SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gulph Creek Hotels is seeking approval from the city of Saratoga Springs to renovate the Hilton Garden Inn, three months after purchasing the 112-room hotel.

Exterior renovations are part of $2 million in proposed upgrades planned by the suburban Philadelphia hotel management company.

Gulph Creek purchased the 21-year-old Hilton Garden Inn for $9.75 million in February. The South Broadway hotel was acquired from BRE Select Hotels Properties LLC, part of Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX). The deal closed Feb. 20.

The new owners have filed an application with the Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission seeking an architectural review of plans to replace the front entrance, repaint the hotel and make other exterior improvements at the 2.75-acre property. Gulph Creek is working on the project with architect Kiprian Fedetz of Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Gulph Creek executives said in February that the Hilton Garden Inn’s occupancy had been strong, but the company purchased it seeing opportunities for improvement. Less than a month after the purchase, the Covid-19 pandemic started spreading across New York state, forcing thousands of businesses to shut down, dramatically limiting travel.

Hotel occupancy in Saratoga County fell by 38.5% in March 2020, compared to the same period the previous year.

The city is preparing for its busiest season; however, this summer’s turnout remains in question since the Saratoga Race Course plans to run without permitting fans at the track. Last year, more than 1 million people attended the races.

Gulph Creek owns a half-dozen hotels and manages 20 others in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The company secured a $9.6 million mortgage through Truist Bank of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, when it purchased the Saratoga Springs hotel. Approximately $2 million of that total was part of a construction loan to cover renovations.

Gulph Creek principal Derek Sylvester said in February that the new owners also plan to upgrade the bar and reconfigure the lobby. The 112 rooms already had been renovated over the past two years.

 SARATOGA SPRINGS — Developer Mark Rekucki is about to invest $12.4 million to construct three warehouses totaling 186,000 square feet at his 200-acre Synergy Tech Park site in Clifton Park.

The founder of M.J. Properties of Clifton Park will build the warehouse-and-office buildings on speculation after receiving interest from a string of logistics and shipping companies since introducing plans to develop a technology park off Route 9 and Kinns Road.

Rekucki is working with Saratoga Economic Development Corp. to apply for mortgage, sales and property tax incentives through the Clifton Park Industrial Development Agency to help control the cost of the overall project. If approved, Rekucki would save $1.5 million in taxes over 10 years, including $470,000 in sales tax breaks.

BALLSTON SPA — Authentic Salon opened their doors Wednesday of this week, bringing high quality hair service in a wholesome atmosphere. 

Kayla Murphy, owner of Authentic Salon, was inspired to open the new business through her work as a National Color Educator for John Paul Mitchell Systems. Murphy has travelled around the country as a national educator and has worked in many different salons. By visiting and working in the salons across the country, Murphy had the opportunity to see both successful and unsuccessful work in the salon industry for other stylists in many different demographics.

“Working in so many salons in the Capital District, I have gotten to learn what works best for our demographic. And working with Paul Mitchell, I have had the opportunity to receive amazing quality training with the best in our industry globally,” Murphy said. “Once the Covid-19 crisis hit, my ideas and plans were solidified even more through the need for transparency in sanitation for my salon guests and coworkers. Also being pregnant and having asthma put me at a higher risk for contracting the virus so I knew I had to do something.”

The salon, located at 1 Lake Hill Road, Ballston Lake, will offer women’s, men’s and children’s haircuts as well as blowouts, specialty color, keratin smoothing, event styling and airbrush makeup.

“Authentic Salon is unique in the way that we provide the highest quality hair services in a down-to-earth, community friendly, wholesome atmosphere. I think so many times in situations where you receive excellence in standards, you trade off a lot of the wholesome qualities the community appreciates and values,” Murphy said. 

Since Authentic Salon is a new business, the doors will open in accordance to restrictions and guidelines set in place for the community. Following the mandated guidelines for New York salons, Authentic Salon will test for COVID bi-weekly, wear masks and face shields, provide a clean cape for services and limit the number of guests in the salon at one time.

