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Route 50 Diner in Ballston Spa Briefly Closed Due to Health Violation

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.

BALLSTON SPA — According to the New York State Department of Health, the Route 50 Diner in Ballston Spa was temporarily closed after an inspection on May 30 revealed an apparent, ongoing pest control issue.

The diner hired a pest control company to “mitigate the cockroach issue throughout the facility,” a health department report stated. 

In order to reopen, the diner needed to send the Glens Falls District Office a receipt showing that pest control services have been completed, a document from the pest control company stating that the diner is pest free, and a contract with the pest control company showing that maintenance will be performed for at least the next six months.

In a statement posted to social media, the company said it was doing the best it could to reopen. “The sad part is we are in a building with two other businesses that are not required to do anything,” the statement said. “As much as everybody wants to put us down and say negative things, we will rise up and we always do.”

The next day, the diner announced that it would be reopening on June 5. 

The Route 50 Diner, located at 2002 Doubleday Avenue, was also temporarily closed last year by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance due to unpaid taxes.

SPACtacular Fundraiser Kicks Off Summer Season

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Just days before the start of Belmont festivities, The Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s “SPACtacular” summer fundraiser event kicked off what’s sure to be a busy and celebratory season in Saratoga Springs. 

Inside two large tents stationed on the SPAC grounds, guests enjoyed live music, a bevy of local food and drink options, fireworks, and a late-night dance party on the amphitheater stage.

Singer-songwriter Jes Hudak performed in the party tent (admission: $175), which featured bites from Druther’s Brewing, PDT Catering, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Wheatfield’s, and newcomer Sara’s Kitchen. The nearby glow lounge, housed in the open-air pavilion, had guests queued up for scalp massages, tarot card readings, and sound healings. 

In the VIP tent (admission: $400), Jonathan Greene and the Grand Boubousse played live jazz while guests enjoyed a three-course wine pairing.

Fireworks were launched around 9:15 p.m., and the night concluded with a two-hour dance party on the amphitheater stage emceed by DJs Eric & Dillon.

The Summer SPACtacular is SPAC’s largest fundraiser. Proceeds benefit both year-round programming and education initiatives.

Since taking over the Spa Little Theater two years ago, SPAC has used it to host more than 50 indoor events attended by around 17,000 guests. Last year, SPAC launched its “Access the Arts” program, which provides weekly dance, music, and improvisational theater classes to individuals enrolled in day habilitation programs.

In addition to its popular Live Nation events, SPAC this year is hosting the Saratoga Jazz Festival on June 29 and 30; the New York City Ballet from July 9 to 13; Yo-Yo Ma on August 16; and John Legend on August 7.

Revamped Tinney’s Tavern Reopens

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.

Tinney’s Tavern co-owner Sean Willcoxon cuts a ribbon provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce in celebration of his restaurant’s reopening. Photo by Jonathon Norcross.

MIDDLE GROVE — Lake Desolation was not so desolate last Wednesday afternoon when a small crowd gathered to celebrate Tinney’s Tavern, the lakefront restaurant and bar that reopened after undergoing several renovations. On hand were local community members and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

“I just can’t tell you how much we appreciate the support that we got from the local community already. It’s really truly what a local community should be about,” said Tinney’s co-owner Sean Willcoxon while surrounded by his family. “Here in Greenfield, Middle Grove, and the local communities, it truly is supported by everyone and we take great pride in joining that.”

On tap were a variety of craft beers, including a refreshing Saranac Blueberry Blonde Ale enjoyed by at least one local reporter.

Tinney’s Tavern is now open for business at 498 Lake Desolation Road in Middle Grove.

Gaffney’s For Sale; Barstool Founder Mulls Purchase

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.

Gaffney’s, a bar and restaurant on Caroline Street in downtown Saratoga, was listed for sale after facing potential foreclosure. Photo via the Scott Varley Team/Keller Williams Capital District listing.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gaffney’s, the popular bar and restaurant on Caroline Street in downtown Saratoga Springs, has been listed by the Scott Varley Team of Keller Williams Capital District for $4.6 million, and a well-known Saratogian has floated the idea of buying it. 

Gaffney’s was put up for sale after facing potential foreclosure. The listing states that the sale is for the real estate that houses Gaffney’s, not the actual business itself. The property, built in 1967, includes commercial space plus ten rental apartments.

When the Instagram account Around Saratoga Springs posted news of the property’s sale, Barstool Sports founder and owner Dave Portnoy asked his 5 million followers, “Should I buy?”

