Planning Board
Regular MeetingSaratoga Springs, NY · May 27, 2015
Minutes
PLANNING BOARD
MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015
7:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL ROOM
PRESENT: Mark Torpey, Chairman, Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman; Clifford Van Wagner; Dan Gaba;
Howard Pinsley; Janet Casey
LATE ARRIVAL: Tom L. Lewis arrived at 7:35 P.M.
STAFF: Kate Maynard, Principal Planner, City of Saratoga Springs.
CALL TO ORDER: Mark Torpey, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG:
ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING:
Mark Torpey, Chairman stated the proceedings of this meeting are being recorded 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.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF ADJOURNED PROJECTS
ADJOURNED PENDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
14.059 77 EXCELSIOR MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT, 77 Excelsior Avenue, Special use permit for commercial
and residential uses in a Transect-5 (T-5) District.
14.067 STONE PROPERTY, 68 WEIBEL AVENUE, 30 Church Street, site plan modification in a Transect-6 (T-6)
District.
14.074 UNION FOX APARTMENTS, 72 Union Avenue, Site plan review for multi-family residential in an
Urban Residential-4 (UR-4) District.
14.010 SUBDIVISION OF LANDS OF HARRISON, 180 Meadowbrook Road, public hearing for a two-lot
subdivision in the Rural Residential District.
14.053 21 PARK PLACE CONDOMINIUMS, 21 Park Place, Site plan review for multi-family residences in
an Urban Residential-4 (UR-4) District.
15.014 SUBDIVISION OF LANDS OF MICHAEL MAGNATTA, Jefferson St., & East Broadway, 2 lot subdivision
review within the UR-2 District.
15.015 SKIDMORE COLLEGE FALSTAFF PARKING EXPANSION, 815 North Broadway, Site plan review for
parking lot expansion in the Institutional Educational (INST-ED) District.
COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR:
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION:
14.012.1 HANNAFORD TO GO – Proposed change to remove 2 additional parking spaces from site plan.
ACTION: APPROVED BY CHAIR.
UPCOMING PLANNING BOARD MEETINGS/AGENDA WORKSHOPS:
Planning Board Caravan, Monday, June 8, 2015 at 4:00 P.M.
Planning Board Workshop, Monday, June 8, 2015 at 5:00 P.M.
Planning Board Meeting, Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 7:00 P.M.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR:
None heard.
APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION:
1. 14.025 SARATOGA CASINO AND RACEWAY, 342 Jefferson St., Hotel Expansion, Non-binding site plan
review in an Institutional Horse Track Related (INST-HTR) District.
Mark Torpey, Chairman stated this is a non binding site plan review. No formal action will be taken since the
Planning Board is not an involved agency. This is merely an informational update.
BACKGROUND:
Kate Maynard, Principal Planner provided an overview for the Board. The Board did see this project about a year
ago. Correspondence forwarded to the Gaming Commission from the Board dated 06/13/14 was provided in the
Board’s packets this evening. The applicant did agree to appear for SEQRA and to return for a more revised
updated final site plan. That is what is before you this evening. Due to the relationship with the gaming activity the
City Council has agreed that the City as a whole and the Planning Board are not involved agencies. They are before
you for guidance and non binding site plan concept. We received the updated site plan and also a response to
original Planning Board comments was received from Clough Harbor as well as an update of the project. It has
changed; there is a reduction in scale. You saw the hotel facility and meeting space. The meeting space has since
been taken off the project. There is correspondence dated May 22, and May 27, 2015 from Clough Harbor. The City
has accepted the MS-4 responsibility.
