Planning Board

PLANNING BOARD MINUTES WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2012 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Clifford Van Wagner, Chair; Tom L Lewis, Vice Chair; Amy Durland; Philip Klein; Dan Gaba; Howard Pinsley, STAFF: Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Chair Clifford Van Wagner called the meeting to order at 7:04 P.M. SALUTE TO THE FLAG ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the proceedings of this meeting are being taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript of the recording. REPORT ON ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS BY THE CHAIR There are no actions by the chair. ANNOUNCEMENT OF ADJOURNED PROJECTS ADJOURNED AT APPLICANT'S REQUEST: 11.022 181 PHILA NEIGHBORHOOD ROOMING HOUSE, 181 Phila Street, public hearing for special use permit for neighborhood rooming house in the Urban Residential-3 District. 10.052 CDJT WORKFORCE HOUSING, Citywide, City Council request for an Advisory Opinion for review of Zoning Amendment Proposal request for workforce housing. 11.002 BUFF ROAD SUBDIVISION, BUFF ROAD AND ROUTE 9N, public hearing for a final 15 lot subdivision in the Urban Residential-1 and Rural Residential-1 Districts. ADJOURNED – WAITING FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 10.027 307 GRAND AVENUE MULTI-FAMILY, 307 Grand Avenue, public hearing on special use permit for multi-family housing in the Transect-4 District. 10.031 307 GRAND AVENUE MULTI-FAMILY, 307 Grand Avenue, review of site plan for multi-family housing in the Transect-4 District. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR County Planning and Zoning Conference – January 25, 2012. Registration forms in to Deb Wertheim. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman gave thanks to all members of the Board and staff for their dedication and support. UPCOMING SCHEDULE Planning Board Caravan will be held on Monday, January 23, 2012 @.4:00 PM. Planning Board Workshop will be held on Monday, January 23, 2012 @ 5:00 P.M. Planning Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 @ 7:00 P.M. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman gave this opportunity to allow citizens to address planning issues not on the scheduled agenda. None heard. APPLICATIONS: 1. 11.035 PISCITELLI ZONING AMENDMENT, 95 Meadow Brook Road, City Council request for an Advisory Opinion for review of Zoning Map Amendment Proposal in the Rural Residential-1 and SR-2 Districts. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated resident comments at the public hearing December 20, 2011 prompted the City Council to request Planning staff to look into merit of comments and the Planning Board be able to factor in such comments to their favorable advisory opinion that was issued on October 12, 2011. Primary considerations by the Board for the favorable opinion were the Comprehensive Plan density reflected for subject parcel is at medium density, context of surrounding parcels along Meadowbrook Drive, and the fact that public water as in a 12" line was present with ability to tie in for current and future residences along the road. The petition for Zoning Amendment is a request to change the current "split" zoning designation from RR-1 Rural Residential-1 (RR-1) and Suburban Residential-2 (SR-2) to zone the entire 1.38 acre parcel as SR-2. The proposed change to SR-2 would reduce the minimum lot size from 2 acres (RR-1) to 20,000 (SR-2), and potentially allow for the future subdivisioin of the parcel. SEQRA: No SEQRA action is required with an advisory opinion. Applicant: Phil and Patricia Piscitelli Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Howard Pinsley made a motion for a positive Advisory Opinion to the City Council for the requested Zoning Map Amendment. Seconded by Dan Gaba. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 2 of 14 VOTE: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chair, in favor; Amy Durland, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 2. 11.012.1 SEWARD STEEET APARTMENTS, Corner of Seward Street and Morgan Street, site plan for multi-family apartment complex in the Urban Residential-4 District. Attorney: Jon Lapper Applicant: Gordon Residential Development, David Gordon Agent: Norman Ward, LA Group Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman presented the following background information. Project seen for sketch plan review on April 13, June 8, and July 13, 2011. Formal site plan review October 12, November 9, and lastly on December 7, 2011. 