Saratoga Springs board grants variance for garage connection project

Saratoga Springs residents will see a new development as the Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance request for John and Linda Famosi during their meeting on July 14, 2025. The couple sought permission to connect their existing detached garage to their single-family home on Crescent Avenue, which will allow them to maintain a bedroom and bathroom within the garage structure.

The board granted a variance for a rear setback, reducing the requirement from 25 feet to 23.4 feet, a relief of 1.6 feet or 6.4%. This decision was made after careful consideration of the benefits to the applicants and the potential impact on the community. Board members noted that the applicants had demonstrated that the project could not be achieved through other feasible means and that the variance would not negatively alter the neighborhood's character or streetscape.

The board also acknowledged that the existing garage already sits at the requested setback, and the variance was necessary due to the change in the garage's status from an accessory structure to a principal one. The approval reflects the board's commitment to balancing individual property rights with community welfare.

As the public hearing closed, the board emphasized the importance of maintaining the neighborhood's integrity while allowing for necessary improvements to residential properties. The Famosis' project is expected to enhance their living space without adverse effects on the surrounding area, marking a positive step forward for homeowners in Saratoga Springs.