Applicant: Saratoga Casino and Raceway
Agent: Brian Davis, Rich Mazelle, Tishman, Kurchoff and Cernigli, Construction Management
Tony Stellato, CHA; Skip Carlson, Saratoga Casino and Raceway
Mr. Davis explained the project evolution from the beginning back in 2014. After receiving many comments from
many constituencies and neighbors, the project was redesigned. In January of 2015 we submitted our redesigned
project for SEQRA. On May 16, 2015 we received a SEQRA Negative Declaration from the Gaming Commission,
and on May 18, 2015 SWPPP approval was received from the City Engineer. On May 22, 2015, we obtained our
building permit and today on May 27, 2015 we had groundbreaking ceremony. Mr. Davis provided an overview of the
project outlining the 3,000 square feet of meeting space, and an indoor pool. We will provide 108 guest rooms which
can expand to 111 rooms, on 3 floors. Roof plan was reviewed as well as height limitations and review of all
elevations. A construction schedule was provided to the Board, with a Grand Opening scheduled for Memorial Day
2016. A restaurant is also housed in the building which will seat 138 to 180 patrons depending on the restaurateur.
There is 900 square feet of pre-function space, and a 350 square foot board room.
City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board Meeting – May 27, 2015 - Page 3 of 13
Discussion ensued regarding increased water consumption and water pressure.
Mr. Davis stated that is a work in progress. They are in discussion with the City Engineer, Tim Wales as to utility
upgrades.
Mr. Stellato, CHA stated the sanitary system will be upgraded.
Mark Torpey, Chairman, questioned the handicap parking space location. A review of the handicap spaces could be
undertaken to avoid crossing the vehicle driveway. Also concern was voiced regarding a possible connection to the
Green Belt Trail.
Clifford Van Wagner commended the project for using the parking area so no new impervious space is used.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak regarding this project.
Douglas Myer, Chairman, Greenbelt Trail Committee. This is an all volunteer effort. We are looking to advance
biking and pedestrian use. We welcome the opportunity to have a conversation.
Mark Torpey, Chairman thanked the members of the Saratoga Casino and Raceway Hotel Expansion.
2. 15.010 WILLIAMSBURG COURT GARAGE, 150 Lincoln Avenue, site plan review for construction
of parking structure in the Urban Residential-2 (UR-2) District.
SEQRA:
Action appears to be a Type II action, no further environmental review required.
BACKGROUND:
Project proposes to remove an existing garage structure and replace it with a larger structure. Total of 2
handicapped parking spaces are required with 37 total spaces. Storm water management plan is required.
Curbing and sidewalks was an issue the Board had concerns with previously.
Applicant: Jacqueline Falvey
Agent: Sue Davis, SD Atelier Architecture; Chris Myers, Landscape Architect
Mr. Myers stated he was responsible for the preparation of the plans. We have taken several comments from the
City into consideration since our last meeting. We have submitted a revised plan. We are still hoping not to have to
provide curbing because it will require additional site work and drainage analysis which is very costly. The sidewalks
which are in disrepair will be corrected and made more pedestrian friendly. A detail sheet was included in the revised
plans. Technical details were updated. Regarding storm water management 4 dry wells were proposed. We have
done test holes as well as perc tests which were very good so all the roof runoff will be handled on the property.
After construction we will be reducing runoff into the city right of way by over 50%.
Ms. Davis spoke regarding the two parking spaces closest to Jackson Street. I have updated copies of the parking
plan. This encompasses the other concern regarding the height of the building. This was submitted with the
renderings. This will be compatible with the other apartment buildings. It will be lower than what is there currently.
A copy of the power point presentation was also provided for the record.
City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board Meeting – May 27, 2015 - Page 4 of 13
Howard Pinsley questioned if the curbing was discussed with the City Engineer and the effect it would have on the
water on the street.
Mr. Myers stated yes, it will depend on the amount of curbing which will change the drainage pattern to a degree.
Howard Pinsley questioned what were the City Engineer’s recommendations?
Mr. Myers stated that he did not have any recommendations at this point. The reason we took a step back, because
we suggested curbing on the street that the entrances were on. Mr. Wales then commented because we were going
to curb the water will be channeled. It now flows onto grassy areas. Even though we are reducing runoff by 50% the
additional run off due to curbing will remain on the street. Mr. Wales suggested we provide a topographic map of the
site, have an engineer review the map, determine the impact it has on the drainage into the street, and determine
what measures if any are required.
Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated she had just received an email from Tim Wales, City Engineer, late this
afternoon. Ms. Maynard read the memo into the record. I reviewed the Williamsburg Court Garage project site. I
support the requirement that the applicant provide curbing on that side of Jackson Street between Webster and
Lincoln as one does not exist. Further, there are other areas of sidewalk that should also be repaired as indicated on
the plans. New curb does require the installation of a catch basin with a dry well or to tie into the storm sewer on
adjoining streets to mitigate storm water. The work does not trigger a requirement for SWPPP. Corresponding plans
the City Engineer has marked up are available for the applicant. Technical work will be reviewed and done to the
satisfaction of the City Engineer
Mark Torpey, Chairman discussed the proposed curbing on the east side of Jackson Street, as well as the repair of
the sidewalks in disrepair and textured ramping at the four corners for pedestrian safety.
Janet Casey questioned if the area where the two parking spaces are removed will the area be landscaped or green
area, or soften the area somewhat.
Discussion ensued regarding the landscaping of this area.
Mark Torpey, Chairman reviewed the conditions of site plan approval:
- 4 drywells
- No SWPPP required
- Screening on Adam Street
- Sidewalk repairs and ramping on corners with textured pavement
- Curbing on the east side of Jackson Street.
- 2 parking space area will removed and landscaped
- No additional lighting – newer fixtures
Clifford Van Wagner made a motion to approve the site plan for the Williamsburg Court Garage, 150 Lincoln Avenue
with the conditions as stated by the Chair.
Janet Casey seconded the motion.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion.
None heard.
City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board Meeting – May 27, 2015 - Page 5 of 13
VOTE:
Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor;
Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor
MOTION PASSES: 7-0
3. 15.004 OAK RIDGE SUBDIVISION PHASE 2, Meadowbrook Road, 72 lot preliminary conservation
subdivision within the Suburban Residential-2 (SAR-2) District.
SEQRA:
SEQRA Phase I issued Negative Declaration on May 7, 2003. SEQRA review for current Phase II project is required.
Planning Board initiated coordinated review and request for lead agency at 04/08/15 meeting. No correspondence
has been received; the 30 day window has been exceeded. The Planning Board is officially the Lead Agency for
SEQRA.
BACKGROUND:
Property was rezoned from RR-1 to SR-1 on November 4, 2002. On May 7, 2003, the Planning board provided
approval for a 42 lot cluster subdivision on the property. The design contemplated a full build out including street
network, lots, civic space, open space areas, and site access from Dyer Switch Road (2 points) and Meadowbrook
Road.
Mark Torpey, Chairman stated this is the 3rd meeting for this project. Based on previous Planning Board input the
applicant has provided additional buffering for Lots 69-72. Recent drawings submitted show a removal of 4 lots to
provide greater buffering on Meadowbrook Road. The trail connection has changed and there is a slight change in
the entrance to the trail requirement.
Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated the application is before the Board for preliminary subdivision consideration.
Conservation subdivision involving a certain number of units requires preliminary and final review. We initiated
coordinated review and SEQRA Lead Agency status. We have not received any correspondence to date, and the 30
day window has passed. The Board can now move forward with any Lead Agency action. Tonight you can review
both the SEQRA Part I which was submitted by the applicant, and Part II which the Board will review and make a
determination.
Applicant: Oak Ridge Development, LLC, Jeff Snyder,
Agent: David Carr, Mark Tabor, LA Group;
Mr. Carr provided an update on this project. Revised documents were provided to staff and the Board. The four lots
which were repositioned were viewed via visual presentation by Mr. Carr. This was done to make the buffer
continuous. This does not change the view into the site from any surrounding streets. A letter was sent from the
Saratoga County Sewer District to the DEC stating their sufficient capacity to treat the project. If we are successful
with preliminary approval we will then submit everything to the DEC and DOH for plan approval. Easements and the
management plan will need to be finalized as well.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this project.
