Author: Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA — A 168-unit development with 8,400 square feet of retail and commercial space may be coming to Ballston Spa, pending its approval by village boards.

The proposed Tannery Commons development, located at the former site of American Hide Leather Haight Co. Tannery on 125 Bath Street in downtown Ballston Spa, would include four buildings (three residential, one devoted to amenities), as well as an outdoor courtyard and seating areas. The developer, Rochester-based Conifer Realty, expects to have construction completed by the end of 2027, if all goes according to plan. Four of the five existing ex-tannery buildings would be demolished as part of the project.

A traffic impact study, completed in January of this year by the Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. engineering firm, concluded that “the existing roadway network and traffic control within the Village can adequately support the proposed development with negligible impact to traffic operations.”

“We recognize the importance of this site and the history it holds, and we are eager to collaborate with the Ballston Spa community to ensure that the project benefits the entire village,” said Muammar Hermanstyne, vice president of development at Conifer Realty, in a statement. “We are committed to working closely with local experts, such as those focused on traffic, schools, public utilities, and services, to ensure a thoughtful, balanced approach. Our goal is to create a positive impact for the community by fostering economic growth, preserving the area’s historic charm, and enhancing the quality of life for all.”

Conifer already has several apartment complexes in the Capital Region, including Blue Heron Trail in Ballston Spa, the MeadowView at Clifton Park, and Station 25 in Albany.

Questions about the proposed development can be directed to a Conifer representative at the company’s dedicated Tannery Commons website, coniferllc.com/ballston-spa-development/.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) has announced the return of the Saratoga Farm Showcase, which will take place on Saturday, June 21. The event is a self-guided farm tour celebrating local farms and emphasizing the importance of protecting agricultural land in the Saratoga region.

Eleven farms centered around the Towns of Ballston Spa, Charlton, and Galway will participate in the showcase from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The farms demonstrate the diversity of agriculture in the region, from vegetables to livestock and orchards to flowers. 

Participating farms include: Arnold’s Farm Fresh Produce, Balet Flowers & Design, Bob’s Trees, City Goat Farm, Featherbed Lane Farm, Main Street Studio, Shades of Green, Smith Brothers Farm & Orchard Bake Shop, Stem & Stone Farm, Thymly Herb Group, Milton Grange, Taste NY, Koval Bros. Dairy, LLC, 4H Equine, and Wm. H. Buckley Farm.

“The future of farming in the Saratoga region depends on small farms not just surviving but thriving,” said Megan Miraglia, executive director of City Goat Farm, in a statement. “We are so grateful to participate in Saratoga PLAN’s Farm Showcase, helping demonstrate the value of local farms and the role they play in our community.”

One highlight of this year’s showcase is the permanently conserved Wm. H. Buckley Farm in Ballston Lake, a picturesque countryside farm with views of the Green Mountains. Protected in partnership with Saratoga PLAN, the farm has deep agricultural roots dating back to the 1760s. Today, owner Mark Sacco carries the legacy forward by running a 365-acre working farm and committing to sustainable farming practices. He has also worked to preserve the property’s historic character, including a restored farmhouse used for retreats and the original barn, which will host the launch of this year’s Saratoga Farm Showcase.

Attendees can visit Buckley Farm anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to pick-up their Saratoga PLAN canvas tote bag containing a printed brochure with farm descriptions and a map, event bracelets, and farm goods such as local maple syrup, wildflower seeds, and a gift certificate for a Stewart’s ice cream cone.

For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit saratogaplan.org/2025farmshowcase. Tickets will also be sold on-site at the kick-off event at Wm. H. Buckley Farm.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — For the first time in the company’s 80-year history, Stewart’s Shops will have a president who isn’t part of the Dake family.

Chief Operating Officer Chad Kiesow has been promoted to president of the popular Capital Region convenience store chain, the company announced Monday.

Despite appointing a non-Dake as president, the family that has owned Stewart’s since 1945 isn’t leaving the company. Bill Dake remains chairman of the organization, while his son Gary Dake remains involved in day-to-day operations as chief executive officer.

“This transition is at least three years in the making, and it is all about continuity,” Gary Dake said in a statement. “Chad has been an integral part of the business since he joined us more than three decades ago. He understands our bottom-up culture and our focus on taking care of our people and the communities we serve.”

Kiesow first joined Stewart’s in 1994, when the company acquired the Bonfare convenience store chain. He started his Stewart’s career managing the gas department and moved to vice president of facilities before his promotion to chief operating officer a little more than a year ago.

“It is an honor to take on more responsibilities with the company, but this is not a sign of big changes,” Kiesow said. “I still have the same number of bosses that I had last week. The Dakes have never been shy, and they are not the kind of leaders who will sit quietly on the sidelines.”

The management transition is occurring in conjunction with the Dake family’s decision last year to gradually sell their remaining shares in the business to its employees. The ownership transition will occur over the next 15 to 20 years.

“One of the things that makes Stewart’s so fortunate is our stability,” said Chairman Bill Dake. “That stability can be seen as it relates to our business, our leadership team, and our commitment to supporting the communities where we do business.”