Planning Board approves three‑lot subdivision on Garfield Avenue with conditions

The Saratoga Springs Planning Board on Thursday approved a three‑lot subdivision on Garfield Avenue after extensive discussion with the applicant and neighbors about trees, drainage, road reconstruction and pedestrian lighting. The board approved the subdivision with conditions including coordination with the Department of Public Works (DPW) on drainage and an administrative review of final landscaping, lighting and tree‑protection measures. Developer Doug Heller of LA Group said the 0.55‑acre site includes three existing parcels; the project will create three zoning‑compliant lots with new water and sanitary mains and a dead‑end hydrant and manhole at the end of the new main. The board and neighbors pressed the applicant on saving mature oak trees; Heller said several on‑site oaks are dead or would be endangered by construction, but the project will preserve perimeter trees and add seven new street trees along Garfield and East Broadway. DPW staff and board members discussed whether Garfield Avenue reconstruction should be paid by the city or the developer; DPW staff said the city is obligated to maintain the street but could perform a narrower alley‑style reconstruction and that final funding/extent could be coordinated with staff. The board also required that the applicant coordinate a drainage plan for the nearby triangle at the East Broadway intersection and agreed to an administrative review by the chair to finalize tree preservation, identification of significant trees and any additional pedestrian lighting.