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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260627 Brook Rd Verizon Communications Facility Site Plan Visual Resource Evaluation 09.30.2026 VISUAL RESOURCE EVALUATION PROPOSED 120’ TALL TELECOMMUNICATIONS STRUCTURE SITE NAME: SARATOGA QUARRY Brook Road City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County New York, 12866 Submitted by: 175 Calkins Road Rochester, NY 14623 36 British American Blvd., Suite 101 Latham, New York 12110 518-783-1630 845-567-8703 FAX October 1, 2026 Project Number: 12396.068 Page 1 of 2 October 1, 2026 VISUAL RESOURCE EVALUATION Tectonic Engineering Consultants, Geologists & Land Surveyors, D.P.C., was contracted by Verizon Wireless to conduct a “Visual Resource Evaluation” to determine which areas within the City of Saratoga Springs will contain views of the proposed 120-foot-tall wireless telecommunications structure. Setting: The proposed telecommunications facility site is located approximately one-quarter mile northwest of the intersection of Brook Road and Washington Street (NY-29) within the City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County, New York. The site is approximately 2.5 miles west of downtown Saratoga Springs. The surrounding area is characterized by a mix of residential and commercial land uses. Forested areas in the vicinity consist primarily of mixed deciduous and coniferous species, with estimated canopy heights ranging from approximately 50 to 70 feet. The field investigation for this visual resource evaluation was conducted during the late summer growing season, when vegetation was in full leaf on condition and canopy cover was estimated at approximately 100 percent. Methodology: On Friday, September 18, 2026, Tectonic conducted a field investigation for the purpose of evaluating the viewshed associated with the proposed installation of the 120-foot tower. The weather conditions during the investigation included a temperature of approximately 65°F and wind speeds ranging from 3 to 5 mph. The study area consisted of a 2-mile radius from the project site. The methodology utilized during this field investigation is referred to as a “balloon test.” The height of the proposed structure was simulated by floating a 4’ diameter, helium-filled weather balloon at 120-feet above ground level (AGL). The balloon provides reference points for height as well as location and also provides a known dimension that later aids in the production of photo simulations. Prior to the field study, Tectonic assessed the potential visibility in the study area by creating desktop viewshed maps using ESRI ArcGIS Desktop 10.8 in conjunction with a USGS 7.5 Minute Series Topographic Quadrangles Map and aerial base maps and street maps. A viewshed map was created delineating areas where visibility would be blocked by topography and areas where visibility would be blocked by vegetation. Tectonic drove the study area to confirm the potential visibility of the structure. During the “in field” review the participants reviewed and documented those areas from which views of the structure may be “visible” and those which are blocked by topography and vegetation. The resulting data from this analysis was reviewed and referenced on the “Field Verified Viewshed Map” attached. The colors on the map delineate which areas have a line of sight to the structure. The viewshed analysis indicates that the proposed structure will be most visible from open areas west of the site along portions of Brook Road, Washington Street (NY-29), and Petrified Sea Gardens Road within approximately three-quarters of a mile of the proposed site. Two additional visible locations were identified north of the site along NY-9N and Denton Road. Due to the increased viewing distances of approximately 0.9 mile and 1.3 miles, visibility from these locations is limited and the resulting visual impact is expected to be low. Project Number: 12396.068 Page 2 of 2 October 1, 2026 Photographs were taken from various vantage points within the study area to document the actual view towards the proposed structure, as well as the general character of the viewshed. Each photograph attached includes a brief description of the location and orientation from which it was taken, and the photo number corresponds to the key number on the photo log map. Process: Photographs of the weather balloon from the specified viewpoints were taken with a Nikon D5300 Digital 24-megapixel camera, which has a built-in 1.5x zoom. Using a 37mm focal length lens, we can mimic the view as observed from the human eye at 55mm. In order to analyze the potential visual impacts of the proposed structure, Tectonic took photographs of the balloon from locations within the search area for the purpose of preparing simulations of the proposed structure. Photographs for which there is a corresponding simulated view (#34, #35, #37, #42, & #43) of the proposed structure were produced by first photographing an existing similar type of structure, then photographing the view towards the proposed site where the marker balloon was set to a height of 120-feet AGL. The digital images of the balloon and similar structure were then merged and scaled with digital image editing software. With this process, the structure is scaled to the correct height and width by scaling the similar type of structure using measurements from the marker balloon. The similar type of structure used has an antenna array that spans eight feet (8’). By measuring the balloon width of 4’, one can determine the proper width of the antenna array by multiplying the balloon width by a factor of 2. The composite is printed out to a PDF file, producing the final image. We note that the simulations provided are artistic renderings of views from chosen locations and should not be interpreted to be the actual view of the tower following construction. While we utilize best efforts to simulate the view of the proposed tower from a particular location, some variance between simulations, manufacturer products and final installed towers is to be expected. Conclusion: The Field Verified Viewshed Map presents a conservative delineation of the viewshed within the study area along roadways. T he photo slides have been prepared per the methodology described above and provide a general depiction of the appearance of the structure from the photographed viewpoints. Sincerely, TECTONIC ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, GEOLOGISTS & LAND SURVEYORS, D.P.C. Steven M. Matthews, PE Managing Director - Engineering Looking West from the intersection of Washington St and Buff Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-1 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is .43 miles±12396.068 Looking Southwest from Quiet Harbor Dr (NSA Community Center). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-2 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is .27 miles±12396.068 Looking West from J F King Dr. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-3 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is .54 miles±12396.068 Looking Southwest from the intersection of Meadow Ln and Kirby Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-4 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is .74 miles ±12396.068 Looking Southwest from #390 Church St (Good Shepherd Memory Care). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-5 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is .76 miles±12396.068 Looking Southwest from the intersection of RT-9N and Care Ln. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-6 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.37 miles±12396.068 Looking Southwest from Saratoga Golf and Polo Club (in front of putting green). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-7 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.65 miles±12396.068 Looking Southwest from #250 Church St. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location. Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.80 miles±12396.068 P-8 Looking Southwest from Division St. Elementary (parking lot ADJ to Bensonhurst Ave). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-9 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.69 miles±12396.068 Looking West from #221 Washington St. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole not will be visible from this location.P-10 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.71 miles±12396.068 Looking West from the intersection of Grand Ave and Birch St. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-11 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.72 miles±12396.068 Looking Northwest from #227 Grand Ave. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-12 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.67 miles±12396.068 Looking Northwest from Saratoga HS (off West Ave). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-13 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.50 miles±12396.068 Looking Northwest from Pitney Meadows Farm (from parking area south of farm building). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-14 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.56 miles±12396.068 Looking Northwest from the Railroad Run Trail (Middle of trail). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-15 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.84 miles±12396.068 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.83 miles±12396.068 P-16Looking Northwest from the intersection of the Railroad Run Trail and New St (YMCA Driveway). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location. Looking Northwest from along West Ave (from pull off adjacent to the YMCA). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-17 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.79 miles±12396.068 Looking Northwest from Avenue of the Pines (from parking lot of Children’s Museum). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-18 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 2.28 miles±12396.068 Looking Northwest from the Starter Booth at the Saratoga Spa Golf Course. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-19 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.92 miles±12396.068 Looking Northwest from the Saratoga State Park Trolly Station/Restoration Shop. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-20 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.94 miles±12396.068 Looking Northwest from #110 Avenue of the Pines (Bottling Plant). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-21 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.98 miles±12396.068 Looking North from #39 Duplainville Rd (from driveway of the Saratoga Eagle). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-22 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is .92±12396.068 Looking Northeast from #63 Duplainville Rd (Concord Bus Sales). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-23 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is .99 miles'±12396.068 Looking North from the intersection of Hathorn Blvd and Quevic Dr. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-24 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.78 miles±12396.068 Looking Northeast from #479 Rowland St (Gateway House). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-25 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.64 miles±12396.068 Looking Northeast from the intersection of Mc Arthur Dr and Hoffman Ct.. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-26 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.82 miles±12396.068 Looking East from the intersection of Hoffman Rd and RT-29. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-27 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.81 miles±12396.068 Looking Southeast from #36 N Milton Rd (Power Lines). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-28 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.71 miles±12396.068 Looking Southeast from the intersection of Lester Park Rd and Middle Grove Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-29 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.47 miles±12396.068 Looking Southeast from the intersection of RT-9N and Canty Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-30 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.71 miles±12396.068 Looking Southwest from the intersection of Locust Grove Rd and Daniels Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-31 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.66 miles±12396.068 Looking Southwest from the intersection of Daniels Rd and Braim Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-32 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.89 miles±12396.068 Looking Southwest from along Denton Rd in front of Castle Baseball Diamond. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-33 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.67 miles±12396.068 Looking Southwest from #107 Denton Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will be visible from this location.P-34 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.39 miles±12396.068 Looking Southwest from #107 Denton Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will be visible from this location.S -34 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 1.39 miles±12396.068 P-35 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.86 miles±12396.068 Looking South from the Power Lines on Church St (near Greenfield Welcome sign). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will be visible from this location. Looking South from the Power Lines on Church St (near Greenfield Welcome sign). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will be visible from this location.S -35 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.86 miles±12396.068 Looking Southeast from #42 Petrified Sea Gardens Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-36 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.75 miles±12396.068 Looking Northeast from #7 Petrified Sea Gardens Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will be visible from this location.P-37 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.81 miles±12396.068 Looking Northeast from #7 Petrified Sea Gardens Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will be visible from this location.S -37 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.81 miles±12396.068 Looking Northeast from Traffic Circle intersection of RT-29 and Rowland St. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-38 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.87 miles±12396.068 Looking Northeast from the intersection of Rowland Hollow Creek Preserve. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-39 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.60 miles±12396.068 Looking Northwest from the intersection of Grand Ave and Sherwood Trail. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-40 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.38 miles±12396.068 Looking Northwest from #29 Friar Tuck Way. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will not be visible from this location.P-41 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.23 miles±12396.068 Looking Northeast from RT-29 (in front of Pallette Stone Corp). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will be visible from this location.P-42 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.37 miles±12396.068 Looking Northeast from RT-29 (in front of Pallette Stone Corp). The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will be visible from this location.S -42 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.37 miles±12396.068 Looking South from the powerlines on Brook Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will be visible from this location.P-43 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.23 miles±12396.068 Looking South from the powerlines on Brook Rd. The proposed Verizon Wireless Monopole will be visible from this location.S -43 Distance from the photographic location to the proposed site is 0.23 miles±12396.068