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Author: Dylan McGlynn

BALLSTON SPA STUDENT-ATHLETES SIGN COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Sports.

From left: Jacob Armer, Charlie Burmaster, Sean Dwyer, Dominick Zichelli, Shane Slezak, Troy Gottmann are pictured with their families during a signing ceremony at Ballston Spa High School on Thursday (Photo by Super Source Media Studios).

BALLSTON SPA — Six graduating student-athletes from Ballston Spa High School officially signed letters of intent to play Division I and II collegiate sports at a ceremony on Thursday.

Four seniors on the varsity boys lacrosse team will be competing in college. Sean Dwyer, Dominick Zichelli, and Troy Gottmann each committed to The College of St. Rose, while Charlie Burmaster committed to Franklin Pierce University.

Shane Slezak is committed to The College of St. Rose for baseball, while Jacob Armer is committed to St. Bonaventure University for track and field.

Dwyer said the trio of St. Rose lacrosse commits are “super close,” noting that they have played together from a young age.

“I think the chemistry is going to be off the charts there, because I’ve been playing with them for so long,” said Dwyer.

“Yeah, we already know how each other plays, so it’s going to be a lot easier to develop chemistry, like he said,” added Zichelli.

Zichelli said he is excited to spend four more years with his teammates, while Gottmann added the three players are like “a family.”

“They’ve got my back, I’ve got theirs,” said Gottmann. “It’s always been like that, and it’s not going to stop in college.”

Burmaster, who will play lacrosse at Franklin Pierce, said the Ravens’ coaching staff stood out in his decision, and offered thanks to his teammates and coaches for their support.

“They’ve really helped me grow as a player and a person, on and off the field,” Burmaster said. “I really give them credit for giving me the opportunity to be able to look at and go to a good college like this.”

Franklin Pierce and St. Rose are each members of the Northeast-10 Conference, with Burmaster adding that he is looking forward to facing his high school teammates.

Slezak, committed to St. Rose for baseball, said the school is “a perfect fit” for him.

“They have a very good business program, and that’s what I’d like to pursue,” said Slezak. “Everything just all added up for the decision to go there.”

He said his time with the Scotties’ varsity baseball team “meant a lot.”

“I learned a bunch from Coach Nobles,” Slezak said. “My teammates, I’ve played with them all since I was very young. So being able to go out there and compete with all of them, it was a very good time.”

Armer, committed to St. Bonaventure for track and field, said the campus felt like a “second home already” upon his first visit. 

“It feels great,” said Armer of his commitment. “My coaches supported me, my teammates supported me, my family. The drives to practice, the meets, everything.”

Armer said he is looking forward to competing with his new team.

“Just seeing where my new coaches and my team can take me, what I can do with myself and the hard work that I put in,” Armer said.

See below for a full list of Ballston Spa student-athletes who signed letters of intent to Division I and II schools on Thursday:

• Jacob Armer (St. Bonaventure University, Track and Field)

• Charlie Burmaster (Franklin Pierce University, Lacrosse)

• Sean Dwyer (The College of St. Rose, Lacrosse)

• Troy Gottmann (The College of St. Rose, Lacrosse)

• Shane Slezak (The College of St. Rose, Baseball)

• Dominick Zichelli (The College of St. Rose, Lacrosse)

Saratoga County 4-H Begins Construction Of New Educational Center: 4-H Seeking Donations To ‘Lead The Legacy’ Campaign

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Education, Featured.

Photo provided by Greg Stevens.

BALLSTON SPA — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County has announced the groundbreaking of a new educational center at the 4-H Training Center.

The 3,650-square foot facility will be a Community STEM and Agricultural Educational Center, according to a press release. Greg Stevens, a program leader at the 4-H Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, said it will contain three additional classrooms and ADA-compliant bathrooms. 

