Food Drive at Ballston Spa Barber Club (Courtesy of Aidan Clark
Last week Ballston Spa Barber Club dished out fresh cuts for kids returning to school this week provided they donated at least one nonperishable item to their food drive. All food from the drive will be donated to the Franklin Community Center.
“That’s something that kind of resonates with me big time because I had some friends, especially at the time when I was thinking about it, who were going to the pantries, who were less fortunate,” said owner Raffaele Rispo.
Last year both the Saratoga and Ballston Spa locations combined for 650 lbs of food donated. The shop was also honored by Guinness Book of World Records for the most canned food items collected through a free haircut charity event.
Over both locations, dozens of children sat in the barber chair and will sport a sharp look for their first day of school. Franklin community center will receive a mountain of food as they aid families and individuals with food insecurity in Saratoga County — a win-win.
Roohan Realty announced that Bridget Naughton has joined the team as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. A lifelong Saratoga Springs resident, Bridget brings a passion for real estate and a strong love of working with people. She graduated from Boston College in 2020 with degrees in Mathematics and Secondary Education. After graduation, she returned home for the summer and interned with Roohan Realty’s marketing department, where she gained a new perspective on the real estate industry beyond what she had grown up learning from her mother and family. Bridget’s mother, Kate Naughton, is Roohan Realty’s top-producing agent, giving Bridget a lifelong connection to the industry and firsthand insight into the relationships, dedication, and commitment that make a successful real estate career.
Following her internship, Bridget spent five years teaching mathematics in Boston before returning home to be closer to her family. She will continue her career in education as an eighth-grade math teacher at Stillwater while also pursuing real estate with Roohan Realty. As she begins this new chapter, Bridget feels especially fortunate to be able to learn from those closest to her. “I feel so lucky to be able to work alongside and learn from so many members of my family, especially my mom. Growing up, my mom’s love for real estate was a part of our everyday lives, and I feel so privileged to be able to learn from her as I start this new adventure.”
Bridget is drawn to real estate because of how dynamic and personal each transaction can be. No two clients, homes, or experiences are the same, and she enjoys the opportunity to build relationships, understand each client’s unique goals, and help individuals and families find a place to call home. She looks forward to bringing her own perspective and passion to the industry while building meaningful relationships with her clients and community.
Outside of real estate and teaching, Bridget enjoys staying active and spending time with family and friends. She loves baking, skiing, crafting, trying new restaurants, hosting gatherings, and watching sports with her family. With deep roots in the Saratoga community and a lifelong connection to real estate, Bridget is excited to be home and begin this next chapter with Roohan Realty while continuing to make a difference in the classroom.
Rendering of the Proposed Tannery Commons Development (Courtesy of Ballston Spa Mayor Frank Rossi)
Ariel Photo of the Current Tannery Commons Site at 125 Bath Street, Ballston Spa (Courtesy of Aidan Cahill)
On Wednesday, Aug 26, residents of the Village of Ballston Spa voiced concerns about a proposed 168-unit residential complex in the Village’s central business district.
The developers are seeking a special permit from the zoning board to move forward with construction at 125 Bath Street. The location is currently considered a brownfield site and will require developers to work with the New York State Department of Environment Conservation to decontaminate the site before construction.
Attorney John Cromie, whose office sits across the street from the proposed development site, submitted his grievances to the Zoning Board.
“Citing 168 units does not tell the full story. A better metric is the number of bedrooms. 255 to be exact. It is very possible 450 to 500 people will be present at any one time – 10% of our village’s population,” Cromie said in a written statement.
He continues, “It is estimated the two peak hours will produce 151 trips. There are about 16 hours during which most people are active. It is not unreasonable to estimate upwards of 600 more cars will pass by neighboring homes each day.”
An independent engineering consultant conducted a traffic analysis and concluded “traffic generated by the proposed Tannery Commons development can be accommodated by the existing roadway network with minimal impacts to traffic operations.”
Ballston Spa Zoning Member, Kamran Parwana, noted the data used in the analysis was collected on December 3, 2024, a Tuesday which had snowfall.
“I find the traffic study to be optimistic,” Parwana told the representatives of Blue Ridge Cascade and the NPR group.
This sentiment garnered a prolonged applause from the 70+ residents in attendance.
“To rely on those numbers from almost two years ago and the growth coefficient is 0.5% annual growth. If we look at the number of large developments that have been in the process of being built that use Milton Ave and Ballston Ave as major thoroughfares, I’m really concerned that growth rate does not reflect what’s really here,” Parwana said.
Some community members were in favor of increased housing in close vicinity of Front Street.
“Potential residents of this community would be the ones who would be using that business district. I think it would be a real enhancement for the village to have people living close to [the central business district] that could use say, the Iron Roost for breakfast,” Kathlyn Rooney reasoned.