Portnoy is a frequent visitor to the Saratoga Race Course and owns property on Fifth Avenue next to the Oklahoma Training Track. Last year, he acquired an area variance from the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals so that he could demolish the existing ranch-style home and build a new one.

Veterans Business Council Holds 2024 Jamboree Fundraiser

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Eventgoers play cornhole at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s Veterans Business Council (VBC) 2024 Jamboree fundraiser on May 23 in Saratoga Springs. The VBC’s mission is to facilitate opportunities for military veterans residing in Saratoga County. Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Saratoga County Airport Steps Into the Spotlight as Belmont Arrives

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A recently announced $35.2 million construction project at the Saratoga County Airport aims to be done in time for next year’s Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. But in the meantime, private jets are jockeying for possession of coveted parking spots.

When major sporting events come to town, airports, especially smaller ones, can become overwhelmed by visitors. “There’s limited space,” said Janine Iannarelli, an international broker of private aircraft. “There’s already a base population there. There’s an expectation for a certain amount of incoming traffic, but then you add a significant event and you can ratchet up that traffic by as much as 100, 150 percent.”

With a new terminal building and hangar space in the works, the airport is certainly growing. But it may not be enough. The 20,000-square-foot hangar will be big enough to fit two corporate jets. “That’s really rather small,” Iannarelli said. 

Iannarelli, a horse racing enthusiast who spends her summers in Saratoga, said that although most Belmont visitors flying private will head to the Saratoga or Albany airports, increased plane traffic could also be felt as far north as the Burlington International Airport in Vermont, and as far south as the Stewart International Airport in Newburgh.

“The fact that you see an interest in traveling specifically to a sporting event like this shines new light on the value of the Saratoga County Airport,” Iannarelli said. “The airport is there not just for the pleasure of people, but it’s going to serve a more important purpose as the area develops.”

According to Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett, the current economic impact of the airport exceeds $10 million. Barrett called the airport “a vital gateway to our local economy.”

Prior to the recent construction project, the airport was also working on adding a six bay Tee-hangar for additional aircraft storage. The new terminal and adjoining 20,000-square-foot hangar are expected to be completed by June 2025 when another influx of Belmont attendees is expected.

Belmont Merch Fills Broadway

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business.

Belmont t-shirts from Union Hall Supply Co., Belmont jewelry from deJonghe, and Belmont cigars from James & Sons tobacconists. Photos via the respective company’s websites.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Belmont t-shirts. Belmont jewelry. Belmont posters. Belmont shot glasses. Belmont cigars. It seems like everywhere you go on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, there’s a piece of Belmont memorabilia to buy. 

With local officials estimating that the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival could have an economic impact of $50 million in four days, it’s perhaps no surprise that local businesses are getting in on the action.

Union Hall Supply Co., at 437 Broadway, unveiled this week a limited edition Belmont collection designed by East + Lake. The line includes a “History in the Making” t-shirt, a purple sweatshirt adorned with a crown, and a red top with the outline of a pair of flowers.

At 368 Broadway, Impressions of Saratoga is offering a wide range of Belmont swag, including hats, shirts, shot glasses, cups, mugs, and the 2024 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga poster designed by Greg Montgomery.

At James & Sons Tobacconists, one can light up a Rocky Patel-made exclusive Belmont cigar with a Honduran binder and a Sumatra wrapper. One stick costs $15 and a box of ten cigars will run you $150. The mild to medium smoke will “please aficionados and beginners alike,” said James & Sons.

deJonghe Original Jewelry at 470 Broadway has limited edition Belmont charms available in sterling silver, 14k white gold, and 14k yellow gold, with prices that start at $135. “The Belmont Saratoga race is a remarkable opportunity for people to discover Saratoga, the charm of its historic downtown and the shops and restaurants that make this town unique,” said Evan deJonghe.

As previously reported by Saratoga TODAY, the projected $50 million economic impact figure was calculated by simply adding up four days of economic activity at the annual 40-day summer meet. In other words, the impact of Belmont may be more or less the same as a typical busy track weekend. Whether or not visitors are as excited for the uniqueness of Belmont at Saratoga as locals are, there will certainly be plenty of mementos available for them to bring home.

144 Residential Units Planned in Ballston Spa

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business, Featured.

Photo of the Estates at Ballston Spa under construction provided by Meredith Generali/Paragon Residential.

BALLSTON SPA — This June, residents can begin moving into The Estates at Ballston Spa, an apartment complex located a little less than two miles from the village’s downtown. The apartments are the first phase of a planned three-pronged project that would ultimately create 144 residential units.

