HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250907 75 Clinton St Area Variance Public Comment (8)Outlook
Online Form Submittal: Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
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Date Fri 9/18/2026 11:09 AM
To Mark Graham <Mark.Graham@saratogaspringsny.gov>
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Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
SUBMIT COMMENTS REGARDING CITY PROJECTS
Thank you for submitting your comments. Your feedback will be forwarded to the
City's Planning Department and Land Use Board members. NOTE: Comments
submitted later than 12:00 noon on the day before the Land Use Board meeting
may not be reviewed prior to their meeting. All comments will be added to the
project file in the Planning Department.
Land Use Board Zoning Board of Appeals
Name Gary Hasbrouck
Email Address gman62happy@gmail.com
Business Name Field not completed.
Address 36 State Street
City Saratoga Springs
State NY
Zip Code 12866
Phone Number 5188529079
Project Name 75 Clinton Street Area Variance
Project Number 20250907
Project Address 75 Clinton Street
Comments The applicant's very basis for relief, that Saratoga refuses to
enforce its own vehicle laws on VanDam St, is false because
NYS deemed the street a "state designated access highway"
thereby making the City Council law invalid. The idea they were
"forced" to build a wall is completely false and not a basis for
9/18/26, 2:27 PM Inbox - Mark Graham - Outlook
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an exception to the self creation standards test for the ZBA.
The applicant stated before the ZBA that they "followed the
process" for building the wall and that they had no other option.
Certainly, not applying for a building permit and not following
regulations of the City is not following the process.
The applicant has argued before the board that a wall/fence is
like a tree or bush and the city doesn't regulate the height of
those improvements to properties. Hopefully, the ZBA can see
through that argument and take that wild statement as comical
at best.
As to whether the benefit can be achieved by other means
possible, the applicant admits that arborvitae plants are not
regulated by the City and could serve as a proper buffer if
planted in multiple rows. The plants are readily available locally
in large, wholesale and retail locations.
The undesirable change in neighborhood character comes from
having to view a walled compound in the middle of a city where
there are no walled compounds. It physically isolates the
residence from the street unlike the rest of the residences on
the street. By walling off the VanDam side of property, it leads
to neglect of the public space on that side as evidenced by the
terrible and dangerous condition of the herring bone brick
sidewalk along VanDam. The entire sidewalk is a tripping
hazard with loose/missing brick undermined by tree roots. This
is now a neglected part of the property. Please note the Clinton
Ave and Walton St sides have beautifully maintained concrete
sidewalks.
The applicant has a right to request the variance but does not
have the right to change the neighborhood nor break the law.
Attach Photo (optional)Field not completed.
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9/18/26, 2:27 PM Inbox - Mark Graham - Outlook
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