SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roohan Realty has announced the hiring of Lisa McLaughlin as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson.
Lisa was born and raised in Glenville, and later graduated from Marist College with a B.S. in Fashion Design and Merchandising. McLaughlin lived and worked in Manhattan for 23 years in both the fashion and real estate industries. During her real estate career in the city, she specialized in rentals and co-op/condo sales, according to a release from Roohan Realty.
In 2019, Lisa moved to Saratoga Springs with her husband and two kids. Lisa can be reached at 917.549.4841 or lisaemclaughlin@gmail.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has announced the Love Our Locals $20.23 campaign will run from Friday, Nov. 3 through the remainder of the year. The campaign will promote and support local businesses and non-profit organizations throughout Saratoga County, according to a release from the Chamber.
From Nov. 3 through Dec. 31, when residents and tourists spend or donate $20.23 or more at a Saratoga County business or non-profit, they will be eligible to enter weekly gift card giveaways.
Individuals complete a short online form and upload a photo of their receipt of $20.23 or more for entry via The Saratoga County Chamber’s website. Each week, the Chamber will randomly select winners for gift cards to businesses across the county valued at $100.
Eligible purchases can include hair care, car repairs, home improvement projects, dry cleaning, hotel stays, dining at restaurants, concert tickets, snow removal, fitness club memberships, eyeglasses, flowers, toys and holiday decorations, and more, according to the release.
“This campaign played a crucial role in helping to boost the county’s economic recovery during and after the pandemic, and this year we hope it will continue to invigorate the small business community and help encourage folks to shop and support local,” said Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president Todd Shimkus in the release. “As 2023 comes to a close, we want to continue showing love to the local businesses and non-profit organizations that make our region so special.”
Milton’s current town center, including businesses such as Hannaford and Dunkin’ Donuts. Photo by Ryan McHale, Orion Media.
MILTON — Plans to expand the Town of Milton’s town center continue to move forward.
The proposal was set forth by Malta Development Co., and is currently undergoing a State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR), said Tom Samascott, president of Malta Development Co. He noted the plans are still in “early stages,” saying the company has been working with the Town to develop the proposal.
The development, identified as ‘Mill Town Centre’ in filed plans, would extend Trieble Avenue further north, adding businesses and residential property to Milton’s town center, located near the Saratoga County Airport. The town center plaza currently features businesses such as Hannaford, Juicy Burger, and Dunkin’ Donuts.
The plans call for roughly 50,000 square feet of commercial property, and just over 500 apartment units, Samascott said. Wayne Samascott, vice president of Malta Development Co., said the plans currently include six mixed-use buildings, featuring commercial property on the first floor and two stories of apartments above.
The plans also include three commercial pad sites, with Samascott saying “a full-service restaurant” would be a good fit for one of the sites.
“On one of the pad sites, we’d love to get a local family-style restaurant,” said Tom Samascott.
He also mentioned the possibility of businesses such as a pharmacy or coffee shop at these sites. The proposal also calls for 10 additional residential buildings, each with first-floor parking and three stories of apartments above.
Another major aspect of the project are its community spaces. Samascott said the plans currently include a clubhouse, which offers amenities including a swimming pool, fitness area, meeting rooms, catering kitchen, and more. Samascott also mentioned other amenities such as an outdoor projection area, outdoor grills and firepits, walking trails, and a dog park.
The commercial properties would be mainly focused around Trieble Ave, which would have sidewalks added for walkability and connect with the Hannaford plaza, Samascott said. He noted they hope to begin work on the project next year.
“Once we get more definite plans, a little further along with the town, then we can start marketing and start reaching out,” Samascott said.
The plans would be constructed in phases, and would take several years to complete. Samascott said while the phases are not yet finalized, the first phase of construction would include the clubhouse and several mixed-use and residential buildings.
“We’re hoping to start next year. There’s a lot still to go through,” said Samascott. “Besides town approval, then you have (the) Department of Health, and the state approvals.”
