The exterior of the Saratoga Arms Hotel on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs. Photo provided by the hotel.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Condé Nast Traveler announced last week its annual Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking the Saratoga Arms as the 14th best hotel in the Mid-Atlantic. For the second year in a row, Saratoga Arms was the only hotel in the Capital District to be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler’s readers.
“We are honored to be included in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards for the second year in a row,” said Amy Smith, owner of Saratoga Arms, in a statement. “We love being a home-away-from-home for our guests and we are incredibly grateful for their votes and continued support, which have allowed us to receive this significant recognition among the world’s best hotels.”
Saratoga Arms is welcoming guests to celebrate the award by booking their next visit with promo code CNT2024. Guests who book with the code will receive a complimentary half bottle of Pol Roger Champagne and a box of artisan chocolate truffles in their room upon arrival.
Ballston Spa Lions Club logo via the organization’s Facebook page.
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Lions Club will celebrate its 75th anniversary on October 12 along with other clubs from around the area and guest speaker Douglas X. Alexander, a past president of Lions Club International.
The Ballston Spa Lions Club was chartered in 1949 and serves Ballston Spa, Malta, Milton, and Ballston. Some notable projects during the first 75 years include sponsoring the first Village of Ballston Spa pool, the Ballston Spa Library, The Charlton School’s pool, various food pantries and holiday meals, and supporting the Saratoga County Fair and Saratoga County 4-H.
The club would like to thank the community for their support over the past 75 years and is eager to help and provide for the community in the future.
Saratoga County Administrator Steve Bulger and Saratoga Economic Development Corp. (SEDC) President Greg Connors represented Saratoga County at the International Business Exchange Summit last month. Photo provided by the SEDC
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Economic Development Corp. brought Saratoga County to a worldwide audience last month at the International Business Exchange Summit. Saratoga was the only New York county represented among 248 international businesses, entrepreneurs, and economic development professionals from California, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Ohio.
The virtual event was designed to connect resources, people and locations to expand markets and launch international operations. Representatives from Canada, Ireland, and the European Union participated in the discussion.
“This was a great opportunity to showcase Saratoga County, not only the economic development environment but the quality of life our residents enjoy every day,” said Greg Connors, president and CEO of SEDC, in a statement. “We made mutually beneficial connections to expand trade markets and open development opportunities for the Capital Region.”
Connors represented Saratoga County at the summit, along with County Executive Steve Bulger.
Local entrepreneur Martin Wawrla also joined the call to share his experiences building businesses in the Capital Region for the past 40 years. Wawlra moved to the United States from Austria as a young man, then started and sold three businesses over the course of his career.
Wawrla’s advice was twofold: joining groups where you can talk to experienced business people will help you learn and grow, and even a small investment in real estate will help entrepreneurs secure funding for business development (Wawrla’s first purchase was a dilapidated home in Center Square for $11,000).
Following the International Business Exchange Summit, a familiarization tour of Saratoga County sites, suites, buildings, and public attractions is scheduled for early 2025 in partnership with We Are Global Irish leadership, hosts of the summit.