The project will be workforce housing, targeting librarians, restaurant workers, and police officers as potential residents.
To be awarded the special permit, the project must pass three tests outlined in zoning code 205-72.
First, the development shall be in harmony with the surrounding district
Second, the traffic to and from the housing complex will not be hazardous or inconvenient to the surrounding neighborhood.
Third, the location, height and landscaping of the buildings shall not hinder the development or impair the value of adjacent buildings.
The plans include three buildings: a four-story building along Gordon Creek, a three-story building along Bath Street, and a four-story building on the back of the property.
Also in the blueprints is a pocket park on Bath Street with a trail along Gordon Creek which could connect to the Jim Tedisco Trail behind the property.
The developers also stated they would reconstruct the sidewalk along Bath Street and implement extensive landscaping, leaving adequate greenspace.
Public comments on the proposal are due to the Zoning Board by September 16 at pbzbcomments@ballstonspa.gov.
The next Zoning Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 30 at the Ballston Spa Elk’s Lodge at 10 Hamilton Street.
Caroline and Main Inc. celebrates its 10th anniversary at a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce (Courtesy of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce)
Caroline and Main— a boutique shop located on the corner of Broadway and Caroline Street in Saratoga just crossed their 10-year anniversary.
Local and elected officials gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony last week with the Saratoga Country Chamber of Commerce for the milestone.
The store designs and produces its own short-supply collections curated to the Saratoga experience.
Owner Heidi Owen West, a lifetime Saratogian, owns several independent clothing shops on Broadway including Lifestyles, a women’s clothing store, Union Supply Co, a men’s clothing store and Caroline and Main.
To check out their current collections visit, carolineandmain.com.
Tickets for the area’s premiere new home tour, the Saratoga Showcase of Homes, are on sale now. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the showcase from the Saratoga Builders Association.
The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being proudly presented over two fall weekends this year on October 3-4 and October 10-11. Tickets are $25, and this year’s edition has 13 locations in Saratoga County on display.
Tickets are available at all Adirondack Trust branch locations, Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa & Queensbury, Arrow Bank on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs, Roohan Realty on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, Rebuilding Together ReShop in Ballston Spa and Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Fort Edward.
Tickets are also conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or can be purchased online at the website at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com/tickets/.
As always, each showcase ticket holder will receive a free shoe/tote bag at the first home visited while supplies last.
This annual community event has contributed $1.8 million dollars to local charities. Proceeds from the Saratoga Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.
This year’s incredible line-up includes 13 homes from 12 award-winning builders. To view the homes on the tour and an interactive map, scan the QR Code attached to the article.
Silent Auction Items from the Inaugural Franklin Community Center Fall Affair (Courtesy of Franklin Community Center)
Franklin Community Center announced the return of its Fall Affair, the organization’s largest fundraising event of the year. Now in its second year, this event will take place on Thursday, September 17, at Saratoga Casino Hotel from 6:30 to 8 p.m. bringing together friends, neighbors, and community all in support of local individuals and families in need.
Guests will enjoy curated cuisine and cocktails, live entertainment by Matt Griffin, the director of the Café Lena School of Music, and bidding on a silent auction.
“We can’t wait to gather once again with our supporters for the Fall Affair,” said Kari Cushing, Executive Director of Franklin Community Center. “The success of last year’s inaugural event was an incredible reflection of the generosity of our community, and we are so excited to build on that momentum. This event not only brings people together for a wonderful evening but also helps ensure that Franklin Community Center can continue providing much-needed resources to thousands of local individuals and families each year.”
Proceeds from the evening will directly support Franklin Community Center’s wide range of programs and services, including its Food Pantry, Free Store, Project Lift program, and Student and Family Services.
To purchase tickets to the event, or for sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.franklincommunitycenter.org/events/fcc-fall-affair/.
The Gateway House of Peace has been providing dignified end of life care in Ballston Spa since 2014. The house can care for two terminally ill people and their families at a time in the last three months of life.
On September 26, from 1 to 6 p.m., the Gateway house will host a family-friendly fundraising event on their grounds at 479 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa. The event is $5 admission and will feature yard and carnival games, live music, food trucks from Ted’s Fish Fry, Spring Street Deli, Thorn and Roots, Stewart’s ice cream, and a silent auction.
Funds raised from this event allow the Gateway House of Peace to operate year-round at no charge to the families.
Another way to support the Gateway house is through the Gateway Thrift Shop, 404 Geyser Road, which sells donated items; all proceeds benefit the Gateway House of Peace.