Samascott noted the Town of Milton has “been great to work with,” noting it is exciting to advance a long-envisioned plan to expand the town center concept.
“They’ve been waiting for something like this. So they’re pretty happy about it,” said Samascott. “It’s an exciting project, that’s for sure.”
BALLSTON SPA —The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services has announced two public hearings in October to get public input about proposed programs for the aging population in Saratoga County for the year 2024.
The first public hearing was held Oct. 19 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Galway Town Hall. The second public hearing will be held Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Town of Halfmoon Senior Center, located at 2897 Lower Newton Rd in Waterford.
A plan abstract was available to be viewed on Oct. 16 and 17 at the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services during normal business hours.
The public hearings are held to obtain input, suggestions, and comments relative to programs for the aging for the year 2024, under Title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, and the New York Community Services Act for the Saratoga County planning and service area, a press release states.
For more information or to request special accommodations at a hearing, please contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100.
QUEENSBURY — Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center (SAIL) has announced it has received the New York State Justice Center Champion Award.
The recognition celebrates individuals and groups who work to enhance the lives of individuals with special needs in the state of New York, a press release states.
SAIL’s Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) department offers essential medical equipment on a loan basis, including wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, and more. It also provides assistive technology, such as adaptive tools, laptops, specialized equipment for students, and pocket translators, as well as recreational equipment including all-terrain wheelchairs, golf clubs and skis for wheelchairs, according to the release.
SAIL processed over 2,400 loan requests through the TRAID program in 2022, the release states, and actively participates in conferences and events with the Justice Center.
“This year, the Justice Center celebrated its 10-year anniversary—an achievement that could not have been reached without the support, diligence, and commitment of New York’s direct support workers,” said Denise M. Miranda, executive director of the Justice Center, in the release.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Locally-based recruitment firm Ramsey Miller is celebrating one year of business in the Capital Region and beyond.
The company was launched by Tim Staples and Adam VanDervoort in Oct. 2022. One year in, Ramsey Miller has worked to fill roles in the Capital Region and more, and has continued its growth.
VanDervoort said the company recently hired four associate recruiters, and in addition to local jobs, have been working in locations such as Cincinnati, Denver, and Philadelphia. He noted that one of the company’s new recruits is also based in Nashville.
“Now we have a team of, essentially, six of us working roles,” said VanDervoort. “It’s been going good.”
VanDervoort has experience in the real estate industry, while Staples had previously worked in the recruitment industry in New York City. VanDervoort said the two decided to launch their own company after Staples relocated to the Capital Region.
“My attraction to it was the business side,” VanDervoort said. “I have a passion for entrepreneurship, and starting businesses. That was my draw, starting something from the ground up. But as I looked in the area, there’s not much going on as far as recruitment.”
Ramsey Miller primarily works with companies in fields such as commercial and civil construction, and financial services, VanDervoort said. He noted a majority of work done by the company is to help those who are already employed to find another opportunity.
“Because someone’s argument usually is, ‘Why doesn’t the company just post these job openings?’ Good people at good companies who are good workers, they’re employed,” said VanDervoort. “They’re not sitting at home looking at Indeed at these other opportunities. When we reach out, these are working people who are, frankly, quite happy at their positions, they just never really thought to explore other options or see what’s out there.”
While some companies hire their own internal recruiters, VanDervoort noted Ramsey Miller can work with them as well. He said the company only receives payment if one of their recommendations is hired.
“They’re getting a recruitment effort for free, and they only have to pay if someone gets hired, versus internal recruitment, paying somebody a salary to do what we’re doing,” said VanDervoort. “And a lot of companies have their own internal recruiters, and we still work with them, because the amount of people to go through, it’s so many options.”
He said the company utilizes a mix of artificial intelligence to help compete with larger firms, running software to detect prospective employees who could be a strong fit for a given job. From there, the Ramsey Miller team can manually examine several hundred candidates to recommend the best options for the company.