“Our hope for this facility is that we’re providing not only three additional classrooms for our 4-H programs, but in addition, we’re providing meeting space for the community, for Saratoga County residents, for other youth service organizations, adult service organizations,” said Stevens. “We’re really trying to make our 4-H Training Center a hub of activity in Saratoga County.”

One classroom will be used primarily as a 4-H STEM classroom, while the other two classrooms will be adjoining with a dividing wall, according to information on the CCE Saratoga website. The ADA-accessible restrooms will also contain showers.

Stevens said the project initially began roughly eight years ago, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Eight years ago, the 4-H Program Committee that I had at that time was tasked with identifying what we need out at our 44-acre facility,” Stevens said. “At that time, we were basically maxed out of the space to provide any other programming that we do, whether it be agriculture, STEM, 4-H shooting sports.” 

After reviewing multiple options, Stevens said the group ultimately decided to construct a new building on the property. 

“In the end, we landed on, ‘Let’s build new,’” said Stevens. “Let’s provide not only meeting space, but restrooms that are not only accessible to the new building, but are also accessible to folks that may want to use our pavilions, maybe using the pond to fish, or even the green space for any types of community events.”

He said many of the 4-H programs have seen strong involvement since the end of the pandemic.

“Ideally, we’re looking to make this a state-of-the-art classroom,” Stevens said. “We have a very large robotics program, and we’re looking for more space for them to meet. All of our programming since COVID has really rebounded, and the time is now.”

Saratoga County 4-H has the largest 4-H robotics program in New York State, according to the CCE Saratoga website. 

The pandemic delayed fundraising for the project, and 4-H is currently seeking donations for the ‘Lead the Legacy’ campaign to help reach their target goal of $500,000. Currently, they have raised nearly $400,000, according to the release.

Financial support has been provided by Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family Foundation, Curtis Lumber, the Golub Foundation, and The Alfred Z. Solomon Charitable Trust among others, the release states.

The 4-H group is looking for assistance in reaching their total goal of $500,000. For more information, visit https://ccesaratoga.org/4-h-youth-development/lead-the-legacy.

“We’ve raised about three-quarters of what we need to make it as we envision,” said Stevens. “We have enough to build the shell of the building, but we’re really still in need of some folks to help find not only our mission important, but the training center facility itself as a desirable location, and help support us getting over the top.”

Construction on the building initially began in mid-April. Stevens said that while contractors have not given a timeline, he hopes the facility can be opened by the fall.

“It’s been going really fast, and really well,” Stevens said. “All these people that are doing the work for us out there have really stepped up in the name of 4-H. … We’re excited about the future of our program, and the future of the 4-H Training Center.”

Athlete of the Week: Jenna Amodio, Saratoga Girls Lacrosse

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Photo provided by Jennifer Furze.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs varsity girls lacrosse team beat Shaker on May 24 for its first Section 2 title since 2018, and the Blue Streaks’ sophomore goaltender played a major role in the team’s return to the top of Class A.

Jenna Amodio, Saratoga’s goalie, made 10 saves on 15 shots in the sectional championship, helping guide the Blue Streaks to an 8-5 win over the Blue Bison.

Amodio recorded 170 saves on the season, her second year as the team’s starting goaltender. Head coach Jennifer Furze said Amodio has “always been a standout.”

“She’s so quick, her instincts are just so fast,” said Furze. “She’s just an athlete, across the board.”

Amodio also plays hockey, and held an important role as a defender for the Adirondack United varsity girls hockey team in their run to the state championship game in February. She spent the previous winter playing with the Saratoga varsity boys hockey team.

“She never shuts down. Even on crease drives and things like that, she’ll come out and challenge the ball,” Furze said. “She’s not afraid of getting hit. She gets hit a lot. … She’s just an aggressive goaltender.”

Amodio has also stepped up in the postseason for the Blue Streaks on multiple occasions. In addition to this year’s sectional title game, her strong performance as a freshman helped Saratoga pull off an upset victory over top-seeded Bethlehem in triple overtime during last year’s Section 2 Class A semifinals.