None heard.
City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board Meeting – May 27, 2015 - Page 6 of 13
Mark Torpey, Chairman stated he would like to confirm several items. From the SR1 standpoint, 35% of
unconstrained lands will be set aside. 34.1 acreage unconstrained lands which = 35%. Buffering around the
property which has been done. Storm water retention areas are substantial 75 to 100 feet buffering to the lots.
Mr. Carr stated the items reviewed by the Chairman are correct and a land management plan will be submitted for
final approval.
Mark Torpey, Chairman stated SEQRA Part I was received from the applicant. We have reviewed it and it is
accurate as submitted. Lots along ridge- clearing and grading limits preferred to establish mature vegetation to be
retained, not leave this to chance.
The Board reviewed SEQRA Part II long form.
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.
Clifford Van Wagner seconded the motion.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion.
None heard.
VOTE:
Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor;
Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor
MOTION PASSES: 7-0
PUBLIC HEARING:
Mark Torpey, Chairman opened the public hearing at 8:30 P.M.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this subdivision application.
None heard.
Mark Torpey, Chairman closed the public hearing at 8:31 P.M.
Clifford Van Wagner made a motion for approval of the preliminary Oak Ridge Subdivision, Phase 2, Meadowbrook
Road.
Tom L. Lewis seconded the motion.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion.
None heard.
City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board Meeting – May 27, 2015 - Page 7 of 13
VOTE:
Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor;
Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor
MOTION PASSES: 7-0
4. 14.060 HOFFMAN CAR WASH FACILITY, 2216 NYS Route 50, proposed special use permit for a car wash
facility in the Highway General Business (HGB) District.
Mark Torpey, Chairman stated this application has been before the Board previously. At this time the primary issues
are access points, ingress and egress, as well as alternative design suggestions. Six alternative designs were
received by the Board. Correspondence from Adirondack Trust received this afternoon.
Applicant: Martin Hoffman, Hoffman Development
Agent: Mary Beth Slevin, Attorney for the applicant
BACKGROUND:
Site is between existing used car sales directly to the north, Adirondack Trust Bank directly to the south. Site is
located at southern boundary of the City just north of the Route 50/Northline Road intersection. Site is located within
Highway General Business District and within the Gateway Design Overlay District. Site plan formerly approved by
the Planning Board for Retail (Family Dollar) use. Special use permit, site plan review and architectural review
(DRC) are required for application.
Mr. Hoffman provided a brief overview of the alternative designs. In the correspondence received this date from the
Adirondack Trust Company their preference was to Alternative Design #1.
Tom L. Lewis stated he reviewed these plans thoroughly, and would like to make a motion at the appropriate time
that the Planning Board would like to make a recommendation that design alternative #1 be considered by the
Department of Transportation for this project taking into consideration that this use is much more intensive than the
average use, will interfere with the business of the Bank. The Board hopes that the DOT will agree with design #1 or
#6 as favorable.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed plans.
Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated regarding parking in the front with the circulation. Within the Gateway Design
District there is the following, no more than 20% of the parking in a commercial district shall be located as
convenience parking in front of the front line of the building. This standard may not be waived. Parking shall be
located to the side or rear of the building. That is very strong.
Discussion ensued regarding the Adirondack Trust and used car lot both utilizing parking in front of the building.
Landscaping and buffering was also discussed to camouflage the bank of vacuums in the front of the parcel.
Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated the Board should review the Gateway Design District, understand the overall
stipulations and regulations how the City implements its goals.
Mark Torpey, Chairman stated since the Board is making a recommendation to the DOT for design approval, we
should wait for their response prior to initiating SEQRA.
City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board Meeting – May 27, 2015 - Page 8 of 13
Tom L. Lewis made a motion on behalf of the City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board strongly requests the
Department of Transportation to approve the access as proposed on the drawing plans #1. It solves a number of
issues for the City; it is safer than having a shared access.