58 units were proposed initially, now 57. No three bedroom apartments will be built. Total number of bedrooms reduced from 126 to 108. Type 2 buildings proposed along Morgan Street, Type I buildings are proposed within the interior of the site. Currently proposed Type 2 buildings located on interior of site, and on the exterior frontage, now consist of 2 stories 38 feet 4 inch height. Type 1 buildings now located along Seward and Morgan frontages, consisting of 2 stories, total height of 30 feet. An advisory opinion sought from DRC regarding mass, scale and volume of proposed buildings, materials and compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. The DRC issed a favorable advisory opinion nothing that the proposed project was "not incompatible" with surrounding neighborhood. Some recommendations were made and accepted by the applicant including such as raising gables on Type 1 buildings to break up eave line and break down overall scale of buildings. Break up project interior streetscape with variety in garage door articulation and green space introduced. Minimize roof and facade penetrations and hide from view within rooftop chimneys and cupolas. Material specific recommendations regarding standing seam metal roofs to be utilized, and solid trimwork as enhancement to proposed vinyl siding material. Re-use of existing stone wall materials on site. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the Board had some questions and concerns about traffic access and circulation. Traffic engineering studies were supplied by the applicant and this Planning Board on site visit review were concerned about the access on Seward Street where the lights would actually offend one of the houses on Seward Street. We asked the applicant to move the driveway 18 feet to the northern property line which they accomodated. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated there are issues to be considered and resolved. Proposed conditions which were offered was the striping centerline on Seward Street to better formalize traffic if concern remains. Pedestrian traffic and circulation. Pedestrian connections from existing sidewalk into site provided. Pedestrian connection from site to Birch Run added. Streetlights now provided along frontage of Seward and Morgan Streets. The Board did have concerns regarding parking. Parking required for residential use in UR-4 is 1.5 spaces/unit. 86 spaces required, 95 spaces provided on site. Additional on-street parking provided on south side of Morgan Street by 3' widening of street. Agreement with Birch Run HOA to extend water connection from north through site. Based on recommendation by City DPW, Fire and Planning water will not tie in with existing Seward Street line providing looping and ability for greater fire protection from southern corner of Seward and Morgan. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the applicant has come a long way from what was originally viewed almost a year ago. Items which are still outstanding – We need to know if the Centerline for Seward Street from approximate City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 3 of 14 Birch Run Drive to Morgan Street is something the applicant is willing to do, and also if the traffic consultant with the City is encouraging that. Emergency secondary access for Birch Run to be eliminated with this project, and relocated for Phase IV. Connection to west needs to be established whether it be stone dust or gravel installed up to property line. On street parking on Morgan Street, now proposed by applicant for south side of Morgan Street, traffic safety has to weigh in on signage. Now we will turn this over to the applicant's attorney. Mr. Lapper stated the Chairman has stated where the project currently stands perfectly. If the Board wants Seward Street striped the applicant will be responsible for that. Since the last meeting I discussed with Kate Maynard, Principal Planner regarding the boundary adjustment where the zone line is on the west side. In our discussion I offered it was certainly no intention to use that extra 30 feet to create any more density and that would be something we could also put in as a condition. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the property Mr. Lapper is speaking of is located on the west property line between the proposal in front of us and the UR-1 property zone. The prior project utilized a 30 foot easement. This applicant is proposing they puchase that 30 foot wide parcel so that they have greenspace and it accommodates some stormwater management. What this Board has to look at is if we are in favor of doing that and how we can have it formalized. What is being proposed is a lot line adjustment and Kate has had conversations with our counsel, Mark Schachner and if the lot line adjustment is done there is no increase in density, but there would be two zones. Philip Klein questioned buffering along the west side of the property. Norman Ward, LA Group stated there is a little bit of a shelf on the property line. There is spacing to allow some trees, such as Colorado Spruce or White Pines. DISCLOSURE: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated this afternoon I drove over to the site one more time and drove onto the site of the Hansel and Gretal Nursery School. I saw Mrs. Tait who engaged me in a conversation. I would like to read into the record a communication from Mrs. Tait following my conversation with her this afternoon. To The Planning Board: For the record, I want all concerned to be put on notice this evening that athe proposal to seize parking from my property on Van Dorn Street solely for the reason that I am also the owner of the property of an adjacent lot is totally unfair. The facts – these are two separate tax lots with each property unique and one of a kind. It was my choice to pay separate tax bills and not combine the properties to retain the highest value. The city to arbitrarily link the rights of two properties due to a common ownership is not fair and must not happen. My property is seriously being injured due to this seizure of my rights without compensation. Rose Tait. