Author: John Kaufmann

https://twitter.com/protectheflames/status/1241696164782669824

This is by far the best comprehensive review regarding the pandemic that I have seen. 

Dr. Ashish Jha is, among other things, Professor of Global Health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Director of the Harvard Global Health Institute.

The presentation is about an hour long but well worth the time (especially as most of us are hunkered down)

So while hospital aids are risking their lives for their regular pay, and thousands are losing their jobs, Saratoga County has agreed to pay its “essential workers” time and a half. Given the current economic meltdown and the major financial problems ahead for local governments it’s hard to imagine the rationale for the county to add $320,000 a week to its budget to pay for this.

It is unclear how this decision was made. I contacted Supervisor Tara Gaston by email, and she responded that she was not involved in the decision. I did not bother to email Matt Veitch because he does not reply to my inquiries. I was told by a source that there was some sort of memo of understanding between the county and its unions. If Supervisor Gaston was not involved then I assume this was never voted on by the entire Board. The whole thing is rather murky. It is hard to understand how such a major decision like this could be made without a vote by the Board of Supervisors, but the history of the County adhering to proper procedures is not a happy one so anything is possible.

At the March 3 City Council meeting, City Attorney Vincent DeLeonardis, reviewed concerns raised by the public regarding the first draft of the Unified Development Ordinances (UDO). He also shared some of the changes being recommended by his team for the next draft.

These are the recommended changes he cited in his presentation:

1. The proposal to reduce the minimum lot size for the UR3 district of the city should be dropped.
2. The proposed reduction in the required side setbacks between houses should be dropped.
3. The proposal to allow “cottage court/Pocket Neighborhoods” should be removed. [JK: The closest thing to this concept would be the notorious Downton Walk on Jumel Place.]
4. The proposed list for allowed uses in the greenbelt should be culled. As an example of a use that should be removed he cited RV (Recreation Vehicle) parks.

Mr. DeLeonardis was careful in an email to me to qualify these changes as being “recommended.” I am assuming that the recommendations would be made to the consultants, Camiros, and that no final decision has been made. Still, it is reasonable to assume that as Camiros is under contract to the city, that recommendations made by the city would be accepted.

Let’s Hear It For Saratoga Springs!

Many of the people I have spoken to regarding the UDO cynically dismissed the value of submitting comments. Routinely I heard from them that public comment was a formality and that attempting to affect the outcome of the UDO was pointless.

I find this attitude understandable but very frustrating and fortunately many Saratogians did submit comments. Mayor Kelly, her deputy Lisa Shields, and City Attorney Vincent DeLeonardis spent many hours not only at the four public sessions they ran but at individual meetings with neighbors. I can only report to the readers of this blog that they were sincerely interested in the concerns of the people of our city.

My conversations with the other members of the City Council were similarly marked by an openness to the concerns they were hearing from the public.

I can understand why people feel cynical. The history of the land use boards and the city Planning Staff has not been good. The travesty of Downton Walks is a poster child for the indifference and at times condescension that concerned neighbors had to endure when trying to raise their concerns with these institutions.

Still, times change. The administration of Mayor Kelly is very different from the world we endured when Scott Johnson was Mayor.

This city can rightfully be proud of how we as a community have evolved.

For Release: Immediate Date: March 16, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

Saratoga Springs Update on New York State-Wide Restrictions

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly provides an update on new statewide restrictions announced by Governor Andrew Cuomo:

In conjunction with New Jersey Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a series of state-wide restrictions in a press conference that will go into effect at 8 PM on Monday, March 16, 2020.

These restrictions will apply to all Saratoga Springs businesses until further notice. They include:

 A limit on crowd capacity for recreational and social gatherings to 50 people. o This follows updated guidance that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued yesterday recommending the cancellation or postponement of in-person events consisting of 50 people or more.  Restaurants and bars will close on-premise services and move to take-out and delivery only. o These establishments will be provided a waiver for carry-out alcohol.  Movie theaters, gyms and, casinos will temporarily close.

These new restrictions have been deemed necessary by Governor Cuomo amid a lack of national uniform standards. He said, “New York is partnering with our neighboring states to implement a uniform standard that not only keeps our people safe but also prevents ‘state shopping’ where residents of one state travel to another and vice versa. I have called on the federal government to implement nationwide protocols but in their absence we are taking this on ourselves.”

Saratoga Springs Mayor Meg Kelly and Commissioner of Public Safety Robin Dalton agree with the Governor, adding “Saratoga Springs is known for being a destination city, including our renowned restaurants and tourist attractions, but nothing is more important than the health and safety of our City’s most cherished resources: its residents and workers. Only by working with the state and federal governments can we ensure that we will remain a safe, healthy, and vibrant city.”

Hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and other essential businesses will remain open until changed by a further order.