“She was so instrumental in that win,” said Furze. “When we get into these high-intensity, pressured games, Jenna just comes up big for us. She thrives from it.”

Furze, who helped lead the Blue Streaks to a sectional championship in her first season as varsity coach, said the feeling is “surreal.” However, she also said that she recognized the team’s potential early on.

“From the beginning of the season, I saw the potential in this team. The connections, both on and off the field,” Furze said. “From very early on in the season, I just thought they had what it takes. … So I wasn’t entirely surprised, but just very excited for them.”

Furze said she is “so happy” she took the varsity role, saying she feels fortunate to coach the team.

“We had such a great, rewarding season,” said Furze. “It was awesome.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS LITTLE LEAGUE HOSTS OPENING DAY CEREMONY

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, Sports.


Players and coaches sit on the Majors Field during the Saratoga Springs Little League opening day ceremony on May 6.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs Little League held its opening day ceremony on Saturday, kicking off yet another season at West Side Recreation Park.

The ceremony was originally scheduled for April 29, but was delayed due to weather. Players and coaches ran onto the Majors Field as each team was announced during the ceremony. 

The Little League Pledge was read by Ethan Booth, and the national anthem was sung by SSHS student Abby DeGregory. The league’s 12-year-old players received jackets donated by Janet Fitzpatrick, who donates customized jackets each year to players who age out of SSLL. Fitzpatrick is sponsoring two SSLL teams this year. 

SSLL president Derrick LeGall spoke, thanking those in attendance.

“I am humbled, I am honored to be here today,” said LeGall. “Thank you for coming out today. Last week just wasn’t meant to be, but today, the gods are smiling down on us. We have a beautiful day, and I want to say welcome to each and every one of you.”

LeGall thanked coaches, parents, and families, saying, “You make this possible.” He also thanked the SSLL Board of Directors for their dedication.

“One of the things that make us so great is the people that are standing behind me and around me,” LeGall said. “I had somebody text me two days ago, they used to be a coach and a parent in this league, and they said, ‘I rode by the fields, and they look amazing.’ And it’s because of these folks back here that help keep these fields playable and safe for each and every one of the kids.”

He also addressed the players, encouraging them to follow their dreams and ignore negativity.

“Each one of you have dreams, dreams that one day you will make it to the major leagues,” said LeGall. “Dreams that one day, you will become a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer, or maybe a teacher. Please know that your dreams are attainable. Don’t let anyone discourage you from reaching those goals.”

He emphasized that the league’s focus is on building character and creating memories for each kid.

“We are not trying to create major league baseball players here,” LeGall said. “We are trying to build character for good citizenship. … That’s what it’s all about. Getting along and getting together.”

LeGall also highlighted the current varsity baseball team at Saratoga Springs, saying eight players on the varsity squad played Little League at West Side Rec. Blue Streaks’ senior infielder Orion Lansing threw out the ceremonial first pitch to SSLL player Jude Miller at Saturday’s ceremony.

“So kids, continue to follow your dreams,” said LeGall. “One day, I’m hoping to see you on our varsity team.”

Ballston Spa Baseball Looking to ‘Win each day’

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Sports.


Headshot photos by Super Source Media Studios

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa varsity baseball team has battled through adversity this season, and the Scotties are looking to put it all together as they hit the home stretch of the regular season.

Head coach Curtis Nobles, in his 10th season as the Scotties’ head coach, said he feels the team experiencing ups and downs in the early portion of the season will benefit them down the line.

“Baseball’s not always meant to be perfect,” said Nobles. “The fact that we’ve experienced ups and downs, I feel more equipped to be going in toward the second half of the season, trying to fight for a way for playoffs, versus kind of on cruise control.”

He also noted that the Scotties have played in several tight games already, including a one-run victory over La Salle Institute and one-run losses to Shenendehowa and Christian Brothers Academy.

