Public ponders zoning report

Comments offered on proposal that could help shape development in city

SARATOGA SPRINGS >> During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, an update was presented on a report that is intended to help create one unified code for development.

In September, the city released a Zoning Diagnostic Report, which is the first step in developing a Unified Development Ordinance.

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 draft of the document and more information can be found at saratogaspringsudo.com.

The UDO is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Cleaner, Greener Communities program, a statewide initiative encouraging cities to incorporate sustainability practices into local decision-making. An update on the UDO process also was presented Tuesday.

“We’re trying to keep everybody interested in this because there’s going to be a lot of different issues coming up that will effect people’s ability to build and grow,” Mayor Joanne Yepsen said Tuesday.

Michael Allen, a senior associate with Be-

han Planning and Design — consultants on the project — presented the updates and comments that they have received on the Zoning Diagnostic Report so far, which can be found on the website.

“The idea behind the Unified Development Ordinance is we’re trying to created a unified code that would combine the current zoning code, the subdivision code and other related development standards into one user friendly document and in keeping with Commissioner Madigan’s proposal on smart cities, part of that is trying to make government a little more streamlined and accessible,” Allen said.

The public has been sending reactions to the council on the Zoning Diagnostic Report since it was made public via letters and email.

The following is a sample of some of the comments received:

• Doug Haller writes: “I am writing to express my support of the proposal to include linear trails in the institutional parkland/recreation zoning classification as is proposed in the Streetscape section, item 12. While our current city leaders support open space protection, the future is hard to know. Different economic times and pressure can change policy. Railroad Run, Spring Run and any other trails should be protected by zoning. These trails are currently a mix of warehouse, residential and other zoning.”

• Maureen Curtin writes: “..In the September 6, 2016 UDO Zoning Diagnostic Report, page 37, you are recommending a significant change for determining lot size and width. Your recommendation is to ‘Review all of the current lot sizes and coverage percentages to ensure compatibility with existing lot sizes and neighborhood character.’ Residential Homeowners strongly oppose this.”

• The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation writes: “The Foundation is pleased that the report recognizes that the as the City of Saratoga Springs moves forward it must sustain growth and prosperity with compromising the city’s unique character, historic buildings, and open space which attract residents, businesses and visitors.”

The Foundation offers key issues they feel must be addressed in the UDO.

They can be found at the website.

Further comments, such as from The Chamber of Commerce and Sustainable Saratoga, can also be found online.