Clifford Van Wagner seconded the motion.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion.
Kate Maynard, Principal Planner stated the Army Corps of Engineers did not provide sign off. In terms of the revised
drainage in the rear it appeared OK. No permit as yet.
Mark Torpey, Chairman stated the Board would need to have a determination from the Army Corps of Engineers
prior to moving forward with the application.
VOTE:
Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor;
Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor
MOTION PASSES: 7-0
The Board recessed at 9:00 P.M.
The Board reconvened at 9:10 P.M.
5. 15.012.1 HICKEY PROPERTY SUBDIVISION, 10 Avery Street, Advisory Opinion to the Zoning Board of
Appeals in the Urban Residential-3 (UR-3) District.
SEQRA:
SEQRA action is not required with an Advisory Opinion.
BACKGROUND:
Per 8.4.6 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance “If a proposed subdivision plat contains one or more lots that do not comply
with this Chapter and, therefore, require an area variance; the ZBA shall request that the Planning Board provide a
written recommendation concerning the proposed variance. Variances are required for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 for
minimum lot size, and average minimum width.
AREA VARIANCE CONSIDERATIONS:
REQUIRED PROPOSED
Minimum average lot width: Lot 1 60 feet 50 feet
Minimum average lot width: Lot 2 60 feet 50 feet
Minimum lot size: Lot 1 6,600 sq. ft. 6,400 sq. ft.
Minimum lot size: Lot 2 6,600 sq. ft. 6,478 sq. ft.
Applicant: John Witt
Mr. Witt stated he is under contract to purchase this property from the Hickey’s contingent upon subdivision approval.
City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board Meeting – May 27, 2015 - Page 9 of 13
There is a home on the parcel currently. I have appeared before the ZBA and they have requested an Advisory
Opinion from the Planning Board. Following the granting of the variances, I will be returning to the Planning Board
for subdivision approval. The lots were purchased separately in 1962. The lots were merged without a requested
use in 2003. The lots are 50’ x 129 feet deep and 50 x 127 feet deep. The neighborhood lots are all plotted at 50’
wide. In a UR-3 zone the required average minimum width is 60’. I do have letters in support of this subdivision and
the variances proposed. The owners of this property are in favor of this application. This is an old neighborhood
which pre-dates zoning. What we are actually requesting is a 3% variance on one property and less than 2%
variance on the other.
Clifford Van Wagner stated this is an old neighborhood which pre-dates zoning as Mr. Witt explained. The variances
requested are minimal. This is pretty simple.
Dan Gaba stated this is a perfect example of infill and a perfect use of a vacant lot.
Clifford Van Wagner made a motion for a positive Advisory Opinion to the City Council on the Hickey Property
requested variances.
Dan Gaba seconded the motion.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion.
None heard.
VOTE:
Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor;
Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor
MOTION PASSES: 7-0
6. 15.001 SARATOGA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL, 459-539 LAKE AVENUE, Site plan review if a new
construction on a private school within the Rural Residential (RR) District.
SEQRA:
Planning Board approved an amended SEQRA Negative Declaration on March 11, 2015. Previously, the Planning
Board served as Lead Agency for the required SEQRA review considering 3 phases of the project and issued a
Negative declaration on January 22, 2003.
BACKGROUND:
Original 3 phased project for school facilities considered for site. Use variance granted for the school February 26,
2003. Site plan approval for Phase I approved on April 30, 2003. Area variance granted June 10, 2003.
Architectural review approval granted October 2003.
Variance modification approved by the ZBA to modify findings of use variance based on increase in number of
students from prior assumption of 100 students to currently proposed 250 students and 35 total staff members
(from 20 originally anticipated). Site plan review subject application and DRC architectural review are required.
The school is sited on 59.4 acre site on northeast portion of Bear Swamp with a large portion of the site consisting of
ACOE and DEC wetlands.