“So we’re right there,” Nobles said. “Sometimes you don’t see the fruits of your labor until you have success.”

Senior first baseman/outfielder Matt Arnold echoed this, saying adversity can prepare the team moving forward.

“We faced some good teams, so we did face some adversity,” said Arnold. “Those were all really good games, really close games, and I do feel like that’s helped shape us to kind of where we’re at right now.”

The Scotties have been led offensively by Arnold, junior Blaine Zoller, and sophomores James Haughton and Mike Pritchard, among others. Nobles also highlighted two of the team’s pitchers, senior Nick Rychcik and freshman Jameson Hotaling.

“(Rychcik) was a reliever last year, he stepped into the role of a starting position,” said Nobles. “He’s been giving us quality innings. Jameson Hotaling, who’s a freshman, has been totally nothing but growth and maturation. He’s a guy to watch coming up, for sure.”

As the Scotties move through the second half of their schedule, Nobles said they will look to “win each day.”

“We’re trying to be humble and hungry. We want to take it one day at a time,” Nobles said. “Trying to get guys to be more present, be in the moment. Don’t practice to play, practice to be successful. We’ve got to win today first.”

“Our mindset right now is to take it one game at a time,” added Arnold. “Stay focused on us, stay locked in on us. I feel like that’s really going to help us in the long run.”

Ballston Spa Softball Building Momentum

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Sports.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa varsity softball team began 2023 with a young team, but one with “a lot of potential,” said head coach Amanda Fifield. Entering May, the team has turned that potential into success, with the Scotties earning wins in five of their last six games.

The team finished the 2022 campaign with a 12-10 record, falling to Shenendehowa in the Section 2 Class AA semifinals. The Scotties have no seniors on this year’s roster, and return a strong group of players from last season’s squad.

Fifield said the team having no seniors is “definitely a unique situation.”

“I think it’s the first time ever in my coaching career I haven’t had a senior as a varsity coach,” Fifield said. “With each day, it’s like, ‘Oh yeah, this team’s coming back for two years.’ So there’s so much to build from.”

The Scotties are 9-5 overall and 5-4 in the Suburban Council so far this season. Fifield highlighted pitching as one of the team’s strong suits this season, with the duo of junior Hadley Donnelly and sophomore Livia Wiltsie.

“Our pitchers are definitely, I would say, the strongest aspect of our team,” said junior catcher Calleigh Sisk. “They both work really hard. … They definitely help our team just keep the energy up, and they’re just great players.”

Fifield also said Sisk, junior shortstop Natalia Guthrie, and sophomore first baseman Madelyn Perrone have been important parts of the team this season. 

“(Madelyn) doesn’t carry herself like a sophomore, she carries herself like a junior or senior, one of those upperclassmen,” Fifield said of Perrone. “Having that experience coming back, it doesn’t matter how young or how old you are, it’s all about the experience.”

The Scotties have also seen important contributions at the plate from juniors Carlie Koebbeman and Abigail Stagl, and freshman Carina DeCenzo, among others.

Fifield said one of the team’s goals is to reach base as much as possible, saying this will “allow the bigger pieces to happen.”

Donnelly said the Scotties will look to “come together as a team,” and take things one game at a time as they move through the rest of the season.

“Overall, just keep a positive team dynamic through the whole thing, and just take it one game at a time,” said Donnelly. “Hopefully, that will lead us to sectionals. … But right now, it’s just one game at a time and little successes.”

Larry Gordon Outdoor Education Center At Camp Saratoga Receives $100,000 Donation From Stewart’s Shops & The Dake Family

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Education.

Photo by Dylan McGlynn

WILTON — The Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park received some major support from Stewart’s Shops and the Dake family on Friday, with a donation of $100,000 to aid in the transformation of Camp Saratoga from a former Boy Scout camp to the Larry Gordon Outdoor Education Center.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park is working to transform the camp into a year-round outdoor education center, named after Larry Gordon, longtime director of the Saratoga County Planning Board who was dedicated to protecting and supporting the camp.