Edward Hart, Vice President and Commercial Banking Manager of BSNB (Courtesy of Ballston Spa National Bank)
Ballston Spa — Christopher R. Dowd, President and CEO of Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) recently announced the appointment of Edward Hart to Vice President, Commercial Banking Manager.
Hart will lead the bank’s commercial lending team, providing leadership, coaching and performance management while driving commercial loan and deposit growth. He will also oversee portfolio expansion, credit quality and risk management while working closely with all business lines to develop business, strengthen key client relationships, and advance the bank’s overall commercial banking strategy.
“Ed is a strategic banker with decades of experience leading initiatives that strengthen financial performance and drive the growth of commercial loan portfolios,” says Jim Conroy, EVP, Chief Banking Officer. “As a lifelong resident of the Capital Region, Ed has built deep-rooted relationships throughout the community and is committed to providing thoughtful, tailored financial solutions that help local businesses and customers thrive.”
Hart previously served as a commercial loan manager at BSNB, where he managed commercial loan portfolios, underwrote loan requests, and evaluated credit risks. He later joined The Adirondack Trust Company, where he spent 21 years in a leadership role, managing a seasoned commercial loan portfolio and helping develop loan policies designed to safeguard the bank’s assets. He now returns to BSNB, bringing decades of commercial banking experience and a deep understanding of the Bank and the communities it serves.
“Throughout my career in commercial lending I have developed deep relationships with community members, many of which have lasted more than 20 years,” noted Hart. “Helping local businesses grow and prosper has always been the most rewarding part of what I do. As BSNB enters an exciting new chapter, I look forward to serving even more customers while continuing to provide the tailored solutions and local expertise we are known for.”
Owners of Lake Ridge Restaurant, Chef Scott Ringwood and Bob McKenna (Courtesy of Lake Ridge Restaurant)
Lake Ridge Restaurant is celebrating 25 years in business this year, but they almost didn’t make it one month. Bob McKenna and Chef Scott Ringwood opened the restaurant in September 2001, the same month of the devastating terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers.
“We got the approval to open on September 26, and nobody showed up,” McKenna recalled. “Nobody was doing anything at that point. Nobody was coming out to dinner. It was a scary time.”
Eventually the shock of the attack began to fade, and people emerged from their sanctuaries to begin a return to normality.
Ringwood was leaving Dater Tavern in Clifton Park in aspiration to open his own restaurant a year before the attacks. He approached his friend about partnering with him. McKenna, who had been in the car business for 32 years, didn’t hesitate.
The pair bought the property at 35 Burlington Ave, Round Lake and spent seven months renovating the building.
The key to their success? Well, it’s very similar to the car industry, according to Bob McKenna.
“It’s all about a customer experience, and you have to have good staff to give a good experience, and with that you get retention. That customer retention is great staff, great product, great experience; and from there you should be able to do a great business,” McKenna says.
The great product comes from a lifetime of experience from Chef Scott and a tight menu that allows for the highest quality ingredients.
The restaurant creates a cozy and intimate ambiance through its three dining rooms, two fireplaces, and a mahogany bar stocked with dozens of scotches and bourbons and a curated wine list.
Whether you’re in town for the horse racing, have never ventured to Round Lake, or are a regular, Bob and Chef Scott invite you to Lake Ridge Restaurant, open Tuesday through Saturday, 4 to 8:30 p.m.
Moreau – Supervisor Jesse A. Fish, Jr., and the Moreau Town Board recently announced the availability of select Town-owned parcels for sale, within the Moreau Industrial Park (MIP), located off Bluebird Road.
The 12 available parcels offer lots from one to 18+ acres in size, are generally level, and close to shovel ready. These lots are located in an established industrial area which provides access to existing municipal water and sewer infrastructure.
In 2025, the Town Board took action to update the zoning in the M-1 Zoning District, which encompasses the MIP, in order to support the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. That Plan calls for continued promotion and development of the MIP and is consistent with the current Town Board’s Economic Development Goals.
A Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) was prepared for the Industrial Park as part of its original development, outlining thresholds that are acceptable, per acre, and intended to streamline development.
While the Moreau Industrial Park was established in the early 1990s, these Town-owned parcels have not been actively marketed for development, in recent years. The current administration is focused on appropriate growth within the Industrial Park that is consistent with current zoning and brings both economic investment and jobs to the Town of Moreau and Saratoga County.
Sales will be considered only for proposed uses which are consistent with the updated zoning and intended character of the district. Proposals will be reviewed through the Supervisor’s Office and the Building, Planning and Development Office, before being presented for any necessary Town Board action.
Businesses, developers and site selectors interested in available properties are encouraged to contact the Moreau Supervisor’s Office for additional information at 518-792-1030 Ext 6. For specific questions related to allowable uses, please contact the Building, Planning and Development Office at 518-792-1030 Ext 5.