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Dean Higgins, 15 Saratoga Circle. Looking for clarification where the 30 foot buffer would be located. Norm Ward, LA Group answered the question denoting the area on the visual map. Amy Durland questioned the height of the buildings and the difference in height. One is 30 feet and one is almost 8 ½ feet taller with both being two story buildings. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 4 of 14 Mr. Ward stated that perhaps that is due to the difference in the roof lines and some lofts incorporated into some of the apartments. Derek Gribulis is not here to explain fully. Mr. Lapper stated it is measured to the highest point on the building. There are some peaks of the roof just to articulate it to make look different, simply an architectural feature. Nothing is more than two stories. Amy Durland questioned why the buildings even though a story has been removed, the building has only decreased in size a little over 6 feet. Why hasn't it been reduced at least 10 or 12 feet which is what typically is reduced when a story is removed. Mr. Ward stated again he is speculating for Derek Gribulis perhaps because the buildings are wider and the roof line needs to be higher to accommodate it. Amy Durland questioned how many additional spaces does the widening of Morgan Street provide for on street parking. Norman Ward stated 10 additional spaces. Amy Durland stated there is a concern since Seward Street entrance has moved it is now directly across from the structure where the individual contacted us and is concerned about water running down because the area slopes down and is on a hill. I can understand her concern. Norman Ward stated Seward Street is crowned. The road is higher in the middle than on the sides. We are up on a hill so all the water is going to stay on the west side of the road, so it will not get to the other side of the street. Amy Durland questioned if Tim Wales, the City Engineer factored into this question. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated I don't believe so. Kate also questioned how the applicant will account for additional stormwater being managed. Norman Ward stated basically everthing is being picked up in an intake, in an inlet – onsite water. There is a zone adjacent to the right of way that we have no control over since it is not on the applicant's property. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated let's review the items remaining. Mark Benaquista commented on December 5, 2011, recommended considering the negative impacts of removing on street parking and recommended no striping. Emergency secondary access for Birch Run to be eliminated with this project, relocated for Phase IV. We are hearing that the Birch Run HOA is not interested in a secondary access to this site. The applicant is willing to put a pervious pavement connection to the vacant land to the west. On street parking on Morgan Street now proposed by the applicant for south side of Morgan Street. Traffic safety does not have issues with widening of pavement and location of parking on southside of Morgan Street, signage should be provided with location on updated plans. Sidewalks are on the north side of Morgan and they curve around and meet the sidwalks on Seward Street and they run north until the end of the project. Gordon Development noted to be continuing former agreement with Birch Run HOA providing connection/easement with Birch Run water stormwater overflow. Agreements have been executed and filed with the County Clerk. The lot configuration information was provided that the applicant would like to merge a portion of an adjacent parcel with subject parcel. This will require a separate application for lot line adjustment. A portion would remain UR-1, split zoning on the parcel. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked the applicant to review the parking issues. Norman Ward reviewed the issue of parking in this project. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 5 of 14 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we have seen this project for some time. I would like to commend Mr. Lapper for becoming involved in this project and it seems to have moved along since his addition. This project seems to be respectful of the neighbors. SEQRA: Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any questions or comments concerning Part I of the SEQRA form as it has been submitted to us. Amy Durland stated she would like some clarification. For the record item #3 indicates that 20% of the site is poorly drained, and the depth of the water table is 3 feet. Norman Ward stated that is correct. Amy Durland, stated on page 5, regarding the project description I believe is that the letter "I" should be amended to reflect the change in the height of the building. The applicant's agent noted the change and it will be amended. Amy Durland stated she would like to confirm blasting will occur during construction and that measures will be taken to ensure that it will not be disruptive to the neighbors and the neighbors will be informed. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the applicant's agent stated they will follow the rules and regulations set forth by the City of Saratoga Springs concerning blasting at construction sites. Amy Durland stated item #18 indicates that no herbicides or pesticides will be used. The applicant's agent stated he believes that to be not true. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments on Part I. The most glaring correction is Page 5 letter B-1 subquote "I" which is the height of the largest structure is not 40' 8" but is 30 feet. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the Board will now review Part II of the SEQRA form. Following the Review of Part I and Part II of EAF. Howard Pinsley stated that based upon the information provided by the applicant in Part I of the SEQR Full Environmental Assessment Form, and analysis of the information provided and presented in Part II of the SEQR Full Environmental Assessment Form, the project will not result in any large and important impacts and, therefore, is one that will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment. Based on this, I move to make a SEQR negative declaration for this action. Seconded by Philip Klein. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was further discussion. VOTE: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chair, in favor; Amy Durland, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 6 of 14  Howard Pinsley, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we are now being asked to vote on site plan. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there were any further questions or comments from the Board regarding site plan. Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman stated that the applicant has done an admirable job. Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman made a motion to approve the site plan with the following conditions:
Pedestrian connections from existing sidewalk into site
Pedestrian connection from site to Birch Run
Streetlights – now provided along frontage of Seward and Morgan
Loop water line
No striping of Seward Street
Pervious connection wither gravel or stone dust from subject parcel to the UR-1 parcel to the west
Width of Morgan Street at the location of the project site will be widened 3 feet. Parking will be allowed on the south side with appropriate signage
Agreement with Birch Run HOA providing connection and easement with Birch Run water and storm water overflow have been executed and filed with the County Clerk and will be submitted to staff
30 foot strip on the western side of this parcel will be added from the UR-1 to the UR-4 zone creating a split zoning which the Board recognizes, however, the applicant will state on the drawings that this will be non buildable, no structure on it and it will be a part of the side yard setback.
The applicant has conceded that there will be a buffer on the western property line of white pines and Colorado spruce – no less than 20
Emergency secondary access to Birch Run to be eliminated with this project
Applicant has agreed to note on the final drawings no parking outside driveways allowed and this will also be stated in the lease agreements. Seconded by Howard Pinsley. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion by the Board. Amy Durland stated she is not supporting this motion and this has to do with the issue of general site compatibility which is part of the Planning Board's authority in the site plan review section of the ordinance. In my opinion the project doesn't create public streets nor alleys but instead creates narrow private streets, with no parallel street parking which severely limits it ability to be integrated into adjacent and nearby neighborhoods. The ambiguity of the fronts and backs of the residences persists and amplifies that the driveways are front facing. In general this project feels closed off from residential areas that it is part of. As I stated from the beginning I would have preferred to have seen a project integrated with the neighborhood with public through streets, street parking, genuine front access and more of a pedestrian emphasis. It is true that concessions have been made but it does not go far enough for me as a smart UR zone design and for those reasons I will not be supporting this motion. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 7 of 14 VOTE: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chair, in favor; Amy Durland, opposed; Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-1 3. 11.047 BARDINO MOTORS, 40 Excelsior Avenue, special use permit for auto sales and service, eating and drinking, professional office and retail in the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. 4. 12.003 BARDINO MOTOR CARS, 40 Excelsior Avenue site plan for mixed use building in the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Applicant: Chuck Bardino Agent: Clark Wilkinson, Paragon Civil Engineering SEQRA: Action appears to be Type II – no further action required. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the first application before us is a special use permit application. The ZBA approvals in April 15, 1987 granted a use variance to allow tire sales and service and limousine rental business. Area variance to allow parking within front and rear yard setbacks; property was located with the Light Industrial District. Planning Board site plan approval June 10, 2987. Letter from Mike Biffer, May 22, 1990 regarding unauthorized operation of a car wash and auto parts sales. Letter from Mike Biffer to attorney Michele Anderson that there appears to be no prior approval for an automotive dealership or a car wash, and according to the approved plan from 1987 the accessory building on site was to be removed. Now today, the applicant proposes auto sales, auto service, in the building immediately to the north there is a request to make that an eating and drinking establishment. The applicant has stated no alcoholic beverages will be served. The applicant is also requesting to have the accessory building on site is to remain since it was never removed according to the 1987 plan. A portion of High Rock Avenue is located within subject parcel boundaries and also along the rear of the property there is an encroachment. The applicant is prepared to offer a portion of parcel to the City to rectify the situation. The Real Estate Committee will review and provide recommendation to the Council on conveyance. The Council will make the decision. Clark Wilkinson, Paragon Civil Engineering this plan has changed only slightly from the original presented, which was only for special use and now this includes site plan. Mr. Wilkinson spoke of the encroachment issue. A visual presentation was provided to the Board. Parking calculation provided. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner explained how a land swap would work and the duties of the Real Estate Committee. Discussion ensued regarding the perview of the Board regarding this application. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Jerry Starr, 20 Martin Avenue. He is opposed to this project. Does not wish to have a local bar in the neighborhood. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 8 of 14 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman assured Mr. Starr that this could not happen easily especially with all the licenses and permits required. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated as we proceed through this we will review special use then site plan. Site plan will allow us to get into egress ingress, buffering, sidewalks, trees, lights. We are being asked to allow a car sales, car service, eating establishment and general office and retail. Philip Klein made a motion to approve the site plan for auto sales and service, eating and drinking, professional office and retail uses in the T-5 Zone with the following conditions: 12 proposed seating inside and up to 16 proposed outside seating be allowed. Seconded by Dan Gaba. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chair, in favor; Amy Durland, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we will now move onto site plan. Discussion ensued regarding street lights, signage, grease trap installation, buffering, street trees, and approval of the land swap. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Motion was made by Dan Gaba to approve the site plan with the outlined conditions:
Sign on Excelsior which states Sales Entrance Only
Sign on Warren Street which states Service Entrance Only
Street lights agreed to every 75 to 100 feet along Excelsior and one street light on High Rock Avenue
Auto display area will be moved from the Green space and on paved area only
No alcohol will be served at the eating and drinking establishment
The existing building on the northeast corner will remain as storage only
The approval of the land swap can thus be the approval of the site plan is contingent the Real Estate Committee reviewing and approving the two land swaps as shown on the indicated plans
Grease trap in the restaurant as dictated by the building permit process
If the outdoor eating and drinking establishment becomes permanent it will necessitate DRC review. Seconded by Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 9 of 14 VOTE: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chair, in favor; Amy Durland, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 The Board recessed at 9:15 P.M. The Board reconvened at 9:25 P.M. 5. 12.001 THE THIRSTY OWL WINE COMPANY & BISTRO, 184 South Broadway, public hearing for a special permit for mixed use building featuring eating and drinking, retail and residential in the Transect-5 District. 6. 