Gordon was also on the Board of Directors for Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Parks, served as committee chair for the Town of Wilton Open Space, Recreation and Trails Plan, and participated in a wide variety of volunteer work. He was a life member of the Greenfield Fire Department, served 35 years as a fire warden for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and was appointed to the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Commission.

Gordon also visited Camp Saratoga as a Boy Scout, and went on to serve 20 years on the executive board of the Saratoga County Council and Twin Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

“These funds will help Larry’s vision well into the future,” said Town of Wilton Supervisor John Lant. “I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Dake for their very, very generous donation to the project. I want to thank all those involved in making this happen.”

“I want to express our deepest appreciation for the incredible generosity shown by Stewart’s Shops and the Dake family with this donation for the Larry Gordon Outdoor Education Center at the Town of Wilton’s Camp Saratoga,” said Matthew Miczek, Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park Co-Chair. “We are proud to have Larry Gordon’s name attached to this project, a man many of us personally knew and enjoyed gathering with. Larry spent a great deal of his life protecting, enhancing, and promoting conservation of these great lands here at Camp Saratoga, and throughout the county.”

Miczek said the funds will help expand programs and services, and help Wilton Wildlife reach more people. He said the project will begin by transforming the Boy Scout Health Lodge into a welcome center for the park. 

Other phases will include renovations of the Ranger Cabin to both a nature center and display center for Gordon’s collection of Scout memorabilia, and renovations of the Winter Lodge to a multi-purpose classroom. Miczek said the Town of Wilton’s grounds maintenance team will handle renovations on the property.

The renovations will allow for the Larry Gordon Education Center to become a year-round facility with permanent locations for its educational offerings. The Education Center will host exhibits on plants, animals, the ecology of the Saratoga Sandplains, and on the human history of the area.

Gordon’s collection will contain a variety of documents and materials showcasing the history of scouting within Saratoga County.

The camp currently has trails, pavilions, restrooms, and camping facilities. It is located in the nearly 2,400-acre Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, and has access to over 25 miles of trails.

Trish Watkins, Gordon’s wife, spoke of his love for the park and his work there, saying he would often greet new visitors to the park and attempt to establish a connection with them.

“If I told you that Larry came down to this parking lot at least 10 times every day, I would not be exaggerating,” said Watkins. “He was a self-appointed one-man welcome committee. … (Larry) came here as a youth, as a scout, so it held a very special place in his heart. He wanted others to be able to enjoy that same special memory that he had.”

Bill Dake, Chairman of Stewart’s Shops, spoke of his time serving on the Saratoga County Planning Board with Gordon, saying he often went above and beyond at his job as the Saratoga County Planner. Gordon spent 33 years as director of the county’s Planning Board.

“When he came and started working on this area, which was his true love, he had all these assets and tricks and ideas and contacts that he had,” Dake said. “We’re here today because of those, I believe. … This was really Larry’s love. Please, keep in mind what an asset he has given us. Let’s appreciate it.”

Skatepark Ramps Up – East Side Rec Skatepark to be Renovated, Expected Completion by End of Summer

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Rendering courtesy of Pillar Skateparks, provided by OnDeck Saratoga.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The skatepark at East Side Recreation Park will soon be renovated for the next generation of skaters to enjoy.

Benj Gleeksman, vice president of local nonprofit OnDeck Saratoga, said he and his wife Belinda Colón, who is the president of OnDeck, have recognized the need for a modern skatepark in the city for over a decade. Gleeksman said many towns around the country are beginning to recognize the need for updated skateparks.

The East Side Rec skatepark originally opened in 1989, according to OnDeck Saratoga. The park is constructed out of metal, and Gleeksman said the metal ramps have been in place for over 20 years and are “getting worn out.”

The new park will be constructed with concrete, which Gleeksman said is a preferred material for construction of skateparks.