City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board Meeting – May 27, 2015 - Page 10 of 13
Applicant: Saratoga Independent School
Agent: Libby Corrino, Attorney, Carter Conboy, Don McPherson, LA Group
Ms. Corrino provided a visual presentation of the project for the Board’s review. Ms. Corrino stated the applicants
have received ZBA variance modification approvals from the ZBA based on an increase in the number of students
from prior 100 students to currently proposed 250 students and 35 staff from 20 originally anticipated. We have
received DRC architectural approval on May 20, 2015. A review of the proposed project included the one story
walkway connecting the two buildings as well as the new two story addition. This differs from the original Phase II
project for reasons of economy and safety of the children. Setbacks from property lines were reviewed. Site
conditions were also reviewed. Parking layout was explained. Storm water management will be handled on site.
They will be updated to current regulation standards. Green infrastructure will be used. Designated parking area was
reviewed and an increase from 30 to 57 spaces is requested. A waiver is requested for the additional 18. Parents
parking area for Pre K children who are not eligible for bussing. Excess parking for special events is also provided.
The bus route was also reviewed for the Board segregating them from the parking area. The new bus route has a
two lane entry/exit. We are making efforts to utilize busses for increasing student enrollment, decreasing total trips to
the site. Water and septic. The systems themselves are capable, both from water and sanitary system to handle the
increased demand. There is a sub issue here. The sanitary system is capable of functioning without a SPEDE
permit up to occupancy of 200. We are moving to 250. The first full occupancy will be below that threshold. It is the
plan of the school to first fit up the first floor classrooms. The second floor while we are seeking site plan will not be
fit up until the economics and enrollment necessitate that. So until then we will be below the SPEEDE threshold for
quite some time. We are asking the Board to place a condition upon our site plan approval that states prior to fitting
up the second floor we would have to do the necessary SPEEDE’s permitting in order to establish the right to both
upgrade our sanitary system and build to the second floor to increase our capacity. The reasons for that are twofold.
First if we are to do that now it would likely expire and that would cause us to do that again at a later date.
Bussing policy was reviewed which is governed by state law. Carpooling is highly utilized by the parents. Part of our
building is located within the 100 foot buffer and NYS DEC has issued us a permit to construct Phase II inside the
buffer.
Don McPherson, LA Group spoke regarding DEC wetland buffer disturbance approval.
Ms. Corrino spoke regarding lighting, which is provided in the application packet. All lighting will be downward cast
lighting fixtures continued as currently on the site. Landscaping will be completed with the use of perennials and
vegetable gardens which is part of the school programming. They are working towards a community garden.
Don McPherson, LA Group reviewed fire safety. The architect and Mr. McPherson met with Chief Williams and Chief
Shaw and reviewed the building design and fire safety access. Very satisfied with the vehicular access
Kate Maynard, Principal Planner questioned if the facility is sprinklered.
Don McPherson, LA Group stated the building is not sprinklered and it is not required to be. Mr. McPherson
reviewed the proposed landscaping plan the school is proposing, it will be similar to what exists in the first Phase.
Sharon Kellerburn, Director of Operations reviewed the landscaping plan. Behind the school are the athletic fields.
The children’s garden and plantings will be along the back side of the building so the children can look out on those
spaces.
Mark Torpey, Chairman questioned the connection to the Bog Meadow Trail and has any thought been given to that.
Ms. Corrino stated quite a bit of thought has been given to that. At the school level and the parent level. Some
parents have actually walked out there to see how far of a distance it is. It is about 200 feet, but very difficult footing.
City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board Meeting – May 27, 2015 - Page 11 of 13
It is a very wet area. Based upon the ecology of the school and part of its programming would love to consider that.
Contrary to that we have been referring that as defensible space. If you have a teacher out back doing gardening
with 15 students and strangers come up on ATV’s or snowshoeing and access an undefensible space it poses
security issues for the school. Other schools have this issue but their areas are fenced. The cost of fencing in the
rear of the property is enormous. If the school could have defensible space the conversation could continue.
Mark Torpey, Chairman questioned the maintenance of the water quality for the school.
