HomeMy WebLinkAbout20250059 193 Lake Ave Area Variance Public Comment (2)Outlook
Online Form Submittal: Land Use Board Agenda Public Comment
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Date Mon 11/9/2026 4:52 PM
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 Michael Walterich
Email Address mjwalterich@gmail.com
Business Name Field not completed.
Address 144 Middle Avenue
City Saratoga
State NY
Zip Code 12866
Phone Number 518 316-0195
Project Name 193 Lake Avenue Variance
Project Number 20260460
Project Address 193 Lake Avenue
Comments As an adjacent neighbor whose home sits a mere 19.5 feet
away, I strongly oppose the six area variances requested for
193 Lake Avenue to convert a 90-year-old barn into a third
residential/commercial unit. This over-development creates
severe physical, safety, and character detriments that fail New
11/10/26, 10:49 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
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York’s 5-Factor Balancing Test:
1. Factor #3: Mathematically Severe Requests
77.6% Setback Intrusion: Slashing the mandatory 25-foot
setback to 5.6 feet is an unsafe, extreme deviation right outside
my home.
100% Owner-Occupancy Default: The applicant does not live
on-site. Bypassing this safety rule eliminates required
oversight, creating an unmanaged commercial compound that
obliterates UR-3 regulations.
2. Factor #4: Adverse Safety and Physical Impacts
Fire Hazard: Forcing utilities and kitchens into a 90-year-old
wooden frame just 19.5 feet from my home creates an
immediate fire-spread risk.
Structural Loophole: Built in 1935 for farm storage, the barn is
structurally unfit for human occupancy. If it fails during
renovation, this variance serves as a loophole to build a brand-
new unpermitted dwelling within restricted setbacks.
Privacy Loss: Active residential windows will directly overlook
my private living spaces.
3. Factor #1: Detriment to Neighborhood Character
Adding a third intensive use to a lot already containing a law
office and apartment permanently replaces a quiet backyard
buffer with constant tenant noise, lighting, and friction.
4. Factors #2 & #5: Self-Created Hardship
The applicant bought the property knowing its legal limitations.
Maximizing rental income is a personal financial preference,
not a land hardship.
I request a total denial. Short of that, the application should be
tabled until the applicant submits certified structural
engineering and stormwater plans. If approved, conditions must
mandate that if the historic structure fails, the variance
immediately expires.
Attach Photo (optional)IMG_2412.jpg
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11/10/26, 10:49 AM Mail - Mark Graham - Outlook
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