VanDervoort said business began to “snowball” for the company after its first several months, and also made note of what he described as a current disconnect between candidates and companies when it comes to remote, hybrid, or in-office work.
“A lot of our first questions that get asked to us when we’re speaking to candidates is, ‘Do I have to go in?’” VanDervoort said. “… And it also seems like people are willing to sacrifice salary if they can be remote, or companies willing to pay a little bit more if someone’s willing to come in. So there’s, I call it a disconnect at this point, of what works as far as hybrid, remote, or in-office workplaces right now.”
The company plans to continue its growth in the future, with VanDervoort saying Ramsey Miller will likely look to add more recruiters, open new roles, and expand into other industries moving forward.
“I would say our plans, definitely, are to grow,” said VanDervoort. “… Starting to tailor into more broad industries, I would say, so we can better serve not only people here, but nationally.”
Rick Fenton (left) and Tom Denny (right) have been appointed as the City of Saratoga Springs’ first volunteer tree stewards.Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City of Saratoga Springs and Sustainable Saratoga have announced a partnership to provide early pruning and other maintenance for young trees in the City.
The Saratoga Springs City Council has authorized two members of Sustainable Saratoga’s Urban Forestry Project, Rick Fenton and Tom Denny, to serve as the city’s first tree stewards. They will work with city arborist Steve Lashomb to perform structural pruning on city-owned trees on streets and in parks, a press release states.
“This new initiative builds on our longstanding partnership with Sustainable Saratoga and their Tree Toga plantings,” said Department of Public Works commissioner Jason Golub in the release.
“This partnership is an investment in our future,” stated Mayor Ron Kim in the release. “Tree canopies provide shade, absorb stormwater runoff, and absorb and store greenhouse gasses. By enhancing the city’s ability to cultivate and maintain the health of our young trees, we are supporting the health of the urban forest that will cool and inspire many generations of residents and visitors to our city.”
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation states that proper pruning can prevent structural defects in young trees, the release states. Structural pruning aims to create a strong trunk giving the tree strength and eliminate low branches before they grow large.
Fenton, a retired DEC Forester, notes in the release that “early pruning is low risk, low cost, and is routinely done by trained volunteers in other cities across the country.”
The City’s new Tree Steward program is modeled after one at Syracuse-Onondaga County CommuniTree, the release states.
“Using volunteers to prune young trees has been a goal since the 2013 Urban Forest Master Plan,” said city arborist Steve Lashomb in the release. “The Tree Stewards will provide great support to the work of my tree crew, and I hope Sustainable Saratoga will be able to expand the program with additional trained volunteers in future years.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Arms Hotel has been ranked the #11 hotel in the Mid-Atlantic in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the hotel announced in a press release.
Saratoga Arms is the only hotel in the Capital District to be recognized in the 2023 awards, the release states. The only other hotel in New York State to make the list was the Grand Adirondack Hotel in Lake Placid, ranking 10th.
Over 520,000 readers of Condé Nast Traveler responded to the Readers’ Choice Awards, the release states. The full list of winners can be found at cntraveler.com.
Saratoga Arms Hotel, run by mother and daughter owners Kathleen and Amy Smith, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023.
A rendering of the proposed redevelopment at Wilton Mall.Image provided by Macerich.
WILTON — Discussion on the proposed redevelopment of the Wilton Mall continued during a public hearing at the Town Board Meeting on Oct. 5.
The plans propose the development of apartment units and townhomes at the site of the mall’s former Bon Ton location. While speaking at the hearing, Wilton Mall GM Mike Shaffer said similar plans have been enacted in malls nationwide, converting the properties into what he described as “mixed-use destinations.”
He stated the project’s goal is to increase property values, reduce vacancies in the mall, and add an increase in sales tax revenue to the town and county.
Shaffer said that the proposal has begun to garner interest from several companies, including a fitness company and a new theater operator. He also cited a study from Camoin Associates stating that the project would generate over $360,000 in net sales tax revenue, and over $800,000 annually to the Saratoga Springs City School District.