“(Concrete is) longer lasting, it’s a lot quieter, and it’s a lot smoother and faster,” said Gleeksman. “The metal ramps kind of rest on a surface now, so when you ride up them, it’s almost like hitting a separate obstacle, because it makes a clanking sound. With concrete, it’s kind of like riding one big, smooth piece.”

The new park will feature an improved bowl, a new halfpipe, and a series of banks, ledges, and rails, Gleeksman said, noting the park will also be friendly for skaters at all levels.

“The new design is going to be sort of friendly for everybody, beginners, intermediate, and advanced skaters alike,” said Gleeksman. “Little kids will be able to go out there, and start from the beginning and learn from the ground up.”

Gleeksman and Colón assisted the city in the selection of companies to send requests for proposals, and also helped select the vendor to design the park. Gleeksman referred to the process as “a partnership between us, as OnDeck, and John Hirliman in the Recreation Department.”

“I think that they really were appreciative of the fact that we have institutional skateboarding knowledge,” said Gleeksman. “For them to sort of recognize that, I think we’re humbled by it. We’re really honored to have been able to play the role that we have in working with them.”

Construction of the park will be conducted by Artisan Skateparks, a company based in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Gleeksman said construction will begin in mid-May, and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.

He said the updated park can also help draw skaters in from other areas.

“And the great thing about having a skatepark like this is that it brings skaters in from other communities,” Gleeksman said. “And it also boosts tourism. If families are looking to vacation somewhere, and they have kids that skateboard, well one of the things they’re going to be looking at is, ‘Oh, I’m going to Saratoga Springs, is there a cool skatepark there?’”

Nascar Star Chase Elliott Helps Milton NAPA Celebrate Grand Opening

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business, Featured.


NAPA employees and local officials celebrate the grand opening of the NAPA Store in Milton with a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce on Friday.

MILTON — The NAPA Auto Parts Store on Rowland St in Milton celebrated its grand opening on Friday, with an appearance by NASCAR star Chase Elliott.

Elliott greeted fans, signing autographs and taking photos with the long line of people who waited throughout the day for a chance to meet the driver. Elliott has been voted NASCAR’s most popular driver five times.

Food and beverages were served by a food truck from Sarchioto’s Concessions, and the celebration featured a Formula 1 racing simulator, a bounce house, and more. NAPA Store owner Jeff Shorr said the celebration was “great.”

“It’s a big deal for us,” said Shorr. “The weather cooperated, and a lot of our vendors and customers all came to celebrate it with us. It was a pretty cool day.”

The store also celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring numerous local officials, including Town of Milton Supervisor Scott Ostrander, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus, and New York State Senator Jim Tedisco.

“I’m happy to be a part of the Town of Milton, I’m happy to be in Saratoga County, and I’m hoping that this is just the tip of the iceberg for what we’ve got going on,” Shorr said to those in attendance prior to the ribbon cutting.

Shorr said the response from the local community was “tremendous” for the store’s opening celebration.

“It means the people in this community are excited to have us,” Shorr said. “They’ve expressed that. Many of the elected officials came out today, and all the stakeholders for the project. It makes me feel welcome, and like it’s where I want to be for a long time.”

Shorr said the store has doubled its retail business since moving from its prior location on Milton Ave in Ballston Spa. He also said that the Milton location is the first of NAPA’s new ‘large-format’ stores.

“So there’s a lot of features in this location that we don’t have anywhere else,” said Shorr, naming a large Milwaukee display and two show garages as examples. 

Town of Milton supervisor Scott Ostrander said the NAPA store can be an economic benefit in the town and made note of the large-format nature of the store.

“That’s impressive,” said Ostrander. “And it’s in our town, so what more can I say?”

Accessibility & Affordability – Short Term Rental Market Booming

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business, Featured.

Saratoga Springs commissioner of accounts Dillon Moran speaks at a public workshop on short-term rentals at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Tuesday (Dylan McGlynn photo).