Phase one is finishing The Estates at 1419 Saratoga Road, which will include two buildings; one with 24 units and another with 40 units. The luxury apartments are all 2 and 3 bedrooms, with monthly rent prices starting at $1,875. According to Paul Nichols, co-developer of the project, about half of the 24-unit building has already been rented, with a handful more units reserved in the 40-unit building.

Phase two involves building 28 modern farmhouse-style townhomes in the rear of the property. The homes are currently awaiting town approval. If approval is granted, Nichols said that land for the homes could start being cleared this fall. 

 

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The final phase of the project entails constructing three additional three-story, mixed-use buildings with another 52 apartments; plus 25,000 square feet of retail and amenity space on the first floor.

“The location itself is really the gateway to Ballston Spa. We found that very appealing,” Nichols said. “We’ve always liked downtown Ballston Spa. It’s quaint with its shops and restaurants, and we think it’s just a great place to live.”

Paragon Residential Management is developing the project alongside general contractor BDC Builders.

“Epic Failure”: Malta Town Board Addresses Steeplechase Apartments Fire Code Violations

Written by Jonathon Norcross on . Posted in Business, Featured.

Steeplechase at Malta apartment complex photo via the company’s website.

MALTA — The Malta Town Board held a public hearing on Monday night regarding fire code violations at the Steeplechase apartments. The violations, first noted in May of 2022, were initially supposed to have been addressed by September 2022. Representatives from Steeplechase said the violations were still being addressed as of May 2024. They also said they didn’t know if residents had ever been notified of the violations.

The hearing resulted in some heated exchanges, including Councilperson Al Ricci repeatedly referring to the unaddressed violations as an “epic failure,” and Councilperson Barbara Conner telling a Steeplechase representative that she didn’t understand how they could live with themselves.

Special counsel Stefanie Bitter said that after the initial May 2022 inspection report, the town followed up with Steeplechase at least four times in 2022 and 2023. In August 2023, a second inspection noted 104 deficiencies that affected 235 residential units. In November 2023, a fire marshal issued an order to remedy the violations and gave Steeplechase thirty days to do so.

A property manager at the apartment complex later said she was aware of the violations and was working to address them. As of the hearing on Monday night, only six of the complex’s twenty-four buildings had completed the remedial work.

 

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The primary safety issue, said Malta Code Enforcement Officer Greg Berg, was unlisted antifreeze systems within the buildings, which can become flammable and, under certain conditions, could cause an explosion. 

“It’s like playing with grandpa’s old World War II hand grenade and someone says it’s been defused. I’m not pulling the pin,” Berg said. 

Attorney Jennifer Yetto, representing Steeplechase, said the company had contracted a vendor to complete the necessary work in the remaining buildings by the end of August. “Contrary to what the town may have noted,” Yetto said, “we very much are concerned with our residents as much as anyone else.” Yetto criticized town officials for poor communication. She also refused to concede any of the violations.

“We’re very well aware this had been prejudged well before we even walked into the door,” Yetto told Councilperson Ricci.

“It seems like a lot more effort has gone into the defense of the procedure than it has to fix.. the problems of the building,” Ricci said.

The hearing was adjourned with the understanding that Steeplechase had hired a vendor and would address the remaining violations by the end of August.

Saratoga Motorcar Auction Adds “Iconic” Ferraris

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

A 1982 Ferrari 512 BBI and a 1994 Ferrari 512 TR have been added to the Saratoga Automobile Museum’s upcoming Motorcar Auction in September. Photos via the Saratoga Motorcar Auction website.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Automobile Museum’s 8th Annual Motorcar Auction added two consignments last week: a 1982 Ferrari 512 BBI and a 1994 Ferrari 512 TR. 

The 1982 Ferrari 512 BBI features sleek lines, a powerful Flat-12 boxer engine, and an original red exterior with a restored tan leather interior. The 1994 Ferrari 512 TR is the 512 BBI’s successor, and features a top speed of 195mph with original exterior and interior. The car is probably best known for being featured in both the hit TV series “Miami Vice,” and the 1994 video game “Need for Speed.”

“These iconic vehicles embody the spirit and and represent the rich heritage of the Ferrari brand,” said Bill Windham, Auction Director of the Saratoga Automobile Museum, in a statement.

The 8th Annual Saratoga Motorcar Auction will take place on September 20 and 21 at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. For more information, visit www.saratogaautoauction.org.

The Saratoga Automobile Museum exhibition, “Enzo Ferrari: An Obsession with Speed,” features nearly a dozen Ferraris, including a 1997 F310B driven by Michael Schumacher. The exhibition will run until October 28.