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Home My WebLink About20260587 543 & 545 Crescent Ave Land Disturbance Activity Permit ApplicationHANVWKIIIENAYYLA:AIIUM WILL NUI J3tAUUtI't11ll!! [FOR OFFICE USE] Property Address/Location: CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS PLANNING BOARD CITY HALL - 474 BROADWAY SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK 12866-2296 TEL: 518-587-3550 X2533 www.seratoga-springs.org APPLICATION FOR: LAND DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY PERMIT Nos. 543 & 545 Crescent Avenue Tax Parcel* 179.4-2-63 & 179.4-2-64 (for example: 165.524-37) Zoning District: SR -Suburban residential Proposed Use: Date of any existing Land Use Board approvals (if any): APPLICANT(S)* Name Newman543,LLC Address 553 Crescent Avenue Phone 518-330-5312 Email tnewkirk@golfsaratoga.com 00 2 single family homes OWNER(S) (If not applicant) c/o Thomas Newkirk (Application #) (Date received) (Project Title) Staff Review ATTORNEY/AGENT Lynn T. Sippedy, L. Sippedy & assodales, DPC 11 Herbert Dr., Latham, NY 12110 518-366-1459 Isipperly@lsipperly.com Identify primary contact person: ❑ Applicant ❑ Owner I3 Agent An applicant must be the property owner, lessee, or one with an option to lease or purchase the property in question. Please check the following to affirm information is included with submission. 0 Environmental Assessment Form: All applications must include a completed SEQR Short or Long Form unless the project has already been given a "Negative Declaration" SEAR Forms can be completed at hftp://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6191.htmi. 0 Application Fee: Make checks payable to the "Commissioner of Finance". REFER TO THE CURRENT FEE WORKSHEET INCLUDED IN THIS DOCUMENT. 1 hard copy w/original signature(s) and one electronic copy (PDF) of ALL documents (all maps, drawings, or image documents as separate files to maintain their original scale and image resolution). ❑ Plans: (1) copy: 24"x36" and (1) copy 11 "x17". Check City's website (www Saratoga -springs org) for meeting dates. Does any City officer, employee or family member thereof have a financial Interest (as defined by General Municipal Law Section 809) in this application? YES_ NO !,X_. If YES, a statement disclosing the name, residence, nature and extent of this interest must be filed with this application. Revised 8/2022 I, the undersigned owner or purchaser under contract for the property, hereby request land disturbance activity permit approval by the Planning Board for the Identified properly above. I agree to meet all requirements under Article 13.7 of the Unified Development Ordinance of the City of Saratoga Springs. Furthermore, I hereby authorize mei bars of the Planning Board and designated City staff to enter the property associated with this application for puukoses of conducting any necessary site inspections relating to this application. i Applicant Signature: If applicant is not currently the must also sign. Date: June 16, 2026 Owner Signature: /��! �(/.__ __ Date: L. SIPPERLY & ASSOCIATES, D.P.C. ENGINEERS • SURVEYORS • LAND PLANNERS PHONE: (518) 782-1800 June 22, 2026 Addendum to the Land Disturbance Permit for St. Nos. 543 and 545 Crescent Avenue, City of Saratoga Springs, NY in February of 2026, tree cutting was performed at St. Nos. 543 & 545 Crescent Avenue in preparation of future lot development for two single family homes. The tree cutting did not encompass the entirety of each lot but was confined to the gentle sloping plateau area along Crescent Avenue and a portion of the slope extending downward towards Lake Lonely. The cutting was performed without first filing a Land Disturbance permit application with the City of Saratoga Springs. This oversight of not securing a permit was not intentional by the owner, but was a result of their not being familiar with the codes of the City. The tree cutting was performed for the following purposes: 1) To be in conformance with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation permitted window of time for cutting trees between November through March. 2) To take advantage of frozen ground conditions so as not to unduly disturb the ground surface on each lot. 3) To prepare the lots for future residential home construction. 4) To remove the hazard of dead and diseased trees located on each lot, and 5) To open a viewshed on each lot to the vista of Lake Lonely. Upon the discovery of this work having occurred, a Stop Work Order was issued by the City Code Enforcement Office once it was determined that the required permits were not filed, reviewed or approved. A Notice of Violation and Order to Remedy (Notice) was issued dated on or around May 21, 2026 to the owner, Newman 543, LLC. It is the Owner's intent and goal to respond to the Notice issues for work already performed and to be in compliance with the applicable codes of the City. Notice items 1, 2, and 3 have been addressed with the Code Enforcement Office. The remaining items, Nos. 4 & 5, involve application for a Land Disturbance permit and stabilization of slope areas of tree cutting to prevent soil erosion to Lake Lonely. To address Notice item No. 4, it is proposed to seed and mulch the low slope plateau areas along Crescent Avenue, and to install "Crown Vetch" ground cover via hydroseeding technique to the slope areas of prior tree cutting. It is to be mentioned and noted, that the tree stumps have not L. SIPPERLY & AS oaATE5, DPC PHONE: i518)792-1800 11 HERBERT DRIVE• IATHAM • NEW YORK• 12110 FAX:(518)782-1252 EMAIL: L5IPPERLY(g1L51PPERLYdOM W W W.L5IPPERLY.COM been removed and no regrading or alteration of the slope surfaces has occurred on the lots. Only tree cutting and removal has occurred. The Crown Vetch vegetation is a hardy ground cover grass routinely used on moderate to steep slope areas to protect against surface soil erosion. For information purposes, an information sheet on the use and installation techniques for Crown Vetch is attached to this narrative. Crown Vetch is an attractive ground cover which does not require maintenance once growth is