HomeMy WebLinkAbout20260868 130 White St Preliminary Subdivision Narrative
Table of Contents
Exhibit A Application Narrative
Exhibit B Application for Subdivision Approval
Exhibit C Short Environmental Assessment Form
Exhibit D Proposed Subdivision Plat
APPLICATION NARRATIVE FOR A TWO-LOT
SUBDIVISION AT 130 WHITE STREET
Property and Project Information
The property located at 130 White Street, City of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County,
New York, identified as Tax Map No. 166.77-1-11 (the "Property"), is situated in the Urban
Residential-3 (UR-3) zoning district. The Property is owned by Charles Rosenburg, a longtime
resident of the neighborhood.
The Property is presently improved with two existing residential structures. The front
portion of the Property is improved with a single-family dwelling served by its own driveway
and independent access from White Street. The rear portion of the Property is improved with a
two-car garage with a dwelling unit above, served by a separate existing driveway with
independent access from Murphy Lane. Each structure is presently occupied by a separate
household, and the two structures have operated independently of one another, with separate
access.
Project Description
The Applicant proposes a minor subdivision of the Property into two lots, each of which
will contain one of the existing residential structures and will be devoted to single-family
residential use (the "Project"). No new construction, expansion, or relocation of the existing
structures is proposed, and no site disturbance will occur in connection with the Project.
While no changes would occur to the site, the proposed resulting lots would not satisfy all
of the dimensional requirements of the UR-3 District set forth in Table 3-A of the Unified
Development Ordinance. Accordingly, it is anticipated that the Applicant will need to seek the
following area variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals:
Required Proposed Ordinance Section
Lot 1
Minimum Lot Size 6,600 square feet 4,150 square feet Article 3 Table 3-A
Minimum Lot Width 60 feet 50 feet Article 3 Table 3-A
Maximum Building Coverage 40% 2,032 square feet 49% Article 3 Table 3-A
Maximum Impervious Surface Coverage:
70%
3028 square feet 73% Article 3 Table 3-A
Minimum Setback Front 10 feet 1.7 feet Article 3 Table 3-A
Minimum Setback Interior Side 5 feet .3 feet Article 3 Table 3-A
Minimum Setback Rear 25 feet 14.3 feet (from deck,
compliant from house)
Article 3 Table 3-A
Lot 2
Minimum Lot Size 6,600 square feet 3,350 square feet Article 3 Table 3-A
Minimum Lot Width 60 feet 50 feet Article 3 Table 3-A
Minimum Setback Front 10 feet 6.1 feet
Article 3 Table 3-A
Minimum Setback Rear 25 feet 24 feet Article 3 Table 3-A
It is important to note that the Project will produce no change in the physical appearance,
improvement, or occupancy of the Property. Both dwellings presently exist. Both are presently
occupied by separate households. Each is served by its own driveway and its own street frontage,
the front dwelling from White Street and the rear dwelling from Murphy Lane. An observer
standing on either street before and after the requested relief would perceive no difference of any
kind. The relief sought permits the Property's legal configuration to conform to the manner in
which it has functioned.
The proposed lots are consistent with the prevailing pattern of development in the
immediate neighborhood. Few surrounding lots satisfy the current dimensional requirements of
the UR-3 District, and at least three subdivided lots exist within approximately 200 feet of the
Property. Among these is 115 White Street, comprising one lot of approximately 0.09 acres
improved with a commercial apartment use and a second lot of approximately 0.06 acres
improved with a two-family residence. Both lots proposed here are larger than either lot at 115
White Street and both will be devoted exclusively to single-family residential use.
The Project also advances the express purpose of the UR-3 District, which is intended to
conserve, maintain, and encourage the development of moderately dense single-family and two-
family neighborhoods. The Property presently contains two dwelling units on a single parcel.
The Project resolves that condition into two single-family parcels, placing the Property in closer
alignment with the stated character of the district while increasing the housing stock available for
purchase in the City. Separate ownership would also provide greater clarity with respect to
responsibility for the maintenance, improvement, taxation, insurance, and future conveyance of
each structure, while allowing each property owner to independently manage and invest in the
improvements associated with his or her respective lot. In this respect, the proposed subdivision
would clearly define parcels of ownership without materially altering the existing character or
intensity of the property.
Summary
Balancing the benefit to the Applicant against the detriment to the health, safety, and
welfare of the neighborhood and community, Applicant respectfully submits that the requested
area variances should be granted.
Dated: October 2, 2026 Respectfully Submitted,
____________
Justin M. Grassi, Esq.
Attorney for Applicant
Jones Steves Grassi LLP