Board at this time, other than slow and serious consideration and the courage to say, "no". My issue regarding this proposed subdivision has never been just, "Not in my backyard". I have grave concerns, however, that all the serious, real-life issues the residents of Independence Square have been raising and re-raising all along will be overshadowed by the City's fear of litigation by the applicant, who appears to be relying on outdated City legislation and regulations that work in their favor, but that work at the detriment to both the current residents and the City's vision for preserving the unique and sensitive environment of a conservation/Wetland area within their boundaries. Respectfully submitted, Julia Anderson 8 Bemis Heights Drive 6/17/26, 11:17 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAK6uiY2HJStDlxEI8RbYtJk%3D 2/3 6/17/26, 11:17 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/inbox/id/AAQkAGIxYTcxODdiLTE4ZmUtNDdlMy05MTNlLTA4ZjY5NTFhMDAzMQAQAK6uiY2HJStDlxEI8RbYtJk%3D 3/3