This fabulous home at 45 Eureka Ave in Saratoga Springs which was listed by Mara King, Christine Hogan Barton and sold by Michele Mebert and Chris Benton from Roohan Realty sold for $1,200,000
BALLSTON
Erika Ryan sold property at 83 and 85 Scotchbush Rd to Chance Wilk for $200,000
Susan Dupont sold property at 35 Zani Lane to Brett Dupont for $327,000
Morgan Jones sold property at 88 Middline Rd to Raymond Liebman for $429,000
Caitlin Cucchiella sold property at 12 Beacon St to Lauren Miller for $425,000
CORINTH
Stephanie Corentto sold property at 106 Mechanic St to Michael Nitchman for $227,000
Daniel Santiago sold property at 79 Antone Mountain Rd to Jessica Berard for $415,000
Foothills Builders sold property at 14 Moose Way to Ralph Iovino for $384,100
GALWAY
Barbara Ciccarelli sold property at 6023 Jockey St to Tyler Patterson for $359,000
GREENFIELD
Brian Lamb sold property at 7 Humes Rd to Joseph Palmer for $903,000
Kristin Gaba sold property at 12 Russell Rd to Nathaniel Brady for $280,000
Geronimo Properties LLC sold property at 437 Coy Rd to Donte King for $372,000
MALTA
Marlene McKinney sold property at 124 Rt 9P to Anthony DeLorenzo for $525,000
Jordana Dym sold property at 17 Northwood Dr to Danielle Howard for $450,000
SARATOGA
Clara Hicks sold property at Cty Rd 68 to Michael Ahern for $154,500
Taylorfeld LLC sold property at 84 Brown Rd to Saratoga GP Holdings LLC for $163,000
Margaret Chiperno sold property at 6 Grove St to Kevin McEvoy for $304,600
Jessica Berard sold property at 5 King St to Emma King for $222,000
SARATOGA SPRINGS
Adelphi Owner II LLC sold property at 19 Washington St Apt 565 to Denise Cote for $1,325,000
Glens Falls Habitat for Humanity sold property at 141 West Circular St to Brenda Meyre for $452,242
John Santangelo sold property at 2 Sherwood Trail to Brian Demichele for $670,000
RAPK LLC sold property at 17 Division St to MELH II LLC for $1,200,000
Marsha Thomas sold property at 267 East Ave to Fasig Tipton Company Inc for $1,600,000
Melody Loftus sold property at 9 Tomahawk Lane to Filomena Maucieri for $625,000
Ronald Dekalb sold property at 128-130 Clinton St to Trojanski Builders LLC for $100,000
William Bradley sold property at 28 Vichy Dr to Keith Donnelly for $469,000
BAMF Realty Group LLC sold property at 154 Regent St to Jesse Roth for $935,000
WILTON
Forest Grove LLC sold property at 7 Daintree Dr to Matthew Knauss for $708,792
CMG Mortgage Inc sold property at 85 Traver Rd to REO Home Services LLC for $204,500
REO Home Services sold property at 85 Traver Rd to 85 Traver Rd LLC for $218,000
sold property at 28 Vichy Dr to Keith Donnelly for $469,000
BAMF Realty Group LLC sold property at 154 Regent St to Jesse Roth for $935,000
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 22nd annual Saratoga Hospital Golf Invitational raised more than $191,000 in support of nursing education and professional development at Saratoga Hospital.
“These funds play a crucial role in helping us attract and retain highly skilled nurses,” Toni Bishop-McWain, DNP, RN, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer said in a statement.
“Through this event, we aim to cultivate valuable relationships and provide lifelong professional development opportunities for our nurses. Investment in education directly enhances the quality of patient care and ensures a brighter future for the Saratoga region.”
The event was held at Saratoga National Golf Club. The funds raised directly support Saratoga Hospital nurses seeking to further their education and advance their careers, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional growth that leads to enhanced patient care.
BALLSTON SPA —Saratoga County is recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Each year Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen and her office call attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, reminding residents the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to being an advocate for victims of domestic violence and to prosecuting domestic violence offenders.
During October, the District Attorney’s Office is sponsoring a collection of personal care items in recognition of the on-going need for support of domestic violence victims and those who serve them.
Suggested items include: unopened bottles of shampoo and conditioner, body soap, lotion, sanitary products, hair accessories, and nail products.
All items collected will be donated to domestic violence programs in Saratoga County to help survivors of domestic violence. Those wishing to contribute to the collection drive, may bring items to the District Attorney’s Office Monday through Friday 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. at 25 West High St. Building 4, Ballston Spa, until Oct. 28.
“The prevalence of domestic violence is such that everyone knows someone impacted by domestic violence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please don’t hesitate to seek help,” Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said in a statement. “The Assistant District Attorneys assigned to the Special Victims’ Unit in our office work daily to navigate the challenging and unique aspects of criminal cases that involve family members who are victims and defendants. Their training, experience and relationships with other agencies and programs focused on domestic violence issues come together to achieve a fair and just result for all involved parties.”
