HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250907 75 Clinton St Area Variance Public Comment (2)Outlook
comment to be entered into the record
From Jennifer Leidig <jennifer.leidig@ambiancesystems.com>
Date Mon 6/22/2026 3:52 PM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratogaspringsny.gov>
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Re: 75 Clinton St.
Two years ago I walked into city hall and met with a representative from the building department. We
needed to build a new fence and I had some questions and wanted to make sure we were going to be in
compliance. Fences are expensive and I wouldn’t want to spend the money only to have to take it down.
I desperately wanted to build an 8 ft fence. We own a corner lot with the backyard running parallel along
a street that has become busier and busier over the years. Currently the street has been crowned with
pavement so many times that now if a passerby walks down the center of the road, they can actually see
over the 6 foot fence.
I was told with no uncertain terms that it had to be no higher than 6 ft., regardless of the streets
condition or the increased public usage. After I thanked them for their time, I started to leave and they
said as I was walking out the door, “And don’t think you can build a berm or a retaining wall to build the
fence on top of.”
I reluctantly said, "ok." You see that’s exactly what I was thinking of doing because a dear friend of mine
who used to live at 75 Clinton St. had that exact set up in her back yard-a berm with a 6 ft. wall on top.
Not only does 75 Clinton St. have a berm with a 6 ft wall, now they have a 12 ft wall directly behind it.
I have questions about the handling of properties who defiantly build outside of our community codes:
Shouldn’t we be asking for permission instead of forgiveness?
If property owners, who are well connected within city hall, are allowed to live by their own rules, what
kind of a message are we sending to homeowners who may not have those same relationships or who
may not be able to afford lawyers to advocate for a variance?
And finally, what would stop everyone from just building 12 ft fences, once they see it’s already been
approved? We have these codes for reasons.
I applaud the homeowners for their public advocacy trying to reroute the large trucks in that
neighborhood. But, I can't condone their approach. If you choose to allow their 12 ft wall to stay, please
know there will be others lining up to ask for the same privilege, including myself. We as tax paying
citizens must feel the rules apply to all of us.
Thank you,
6/22/26, 4:19 PM Inbox - Mark Graham - Outlook
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Jennifer Leidig
Jennifer A. Leidig
President, CEO
Ambiance Commercial Systems
NYS Certified WBE
1650 Rt. 9
Clifton Park, NY 12065
(office) 518-373-0770, ext 129
(cell) 518-852-9277
(fax) 518-373-0871
jennifer.leidig@ambiancesystems.com
www.ambiancecommercialsystems.com
6/22/26, 4:19 PM Inbox - Mark Graham - Outlook
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