[JK: I received this press release today (Sunday March 15, 2020)]

CITY HALL 474 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Telephone 518-587-3550

Meg Kelly Mayor

Robin Dalton Commissioner of Public Safety

For Release: Immediate Date: March 15, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

Saratoga Springs Officials Release Update on City Operations All essential services will continue including Fire, Police, and outside DPW operations.

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Mayor Meg Kelly and Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton provide an update to City services, as well as the community resources available for the public:

The City Council announced on Friday, March 13 that the City of Saratoga Springs has declared a State of Emergency. City Hall offices will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 16 until rescinded by a further order.

The City Police Department, Fire/EMS Department, and vital Public Works staff will continue to operate as normal. If you have a lifethreatening emergency, please call 911. Call your health care provider FIRST if you have any concerns over your health and possible exposure to COVID-19.

The City Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on March 17, but the public will not be allowed to attend in person. The public is encouraged to email Mayor Kelly’s office at Meg.Kelly@Saratoga-Springs.org with any questions or comments they would like to have entered into the record. City Council meetings will be live streamed through our website and our Facebook page.

The City Land Use Boards are cancelled for at least the next two weeks, including the March 27 meeting.

City Department Contacts:

 Accounts Department: o 518-210-3243 (Marilyn Rivers, Director of Risk and Safety)  Mayor’s Department: o 518-414-2118 (Lisa Shields, Deputy Mayor)  Public Safety Department: o 911 (Emergency) o 518-584-1800 (Police Department Non-Emergency) o 518-587-3599 (Fire Department Non-Emergency) o 518-265-6485 (Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety)  Public Works Department: o 518-584-3356 (Department Dispatch)  Finance Department: o Finance will be communicating regarding City payments (taxes, utility bills, etc.). Please check the City website for updates

Residents are encouraged to visit the City’s website at http://www.Saratoga-Springs.org to receive updates on City operations. Parking tickets, utilities and taxes are payable online via the “Make a Payment” link on the City Website’s homepage.
Information Links:

Health Care — https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/publichealth/

Courts — http://www.nycourts.gov

Schools — http://www.SaratogaSchools.org The Saratoga Springs School District is closed effective immediately through Sunday April 19.

Please visit the City’s website at http://www.Saratoga-Springs.org to receive updates on City operations.

Mayor Meg Kelly and Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton have announced that as of 5:30 tonight (March 13) the city is in a state of emergency due to the threat of COVID-19.

City Offices will be closed to the public until at least March 20.

City Council meetings will continue and be live streamed but will be closed to the public.

All land-use board meetings are canceled for the next two weeks.

---

FOR RELEASE: Immediately

FROM THE OFFICE OF MAYOR MEG KELLY

Contact:

Meg Kelly, Mayor 518.226.9250 (cell) meg.kelly@saratoga-springs.org

Robin Dalton, Commissioner of Public Safety 518.290.1333 (cell) robin.dalton@saratoga-springs.org

Mayor Meg Kelly, City of Saratoga Springs, announces that the City of Saratoga Springs has declared a State of Emergency effective 5:30 PM on March 13, 2020 and will remain in effect until rescinded by a subsequent order.

The State of Emergency has been declared due to the threat that COVID-19 poses to the health and welfare of the City of Saratoga Springs residents, visitors, and employees.

The City is operating in accordance with its City Emergency Management Plan, created in collaboration with the Risk and Safety Department, Police and Fire Departments, all other City departments, insurance and other experts in the field, and voted on by City Council. At this time, the Mayor and the Commissioner of Public Safety are the Points of Information to the public.

This declaration means that City Hall offices will be closed to the general public for at least the next five business days, Monday, March 16, 2020 through Friday, March 20, 2020.

City Council Meetings will be held as usual; they will be live streamed and taped, but are closed to the public. The public is free to submit comments by email relative to any agenda item. All Land Use Board meetings and workshops are canceled for the two weeks, including March 16, 2020 through March 27, 2020.

The Public Works, Police and Fire Departments will continue operating, uninterrupted.

For more information and continued updates, please check the City website at http://www.saratoga-springs.org, as well as City social media

For Immediate Release
Contact: Commissioner of Public Safety, Robin Dalton Telephone: 518-587-3550, ext. 2627; (518) 290-1333 Email: Robin.Dalton@Saratoga-Springs.org
SARATOGA SPRINGS CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE

The City of Saratoga Springs is closely monitoring the spread of coronavirus and today has confirmed two cases of COVID-19 in Saratoga County. The infected individuals are selfquarantined and are receiving support as needed from the city and county.

We encourage all residents to be diligent about staying home if you are not feeling well or are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Continue to take simple actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

 Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.  Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available.  Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.  Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The city has been extensively preparing for potentially infected individuals, including identification, methods of quarantine and methods of monitoring patients. Our first responders in the Saratoga Springs Fire and Police Departments have been educated on the proper approach to manage a suspected case that best protects the staff and patient.

