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Design Review Board approves revised 1.5‑car garage at 19 George Street, citing tree protection compromise
Summary
After feedback at a previous meeting, the applicant revised the design for a one‑and‑a‑half‑car garage at 19 George Street and the board approved the project; applicant moved the building back to try to preserve a sugar maple in the rear yard.
The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board approved a revised application for a one‑and‑a‑half‑car garage at 19 George Street on June 26, concluding the applicant’s adjustments reasonably addressed the board’s earlier concerns about siting and tree preservation.
Tonya Yasenchak of Y Engineering told the board the revised design reduces the garage footprint and pushes the structure further north than originally proposed, a change intended to preserve a sugar maple in the rear yard. She said the modified plan reduces excavation near tree roots by using a slab foundation and a smaller second‑story storage area.
Board members praised the applicant’s responsiveness. One member said, “Nobody wants to suggest that historic trees should be cut down to build a garage. And I think that this this is a pretty workable solution.” Several members said the proportions and materials proposed — standing‑seam metal roof, wood siding, wood windows and a barn‑style side door — were compatible with the neighborhood and with the historic district’s guidelines.
Samantha Bosshardt of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation had previously submitted a letter noting the building is “non‑contributing” to the Broadway Historic District but praising other buildings the foundation felt more worthy of preservation; she told the board the foundation differentiated the current structure from more significant examples on North Broadway.
The board approved the application as submitted and the motion passed. The applicant will proceed to finalize construction documents and follow standard permit steps; any required building permits and tree‑protection measures must meet city requirements.
Ending: The board’s approval is for the DRB‑level architectural review as presented; any changes in siting or materials will require board review or administrative approval per city rules.