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs commissioner of accounts Dillon Moran hosted a fourth public workshop on Tuesday, continuing a discussion on short-term rentals within the city.

Moran said the workshops are intended to focus on the “preservation of housing accessibility and affordability in the long-term rental and home ownership markets, and preservation of Saratoga Springs’ longstanding owner-occupied summertime rental market.”

“We want to protect the health and safety of guests and first responders, we want to allow city residents the ability to generate additional income from their properties, we want to ensure the feasibility of administration and enforcement, and we want to limit the negative impacts on our neighborhoods and neighbors,” said Moran at the meeting.

Moran acknowledged that Saratoga Springs is a host community, saying it “is a part of who we are.”

“We are a host community, and so really, the discussion is around, with these new technologies, with the prevalence of what’s happening in the short-term market, how do we apply guardrails?” said Moran.

Moran said the city’s large amount of short-term rentals is affecting the affordability and accessibility of the housing market.

“Our biggest employer is Saratoga Hospital. They have 800 job openings right now. 18% of the people who work at the hospital live in Saratoga Springs, out of 3,000,” Moran said at the meeting.

Moran said Granicus, a software company, provided a review of short-term rental properties in Saratoga Springs, and found 968 listings for 853 unique units within the city limits. The review was conducted cross-platform for sites including AirBNB and Expedia, but does not include local person-to-person rentals or ones conducted through a local realtor.

“We’ve seen a 26% net growth in rental units over the past year, and a 41% (increase) of the STRs currently online that were not live a year ago,” said Moran. “Meaning year over year, we almost doubled the amount of properties that are in this market. That is really aggressive.”

Moran said that rentals within the city for a period of less than 28 days are currently not allowed, but said the city lacks the resources to respond to every violation, with three code enforcement officers. 

Moran had previously stated that rentals for less than 28 days were allowed only during track season, but said on Tuesday he discovered this was not true, saying that all rentals for a duration of less than 28 days are not allowed in the city.

“I’m going to have to correct what I’ve said, and again, it shows us the importance of being accurate,” said Moran.

He also made note of potential safety concerns, saying that hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts in the city are subject to Department of Health standards, while short-term rentals are not. 

“To not have that same modicum of safety, both for the people who are going into the buildings as guests, but also our first responders, to me is a problem that needs to be addressed,” Moran said.

Moran made note of Senate Bill S885, sponsored by New York Senator Michelle Hinchey, which would regulate short-term residential rentals at the state level. Moran said the bill would create a state registry of short-term rentals, and said Saratoga Springs could create their own local registry.

The registry would “enforce common sense,” by ensuring every rental has insurance, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, an emergency contact number and evacuation diagram, Moran said.

“It’s really important that we have the ability to understand, boots on the ground, what’s happening?” said Moran. “So the idea of having a registry with an emergency contact number is really important, just within that paradigm of safety.”

The Senate bill defines short-term rentals as “an entire dwelling unit, or a room, group of rooms, other living or sleeping space, or any other space within a dwelling, made available for rent by guests for less than thirty consecutive days, where the unit is offered for tourist or transient use by the short-term rental host of the residential unit.”

The bill would require both hosts and booking companies to maintain two years’ worth of guest information, and would not allow booking services to collect a fee if the unit is not registered. There would be a $200 penalty per day for both booking services and hosts for not registering a unit.

Moran said he expects the bill to pass, and said he hopes to maintain local control of city-specific issues while defaulting to the state on larger issues.

“From there, there’s very clearly areas they still have to build out. I told people, they’re going to be adding something in these sections about taxation,” said Moran. “They haven’t defined what a violation is. I think those are very important, and I wouldn’t want to walk down that path without knowing kind of where they’re going.”

Moran said future meetings would be “much more formal,” saying they will likely be held at City Hall, and that his intent is to walk through the process of drafting legislation with community members who attend.