Residents Fret as Drive-Thrus Rise Behind Their Backyards

Residents of Steele Ridge Townhomes Voice Concerns Over Noise and Light Pollution

Residents of townhomes in the Steele Ridge Development have raised serious concerns about noise and light pollution encroaching on their private spaces. The issue stems from the construction of drive-thru facilities behind their backyards, which has led to a significant disruption in their daily lives.

The development, located near Crossroads Boulevard and Riverside Drive, includes several businesses currently under construction. Approximately 20 townhomes are situated along Seagull Lane, with their backyards directly adjacent to the commercial site. This proximity has created a unique set of challenges for residents who now find themselves living just steps away from ongoing construction and future operations.

Jill Dusek, one of the townhome residents, moved into her home in September 2022. She was aware that the empty lot behind her property would eventually be developed. “I looked at the plans before purchasing, and it showed the buildings would be along the street and parking lots up against the fence,” she explained. “I thought, ‘OK, that’s livable.’”

However, as construction progressed, Dusek noticed an increasing amount of dirt being dumped onto the land, raising the ground level significantly above her backyard. She reached out to city officials, only to be informed that the developers had the right to alter their land as they saw fit.

Initially, Dusek attempted to gather support from her neighbors, but many of the homes were rentals, and the tenants were not interested in joining her cause. As time passed, construction began on four drive-thru facilities along the back of the townhomes. From her second-floor window, Dusek can now see directly into one of these drive-thrus, further intensifying her concerns.

At a planning meeting in March 2024, Dusek voiced her opinion, stating that the development would be a "nuisance" and a threat to the privacy of the townhome residents. She was assured by the developer that fences would be installed to shield residents from the businesses, along with other buffers to help mitigate the impact.

Despite this promise, Dusek remains skeptical. A 6-foot-tall vinyl fence will be placed on top of a nearly 4-foot retaining wall, but she believes it will do little to block the noise from cars and business speakers or prevent accidents where a vehicle might end up in her backyard.

Dusek purchased the townhome after a divorce, and she never intended it to be her long-term home. However, she is now worried that the development has negatively impacted the property value, making it difficult for her to recoup her investment when she eventually moves.

Saratoga Springs city spokeswoman AnnElise Harrison explained that the Steele Ridge property has been zoned as commercial for many years. She emphasized that the city has worked to ensure all legal obligations for both residential and commercial property owners are met. “The city is being proactive in helping these residents address their concerns and working with the developer to resolve them,” Harrison said.

Dusek has tried reaching out to Colliers, the developer, but has yet to receive a response. She described the company as unresponsive, citing issues such as dirt blowing into homes and flooding caused by construction activities.

Brandon Goodman, executive vice president at Colliers, acknowledged that new developments often raise concerns among residents. He stated that the company has worked closely with local officials throughout the planning and approval process, following all guidelines for grading, drainage, and building standards. “We’re open to constructive conversations and happy to speak directly with residents who have specific concerns,” he said.

Goodman also highlighted that the project has been designed to minimize impacts through strategic positioning of buildings and landscaping. He noted that drive-thru tenants are in high demand, and the development aims to provide buffers to reduce disruptions.

Despite these assurances, Dusek remains concerned about the potential for overwhelming parking lots, long drive-thru lines, and constant noise from diesel trucks and speakers. She feels that the city has not adequately considered the needs of residents during the development process.

Another major concern for Dusek is the issue of light pollution. She worries that street lamps and building lights will shine into her backyard, disrupting her quality of life. While the developers claim that the site plans meet required lighting standards, Harrison mentioned that some lights will be turned off at 10 p.m. to be considerate of residents.

Dusek is pushing for the city to adopt an ordinance that would prohibit businesses from operating 24/7, aiming to protect residents from noise and light pollution at all hours. She believes that current laws have been favoring developers over residents’ well-being.

As the city continues to grow and develop, balancing the needs of residents with the demands of commercial projects remains a challenge. For Dusek and others in her community, the hope is that their voices will be heard and that future developments will take their concerns into account.