Jon Locke, owner of Salty Buns Restaurant in the Wilton Mall, spoke strongly in support of the proposal, saying part of the reason the restaurant moved into the mall this summer was their belief in the plans.
“This endeavor will bring vitality into our town, offering decent living spaces and crafting a vibrant community complete with essential amenities at our fingertips,” Locke said. “What truly sets this project apart is its capacity to offer employment prospects on numerous fronts, from skilled labor that will be necessary during the construction to the countless positions needed to support the residents and businesses within this new complex.”
Duane Hendershot, store director of Healthy Living Market inside the mall, said he is “really excited” about the proposal. As part of the plan, funding would also be provided to Saratoga PLAN for a conservation easement on the Vincek Farm.
Laura Vincek of the Vincek Farm said at the hearing that the easement would benefit not just to town residents, but “will benefit the planet for as long as the planet exists.” She said the Vincek Farm has been a continuously-working farm since the 18th century, prior to the Revolutionary War.
“The Vincek Farm is a historic landmark, and a national treasure that should be protected eternally for the generations to come,” said Laura Vincek. “People have said to me, ‘Well, you could just remove the development rights.’ Well if I could do that, someone else can put them back.”
Josh Vincek also spoke at the hearing, and said they hope to add more events and activities at the farm for members of the community. He said the farm often hosts groups and assists with local nonprofits.
Tori Roberts of Saratoga PLAN read a letter from the group at the hearing, saying that while Saratoga PLAN takes no position on the mall project, they are “supportive of the concept of using previously-developed land for sustainable redevelopment strategies” from an environmental and conservation perspective.
“Concentrating development in these areas offers the potential to reduce urban sprawl, and preserve open space for the entire community,” the letter read in part.
However, some residents raised concerns about the proposal. Scott Kingsley said he does not believe a PUDD is appropriate for the area, and noted he is against urbanization in Wilton, saying, “If you want to look like Saratoga Springs, the problems of Saratoga Springs will follow.”
“The problem is, when you open the door, the door never closes,” said Kingsley. “What happens when the rest of the mall continues to struggle? … We know what’s going to happen. And I do feel sorry for the property owners there. But they’re going to want more residential when other parts of the mall fail.”
Chad Jerome said he does not believe the residential properties will have the stated effect.
“You’re putting residential property next to a mall with the idea that, hopefully, residents of that are going to somehow make the mall successful that’s been in decline,” Jerome said. “… It’d be unfortunate if the Wilton Mall were to go away. Businesses come and go, unfortunately. The town board isn’t here to save every business that may or may not work. That’s not saying that we want the mall to go. But if the business isn’t there for it, then the business isn’t there for it.”
Some residents also raised concerns about a potential increase in traffic, although Shaffer cited a traffic study that he said was conducted in 2022 that did not anticipate any significant impacts.
After the hearing, Town Board member John McEachron stated that while he is in favor of the project, “There has to be something in it for the Town of Wilton.”
“We’re changing zoning,” McEachron said at the meeting. “We’re changing zoning to a 110-acre PUDD that can never get brought back, can never change back. So what do we get out of it? There’s got to be a public benefit.”
Following the hearing, Shaffer told a group of reporters he was pleased with the turnout of supporters, and is looking forward to continuing the process.
“Very pleased for the supporters that turned out for us tonight, and the amount of knowledge that they had on the project,” Shaffer said. “Just very pleased with that turnout. And we’ll see where it goes from here.”
The plans will be brought to the Wilton Planning Board on Oct. 18, and are expected to return to the Town Board at its Nov. 2 meeting, Shaffer said.
BALLSTON SPA — Sterling Real Estate Group has announced the expansion of its team with the addition of three agents, Rick Gargiulo, Dave Ryan and Joanna Rockwood.
The Sterling Real Estate Group specializes in new construction, resale, condos, investment properties, land development and more, a press release states. The brokerage has over 20 years of experience as the local real estate experts.
