Planning Board Discusses Drainage and Sidewalks for Lexington Square Development

The Saratoga Springs City Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting held on July 28, 2025, focused on a proposed development project in the Lexington area, addressing various concerns related to drainage, lot lines, and sidewalk requirements.

The meeting began with a discussion on the necessity of a comprehensive stormwater and drainage plan, which the planning board had mandated. The developer acknowledged the requirement and confirmed that the necessary documentation had been provided.

A significant point of discussion revolved around the existing lot lines and front setbacks in the neighborhood. The developer expressed challenges in accurately measuring these distances due to the irregular alignment of the proposed road and existing homes. It was noted that historical approvals for the neighborhood date back to the 1970s, complicating the retrieval of precise measurements. The board suggested reviewing individual building permit applications and associated site plans to clarify front yard setbacks.

The topic of sidewalks was also raised. While the existing development lacks sidewalks, the planning board has not yet mandated their inclusion in the new project. The developer indicated that the board would consider the absence of sidewalks in the current neighborhood when making a decision on this requirement.

Board members expressed appreciation for the adjustments made to the development plan, noting that reducing the number of variances from 54 to 14 was a positive step. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of maintaining consistent lot shapes in the proposed development.

Overall, the ZBA meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to balance development needs with community standards, ensuring that all aspects of the project are thoroughly evaluated before moving forward. Further discussions and decisions regarding the project are anticipated in future meetings.