For more information on the virus, symptoms and preventing the spread of germs, please refer to Saratoga County Public Health and the CDC recommendations.

Sustainable Saratoga has a variety of concerns as to how the UDO addresses issues in the greenbelt including the document’s odd proposal to grant density bonuses to developers for taking actions that they are already required to take. It is hard to understand how this found its way into the UDO.

The 2015 Comprehensive Plan referred to what most of us consider to be the greenbelt as the “Country Overlay Area.” As the UDO is supposed to be consistent with the Comp Plan, Sustainable reminds the public of the commitment written into the Comp Plan to protect what is left of the greenbelt.

Sustainable offers the following:

It [The Comprehensive Plan] directs the city to “maintain the greenbelt by restricting incompatible uses and the intensity of development” (CP 3.4-2). Its Vision Statement does not envision commercial uses. Among the recommended actions in the Comprehensive Plan are to maintain and promote “an outlying area of rural character, comprised of agriculture, open lands, natural and diverse environmental resources, and low-density residential development.”

Sustainable identifies troubling new “uses” the UDO is listing for the greenbelt. Twenty-five new uses are being proposed. They write:

“The greenbelt should not contain large institutional or recreational uses, social service establishments, tourist accommodations, retail commercial establishments and multifamily dwellings.”

“In addition, the definitions of these uses are too broad and expansive. Specifically, we believe that the following uses are not compatible with the vision for the greenbelt, and strongly recommend that they be reconsidered:”

They recommend that the following uses proposed in the UDO be removed:

Animal Care Facility – Small Animal with No Outdoor Area
• Animal Grooming Establishment
• Campground
• Children’s Home
• Community Center
• County Club
• Day Care: Social Adult Care
• Dwelling – Historic Carriage Houses
• Educational Facility – Primary or Secondary
• Family-Type Home for Adults
• Greenhouse/Nursery – Retail (current definition would allow a Home Depot store)
• Inn
• Lodging House
• Marina
• Micro-Production of Alcohol (current definition has retail store and tasting room)
• Parks and playgrounds (current definition includes large indoor gyms)
• Private/Social Clubs
• Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park
• Rooming Houses (all six types)
• Shelter, Domestic Violence

The UDO draft would expand the authority of the city’s Planning Board by allowing them to issue Special Use Permits for these uses. Sustainable argues this would give “excessive discretionary power” to the Planning Board to allow uses in the greenbelt that appear inconsistent with the rural character of the greenbelt as envisioned in the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

The UDO draft includes support for Tier 3 solar systems (solar farms) and wind farms with the issuance of “Special Use Permits” by the Planning Board. The problem is that the UDO draft does not include rigorous site location and development standards. This invites abuse. There is the real threat that large scale installations of solar fields and wind power could have a variety of negative impacts on the RR (greenbelt) district.

Sustainable supports solar farms and wind farms in the greenbelt but calls for detailed design standards and regulations that ensure that these projects “will not have significant negative impacts on important environmental resources…”

Sustainable advocates that rural design standards developed to protect the rural character of the greenbelt should be extended to all development in the greenbelt.

• The “rural character” design standards that have been developed and made mandatory for conservation subdivisions should be extended and made mandatory for all projects in the greenbelt, not just those involving subdivisions. They should be made mandatory for all projects
requiring approval of the Planning Board, the Design Review Board, and those requiring permits

In addition Sustainable points out that the UDO is offering density bonuses to developers who agree to protect important environmental resources. Developers are already required to do this, however. Sustainable argues density bonuses should not be offered for environmental protections that are already required in the district.

Sustainable Saratoga praised a number of provisions contained in the UDO. Here are some they listed:

1. Downtown Building Height and Design Guidelines. [JK: One of the potential threats to positive downtown development is creating the “cavern” effect. This is where large buildings on both sides of a street cut off light and create an unsettling, tunnel environment. There are actually formulas for avoiding this. There is a ratio of building heights relative to the width of the street and sidewalk that separates them. This is the difference between the lovely atmosphere on Broadway as compared to the oppressive canyon that is Railroad Place. Sustainable feels the UDO guidelines will make use of these formlas.]

2. Some improvements in outdoor lighting standards

3. Some stronger protections for wetland buffers

4. New requirements for vehicle electric re-charging stations

5. New requirements for bicycle parking

6. Continued prohibition of Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) in the RR district (Greenbelt)

7. Sign posting requirements for project applicants. [JK: The UDO would require (with some caveats) that prominent signs be posted on sites where project applications are pending before the Planning Board, Design Review, or Zoning Board of Appeals. So if one of your neighbors, for instance, were applying to expand a porch beyond the required setback or erecting another structure on their property that required a variance, they would need to put a sign up on their property alerting the neighbors to their application.]

8. Good progress toward stronger, more consistent guidelines for tree preservation, planting, maintenance, and protection