Mr. McPherson, LA Group stated this would be considered a Community Water Source when there are a number of
users over a specified limit per day. A licensed operator checks the equipment on a monthly basis and files a report
to the Department of Health. We have already made an application to the DOH to have them begin the review of the
additional piping to the new building. Samples and meter readings are taken daily with monthly submissions to the
DOH.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion.
None heard.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application.
None heard.
Howard Pinsley made a motion in the matter of the Saratoga Independent School, 459-539 Lake Avenue for site plan
approval.
Clifford Van Wagner seconded the motion.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion.
None heard.
VOTE:
Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor;
Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor
MOTION PASSES: 7-0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Dan Gaba made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 11, 2015, and the March 11, 2015 Planning Board
Meetings.
Clifford Van Wagner seconded the motion.
Mark Torpey, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion.
None heard.
VOTE:
Clifford Van Wagner, in favor; Dan Gaba, in favor; Bob Bristol, Vice Chairman, in favor;
Howard Pinsley, in favor; Tom L. Lewis, in favor; Mark Torpey, Chairman, in favor; Janet Casey, in favor
City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board Meeting – May 27, 2015 - Page 12 of 13
MOTION PASSES: 7-0
MOTION TO ADJOURN:
There being no further business to discuss Mark Torpey, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane M. Buzanowski
Recording Secretary
APPROVED 7/8/15
City of Saratoga Springs – Planning Board Meeting – May 27, 2015 - Page 13 of 13
Agenda
CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS MARK TORPEY, Chair
ROBERT F. BRISTOL, Vice-Chair
P LANNING B OARD TOM L. LEWIS
CLIFFORD VAN WAGNER
City Hall - 474 Broadway DAN GABA
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 HOWARD PINSLEY
Tel: 518-587-3550 fax: 518-580-9480 JANET CASEY
www.saratoga-springs.org
Planning Board Meeting – Wednesday May 27, 2015
City Council Room – 7:00 PM
Agenda
Workshop: Tuesday, May 26, 2014 at 5pm in the City Council Room
Salute to Flag
A. Applications under Consideration:
1. 14.025 Saratoga Casino and Raceway, 342 Jefferson St, Hotel Expansion, Non-
binding site plan review in an Institutional- Horse Track Related (INST-HTR)
District.
2. 15.010 Williamsburg Court Garage, 150 Lincoln Ave., Site plan review for
construction of parking structure in the Urban Residential-2 (UR-2) District.
3. 15.004 Oak Ridge Subdivision Phase 2, Meadowbrook Road, 72 lot preliminary
conservation subdivision within the Suburban Residential-2 (SR-2) District.
4. 14.060 Hoffman Carwash Facility, 2216 NYS Route 50, proposed special use
permit for a car wash facility in the Highway General Business (HGB) District.
5. 15.012.1 Hickey Property Subdivision, 10 Avery Street, Advisory Opinion to the
Zoning Board of Appeals in the Urban Residential-3 (UR-3) District.
6. 15.001 Saratoga Independent School, 459-539 Lake Ave., Site plan review of new
construction on a private school within the Rural Residential (RR) District.
7. 15.014 Subdivision of lands of Michael Magnatta, Jefferson St. & E Broadway, 2 lot
subdivision review within the UR-2 District.
8. 15.015 Skidmore College Falstaff Parking Expansion, 815 North Broadway, Site
plan review for parking lot expansion in the Institutional Educational (INST-ED)
District.
B. Approval of Minutes: February 11, 2015, March 11, 2015, April 22, 2015, May 13, 2015.
Revised 5/27/2015 1:16 PM
PLANNING BOARD MEETING AGENDA, PAGE 2
Next meeting: Wednesday June 10, 2015 (w/ Monday June 8, 2015 caravan & workshop)
Note: This agenda is subject to change. To verify the actual agenda prior to the meeting, please contact
the Planning Office at 587-3550 extension 2533 or the City of Saratoga Springs Website at
www.saratoga-springs.org
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