Prosecutors and victim specialists may also refer victims to support and advocacy agencies for counseling, shelter, and assistance. Victim specialists are available at the District Attorney’s office at 518-885-2263, Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
For more information call the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office at 518- 885-2263.
Saratoga Springs Comprehensive Budget presentation by Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi on Oct. 1.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi presented the city’s 2025 Comprehensive Budget on Oct. 1. The proposed $62.6 million budget for 2025 is up $1.3 million compared to the budget adopted for the current year.
The highest percentage of revenue in 2025 is anticipated to come via Sales Tax (31% – or nearly $20 million) and Property Tax (29% – or just over $18 million).
“I am pleased to announce that we’re not increasing our tax rates,” Sanghvi said.
Sanghvi noted increases in retirement ($1.2 million), hospitalization ($1.2 million), and liability insurance ($300,000) as challenges in 2025, and tax income resulting from the pending state Short Term Rental legislation, as well as a full roll-out of the local seasonal parking program and retail cannabis sales as potential opportunities.
The Public Safety department (which includes police and fire) accounts for the largest percentage of departmental budget costs (58%), with the Department of Public Works – at 20% – as second highest. It is notable that 2025 represents the final year of full funding for 16 firefighters through a Federal SAFER grant.
Overtime costs of all departments have combined for more than $1 million in each of the past three years. In 2025, $600,000 has been budgeted for overtime.
The $62.6 million budget proposal depicts a $3.6 million reduction of the total amount all departments requested.
The city was eyeing property it owns at 5 Williams St. or the lot behind City Hall for a new $25 million police station, with the first $1.5 million set aside in 2025 as part of a long-range capital plan (see: https://saratogatodaynewspaper.com/city-eyes-new-25-million-police-station/), but that initial set-aside of funds won’t happen in 2025.
“Preliminary work on planning a new police station: We support the idea but we need a full plan with a proposed site and a timeline before we can start allocating money,” Sanghvi said. “While I’m concerned about the current police department facility – and we have just given monies for improvements to the facility – as the city’s chief financial officer I have to also consider the debt limit and the city’s debt service budget.”
Budget Workshops, open to the public at City Hall, are slated to take place 4 p.m. on Tuesdays – Oct. 8 (Public Safety, Finance), Oct. 22 (Public Works, Capital), Oct. 29 (Mayor, Recreation, Accounts). Public Hearings regarding the budget will take place during regular City Council meetings Oct. 15 and Nov. 6. The City Council is charged with adopting the 2025 budget by Nov. 30. If potential changes cannot be agreed upon by that point, the $62.6 million budget stands as is.
BALLSTON SPA— Fisher and Associates will conduct a Rezoning Workshop for the Village of Ballston Spa Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) and the public is invited.
The Rezoning Workshop builds on the 2023 Comprehensive Plan and the discussions of the ZAC, an advisory group appointed in 2023 by the Mayor and Village Trustees to identify updates needed for the Village Zoning Code.
The public is requested to attend this first workshop to provide feedback to the consultant on the changes proposed to the zoning code. All Village residents, business owners and interested parties are encouraged to attend. Attendees unable to meet in person can participate for part of the meeting through a Zoom link posted to the Village of Ballston Spa website ballstonspa.gov.
The public meeting will be held 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 15, at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Auditorium, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa.
The meeting space is accessible and there is ample parking on site.
This first workshop will provide the vital public input that will shape the next round of changes to the draft zoning code.
How to check: go to https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ where you will be prompted to enter your name, county, zip code, and birthdate. A new screen will open showing where you can vote in Early Voting, as well as an address and map depicting your designated Election Day poll site.
If you need to register to vote, go to: https://www.ny.gov/services/register-vote where instructions will tell you what you need and how to go about it.
Locally, the Saratoga County Board of Elections is located in Ballston Spa. Their website may be found here: https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/board-of-elections/.