achieved. Response to Notice item No. 5 is the completion of a Land Disturbance permit herewith and approval by the involved City Departments. At the time of proposed house construction, a building permit, land disturbance permit and SWPPP will be submitted to the appropriate departments for review and approval of proposed site disturbance, grading and storm water management. Prepared by: L. Sipperly & Associates, DPC L. SIPPERLY & ASSOCIATES, DPC PHONE: (518) 782-1800 11 HERBERT DRIVE• LATHAM • NEW YORK• 12110 FAX:(518) 782-1252 WWW,LSIPPERLY.COM EMAIL: LIPPERLY@UIPPERLY.COM 6112126, 12:54 PM How to Plant Crown Vetch Seeds From Start to Finish - Sciencelnsights How to Plant Crown Vetch Seeds From Start to Finish November 14, 2025 Crown vetch (Securigera varia) is a hardy perennial legume used as a dense, low - maintenance ground cover. It is highly valued for stabilizing soil, making it popular for erosion control on slopes and disturbed land. As a legume, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, allowing it to thrive in poor soils. Successfully planting Crown Vetch from seed requires specific preparation to overcome natural dormancy. Preparing the Planting Site Before sowing any seed, assess the chosen location for light and soil conditions. Crown Vetch grows best in areas that receive full sun but will tolerate partial shade, though growth and flowering may be reduced in lower light environments. The plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils, but superior performance is achieved in well -drained sites. Crown Vetch tolerates low -fertility and slightly acidic conditions, but it responds favorably to a soil pH of 5.5 or higher. Lime can be applied if necessary to adjust the pH. Site clearing is essential because young seedlings are poor competitors against established weeds during their slow initial growth phase. Removing existing vegetation and tilling the top two to four inches of soil creates a favorable, loose seedbed and eliminates competition. Preparing Crown Vetch Seeds for Sowing https://scienceinsights.org/how-to-plant-crown-vetch-seeds-from-start-to-f nish/ 1 /3 6/12/26, 12:54 PM How to Plant Crown Vetch Seeds From Start to Finish - Sciencelnsights Crown Vetch seeds have a hard seed coat that enforces physical dormancy and prevents immediate germination. To ensure successful sprouting, the seed coat must be broken or softened through scarification. Mechanical scarification is one effective method, involving lightly abrading the seeds with coarse sandpaper (100- to 150-grit) until the interior is barely visible. A common alternative is hot water treatment. This involves placing the seeds in a container and pouring nearly boiling water over them, allowing the water to cool naturally as the seeds soak for several hours or overnight. Seeds that successfully imbibe water will swell, indicating the hard coat has been breached and they are ready for planting. Seeds that do not swell may require a second treatment. Following scarification, the seeds must be treated with the correct strain of Rhizobium bacteria, a process known as inoculation. This specialized bacteria forms nodules on the roots, enabling the Crown Vetch to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form. The inoculant, typically a peat -based powder specific to Crown Vetch, should be mixed with the seeds immediately before sowing to maintain the viability of the living bacteria. Sowing the Seeds The optimal time for sowing Crown Vetch seeds is early spring (mid -March to mid - May) after the last heavy frost, or late summer/early fall, at least ten weeks before the first hard frost. Dormant seeding in late winter is also an option, allowing frost action to naturally work the seeds into the soil. For spring planting, seeds should be sown once soil temperatures reach at least 60°F. The seed can be distributed by broadcasting uniformly over the prepared area or by using a seed drill. A recommended seeding rate for large areas is between 5 and 15 pounds per acre, or approximately one pound per 1,000 square feet for smaller plots. Crown Vetch seeds must be planted very shallowly, ideally at a depth of one -quarter inch or less, and should never exceed one-half inch. 2/3 https://science insig hts.org/how-to-plant-crown-vetch-seeds-from-start-to-finish/ 6/12/26, 12:54 PM How to Plant Crown Vetch Seeds From Start to Finish - Sciencelnsights After spreading the seeds, ensure excellent seed -to -soil contact by lightly raking the area or using a roller. This shallow coverage prevents the tiny seeds from drying out while allowing light and air for germination. Applying a light covering of mulch, such as straw, helps conserve moisture and protects the seedbed during this vulnerable stage. Initial Establishment and Care The initial establishment period is slow, with germination taking three to five weeks or longer. During this time, the seedbed must be kept consistently moist to encourage germination and support the fragile seedlings. Once germination occurs, watering can be reduced but should continue regularly until the root systems are robust enough to withstand dry periods. Managing competing vegetation is important during the first year of growth, as the young plants are easily outcompeted by aggressive weeds. Nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided entirely, as it encourages weed growth and can inhibit the development of the nitrogen -fixing root nodules. If annual weeds become an issue, mowing the area high, leaving a few inches of stubble, can help control the competing growth without damaging the low-lying Crown Vetch seedlings. Patience is required, as the plant's aggressive, spreading growth habit relies on deep rhizomes and takes time to fully develop. While a few seedlings per square foot will eventually form a solid cover, it typically takes two to three years for the Crown Vetch to fully establish. Once established, it provides the dense ground cover desired for effective erosion control and becomes highly drought -tolerant. https://scienceinsights.orgihow-to-plant-crown-vetch-seeds-from-start-to-f nish/ 313