Jumel’s Future to be Decided Monday

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Four years after conceiving the idea to build an English garden style community on Jumel Place, Witt Construction, Inc. may break ground on its seven condo development as early as July, pending a June 20 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, which may be the last opportunity for those opposed to the plan to speak out. “I’m anticipating a favorable vote,” said John Witt, president of Witt Construction, Inc. A 29-year industry veteran, Witt has completed over 400 projects including townhomes, condos, custom homes, and remodeling. But there are over 500 people who oppose the plan, and Lake Avenue resident, Sam Brewton, has been the most vocal of the group. “He doesn’t have neighborhood support,” said Brewton, noting that neighbors were, in fact, on board with the idea in its earliest stages, but that was prior to details of the redevelopment plan being made available. Brewton said that as more specifics on the development were released, some neighbors and resident supporters have been “jumping ship,” a reaction Brewton credits to false information from the builder. Originally approved by the zoning board in 2014, plans for “Downton Walk” (formerly called Magnolia Lane) were delayed due to the death of the former landowner and a complicated probate process. At the time, Witt received approval for an area variance to erect seven detached single-family condominiums on the 0.8. acre lot, which is zoned Urban Residential 3 and requires relief for maximum number of buildings allowed (from one to seven), building coverage, setbacks, and a variance to construct an 8’ privacy fence around part of the perimeter. “We do not oppose Mr. Witt,” Brewton said of the opposition, “We want him to develop the space...just not this.” Brewton and a handful of other neighbors have invested over $6,000 in legal fees fighting the plan as it is, including a proposal to reconfigure it from seven units down to five, with the same return on investment to Witt that was projected in the original 2014 version. The compromise, according to Brewton, would be more in line with zoning and the surrounding neighborhood. Witt, however, believes the project will be mutually beneficial as is - adding housing and enhancing the neighborhood - and is confident it will pass on June 20 since no material changes were made to the original version approved two years ago. “It’s a great urban infill project,” said Witt, “I look at this more like a piece of artwork...something the whole city will be proud of, even the neighbors who were opposed to it will be proud.” Located about a block from East Side Recreation Park, materials for the two to four bedroom single-family condominiums include reclaimed brick, stucco, and knotty cyprus. Each unit includes a garage for 2+ cars and one designated guest spot. Other amenities include heated driveways, courtyards, and privacy fences. Prices for the single-family condominiums will range from $700,000 to $1,500,000. If approved, demolition of the existing structure at 27 Jumel Place - a 10,000 square foot circa 1950 structure, could begin as early as next month. After all units are sold, construction of Downton Walk would take about a year to complete. The public is encouraged to attend Monday’s meeting in what may be the last opportunity to discuss the future of the space. Brewton also plans to speak and submit the reconfiguration proposal. “We just want John Witt to hear the city, to hear us,” Brewton said. For more information on Downton Walk or Witt Construction, Inc., visit www.wittconstruction.com. An agenda for the upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals meeting is available at www.saratoga-springs.org.