Public to hear zoning details
Meeting to reveal findings in recent report planned for today
A public meeting to discuss the findings of a recently released Zoning Diagnostic Report is scheduled for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Music Hall at City Hall.
The Zoning Diagnostic Report is the first step in developing the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). According to a release from the Mayor’s Office, the report evaluates the effectiveness of the zoning ordinance, how well it is equipped to implement the 2015 Comprehensive Plan and provides an assessment of usability and clarity. A PDF of the document, and more information on the diagnostic report and UDO, can be found at saratogaspringsudo.com.
The Unified Development Ordinance, according to this document, is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Cleaner, Greener Communities program, “a major statewide initiative encouraging communities to incorporate sustainability goals and principles into local decision-making, and then form partnerships to transform markets that lead to the reduction of emissions and the generation of economic development benefits.”
The initiative plays into Saratoga Springs’ man-
tra of “health, history and horses” as the UDO will establish a unified zoning ordinance that coordinates reservation policies to improve the quality of life for Saratoga Springs citizens. Once established, the UDO will eventually replace the city’s existing zoning code.
Once the public meeting is conducted on Tuesday, the next steps will include collecting the various public comments and presenting them to the City Council at the City Council public meeting on October 18. Aside from Tuesday’s Zoning Diagnostic Report public meeting, residents can make their voice heard by submitting comments to saratoga.udo@gmail.com.
From there, comments on the diagnostic report will be evaluated when improving zoning standards that will be built into the UDO. Drafts will be released to the public as the UDO is built, with the City Council and Planning Board eventually holding a public hearing before officially adopting the UDO.
“The City of Saratoga Springs is pleased to present the results of the evaluation phase of the Unified Development Ordinance to the public,” said Mayor Joanne Yepsen in a statement. “The City looks forward to the public workshop and listening to the feedback regarding the general policy direction and items of concern.”
Members of the public and property and business owners are encouraged to attend the meeting on Tuesday with any comments, questions or concerns.