12.002 THE THIRSTY OWL WINE COMPANY & BISTRO, 184 South Broadway, site plan for mixed use building in the Transect-5 District. Applicant: Ted Cupp Agent: Steven Rowland, Butler, Rowland & Mays Architects Richard Martin, Northern Dean Jason Tommell, Michael Brooks , Jeremy Schneible, Tommell and Associates SEQRA: Project appears to be an Unlisted action, with DRC other involved agency. DRC deferred SEQRA lead agency to the Planning Board on January 4, 2012. Jason Tommell, gave a brief overview of the project. The site is located at the site of former Kimberly House Bed and Breakfast. It is located in a T-5 District. The proposed use includes eating and drinking, retail on the first and portion of the second floors, and residential unit on the second floor. Physical proposed changes include 2 additions proposed to be demolished, 3,165 square foot addition to the remaining 2,890 square foot structure. A visual presentation was provided to the Board. Ownership of the alley is in question at this time. It is not a public alley. It seems that no one wants it. All the reseach indicates that it is a public alley. Mr. Cupp would love to have it. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated there is an active lawsuit. Multiple parties are involved. There is no clear title to the property. It has not been conveyed to the City. Jason Tommell stated there is a fence located along the alley. This alley is 20 foot wide, they have been using it and there is a question of a possible easement. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated that Mark Schachner, Planning Board Counsel needs to be brought into this matter, and we will contact him. We cannot move forward on this matter since the County has not weighed in with their determination. I am concerned regarding SEQRA and waiving of parking spaces, versus putting 8 on site. I think the application is pretty clean, it is an allowed use. We cannot take any action tonight. You will need to return in two weeks. At that time Mark Schachner will review the project and give us feedback on how to proceed with this. We can then proceed with the application. No variances are required. The uses are allowed and compatible with the neighborhood. This is what we are looking for good responsible development. You are headed very quickly in the right direction. All we can do listen to special use tonight get as many items as we can out on the table so that if we do have any questions or comments you need to re-address you can come back within two weeks. Amy Durland stated one of the areas to be addressed on the special use permit is the positive and negative impacts of the use on vehicular congestion a provision of adequate parking in the absence of hazardous parking or traffic City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 10 of 14 conditions. So until we can get some additional information about the alley and the status of that and how it may factor into that particular condition we are stuck. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman reviewed the standards for the special use permit. Jason Tommell reviewed his estimate of the parking areas. Philip Klein requested an aerial blow up of the immediate neighborhood. Amy Durland requested to address some of the concerns expressed in the neighbors letters. Perhaps the applicant could validate by getting a little closer than the figures you presented. One of the letters spoke of possibly leasing the property behind the location. Amy Durland asked if they had received any feedback from the Saratoga Preservation Foundation. Steven Rowland stated they did request a copy of the DRC application which is in place. I have not received any feedback from them yet. I suspect they will be in support of it because they are aware and we have had discussions with them. We also tried to find out as much historical information on the structure as we could. Unfortunately there is very little to almost nothing available on this building. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the action we can take this evening is the Planning Board can accept SEQRA Lead Agency Status from the DRC. Tom L Lewis, Vice Chairman made a motion to accept SEQRA Lead Agency Status from the DRC. Seconded by Howard Pinsley. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated there was communication received from the following individuals: Robert Vanderlinden, 10 Whitney Place. Eric Lutz, 11 Whitney Place. Bruce DeLuke, 9 Whitney Place. VOTE: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chair, in favor; Amy Durland, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. Richard Martin, agent stated the City always claimed ownership of the alley. How can they just state that we don't want it anymore. Mr. Cupp would like to have that piece of property. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated we will leave the application open. 7. 11.037 SARATOGA YOUTH LACROSSE FIELDS, Weibel Avenue, soil and sediment control plan for two lacrosse fields in the Transect-4 District. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 11 of 14 Applicant: Saratoga Youth Lacrosse, Greg Griskowitz Agent: Eric Ciulla SEQRA: Project appears to be an Unlisted action. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated the reason the applicant is before the Board this evening is whenever soil disturbing activities occur it requires Planning Board approval of a Soil and Sediment control plan for disturbance over 0.5 acre. Total disturbance in this application is 5 acres, a piece of land accessible off of Weibel Avenue. It is owned by the PBA which currently has softball and lacrosse fields. The applicant are looking to lease two additional fields from the PBA. They want to disturb 5 acres with the total amount of space required to install two lacrosse fields. At the workshop we noted the only neighbors impacted would be those on the intial part of Liz Ann Drive. We spoke and determined they should be notified and staff hand delivered notices to the residents on Liz Ann Drive. Mr. Griskowitz is looking to install two more lacrosse field so that the players can be rotated on the fields to keep them in good shape. This is entirely a volunteer organization. They rely completely on registrations fees, donations and fund raising. Parents and players are out there cutting the fields, line the fields, install the fencing. We would like two new fields, we are growing and constantly on the same fields. We are using the fields Monday thru Thursday and Saturday mornings. The fields are wearing thin. There are no wetlands back there. No lights on the field. Usage is from 9 AM until dark. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated that the access road is the same road that goes to the PBA range and is also an entrance to a new project on Weibel Avenue. Part of that project is a turning lane which will make access and exiting from the road much better for all the traffic. Mr. Griskowitz gave a visual presentation of the location of the fields, parking locations and new proposed fields. Buffer from existing rear Liz Ann residences – 50 feet proposed staked out from property line in the field. Amy Durland asked if we could get a idea of how many trees you will be harvesting, a quick survey or map. I have some concerns regarding the 50 foot buffer, which you've indicated is mostly saplings and scrub. I am wondering if you could possibly increase the buffer at all. Certainly it would be advantageous for all concerned the neighbors in the nearby conservation development, the city in minimizing the amount of wooded area to be cleared, and the lacrosse players to have a meaningful buffer to have more vegetation than not. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated just to give the neighbors a chance to weigh in on this we would like to wait two weeks and have you return to this Board at the next meeting for a decision. The Board recessed at 10:35 P.M. The Board reconvened at 10:38 P.M. 8. 06.045.1 48-54 NELSON AVENUE EXTENSION, 48 Nelson Avenue Extension, modification to an approved two lot subdivision in the Rural Residential-1 District. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 12 of 14 Applicant: Terrace Home Builders, Scot Trifilo SEQRA: Project appears to be a Type II action. This project reflects a request to modify the 2 lot subdivision approved by the Planning Board on July 12, 2006. This was one of the City's first conservation subdivisions. Request is relocate the garage from within approved building envelope to rear of proposed house location within established conservation easement area. Applicant proposes to provide additional approximate 5,400 square footage to conservation easement area adjacent to stream corridor. Also provides that pavement will decrease by 1,250 square feet from what current plans would provide. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman stated Saratoga County Planning Board stated in a verbal statement indicating no community or countywide impact. Dan Gaba made a motion that the applicant have the ability to move his garage as shown on the proposed plans, knowing that he is going to supply an additional 5,400 square feet of conservation easement area on the south end of the property adjacent to the stream and the ravine. He currently will have 1,250 square feet less of blacktop. One accessory structure will be permitted as shown on the submitted plans. Seconded by Howard Pinsley. Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tom L Lewis, Vice Chair, in favor; Amy Durland, in favor; Philip Klein, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Howard Pinsley, in favor; Clifford Van Wagner, Chairman, in favor MOTION PASSES: 6-0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Howard Pinsley made a motion to accept the minutes of the November 21, 2011 as amended with changes and/or corrections. Seconded by Amy Durland Ayes all, nayes none. MOTION PASSES: 6-0. Tom L Lewis made a motion to accept the minutes of the December 7, 2011 meeting as amended with changes and/or corrections. Seconded by Clifford Van Wagner. Ayes all, nayes none. MOTION PASSES: 6-0. Dan Gaba made a motion to accept the minutes of the December 21, 2011 meeting as amended with changes and/or corrections. City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 13 of 14 Seconded by Howard Pinsley. Ayes all, nayes none. MOTION PASSES: 6-0. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Clifford Van Wagner adjourned the meeting at 10:55 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary Approved: 1/25/12 City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board Minutes – January 11, 2012 - Page 14 of 14