“In addition to the mandated guidelines, we are taking extra steps of precautions such as having our guests sign waivers when they arrive, wearing disposable gloves for the duration of the appointments, running air sanitizers throughout the salon, using neck strips and wearing a clean apron for every client. If a guest arrives without a mask, hand sanitizer, gloves and a new mask will be provided for them,” Murphy said. 

To accommodate postponed appointments as well as new appointments, hours of operation have been extended. Salon guests looking to book an appointment or stylist can visit their facebook page or email authenticsalonny@gmail.com. They are currently hiring established booth renters. 

“I am most looking forward to creating the place I always knew I needed to work in to be as successful and prosperous as possible. And creating a safe work environment for my salon guests whom I have known for so many years, to come visit me and receive the services I love to provide for them,” Murphy said. 

BALLSTON SPA — The 2020 Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market will open starting June 13 and run through September 26. 

By following interim guidelines set by New York State Agriculture and Market for Farmers’ Markets, guidelines and precautions have been set in place. According to the market’s website, vendors will be properly spaced, social distance precautions will be implemented and masks will be required for vendors and customers. They will also offer hand sanitizer to customers and vendors. 

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market has currently been open on Wednesday and Saturday each week following the same guidelines. Emily Meagher, Market Administrator of Saratoga Farmers’ Market Association (SFMA) said the market only cancelled in mid-March, but moved outdoors to the Wilton Mall, occupying the parking lots near the Bow Tie Cinemas and the old Bon-Ton department store. Bracing cold weeks throughout March and April, Meagher said the move outdoors wasn’t the only change SFMA has made.

“Things have been going well for our farmers’ market. We’ve been heartened by the immense support from our local community. Now more than ever, it seems people are really appreciating local products and producers,” Meagher said.

Other changes SMFA has made to their set up includes: spacing out vendors’ stalls 10 to 15 feet, widening walkways to encourage and accommodate social distancing between customers, increasing hand washing stations and hand sanitizer available to customers and vendors, requiring masks to be worn within the market perimeters, and encouraging customers not to bring more than two members of their household and not to bring pets, to preorder when possible, and not to linger after they shop.

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Meagher also mentioned vendors cannot give out samples and are the only ones to touch products. They are also encouraged to prepackage items to limit exposure. Every hour during the market, customer attendance is counted to ensure not too many customers are at SMFA at one.

“Farmers’ markets are usually a very social and communal place. Although we can’t create that atmosphere right now as a market, thankfully our vendors and customers still create a joyful and positive environment,” Meagher said. 

Even as a social setting, Meagher added the community shouldn’t worry while visiting the market so long as proper guidelines are followed. Each market entrance, in addition to their social media page, posts the safety guidelines. 

“For those customers who are vulnerable or immunocompromised, we do encourage preordering or having a friend or family member come to the market instead. But due to the precautions we’ve taken and the fact that we are operating outdoors, our markets are very safe. For those who might still be worried, I suggest trying out our Wednesday market, which is a smaller market with about 15 vendors. Especially after the first opening rush, which lasts until about 4 p.m., the market becomes a very intimate and socially distanced place to do your shopping safely and without any stress,” Meagher said. 

Starting in June, SFMA’s satellite location in Clifton Park will also be opened on Mondays, outside the Shenendehowa Methodist Church.

QUEENSBURY —  Brewnited announced the latest collaboration fundraiser for local service and hospitality workers: an ongoing raffle series featuring exclusive experiences from local restaurants and attractions, funded in part by a donation from Ball Corporation.

“Ball Corporation believes supporting the communities where we operate is part of who we are and it is one of our sustainability pillars. As we see our society face the hardships imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to provide our employees with the opportunity to help others in our local communities by directing local giving to help those in need. Brewnited is exactly the type of organization that can have locally the biggest impact by our donation,” said Andrea Miele, Ball Corporation.

On Friday May 15, 2020 at Northway Brewing Co., Andrea Miele of Ball Corporation presented Brewnited with a check for $10,000.00. With their generous donation, Brewnited will host a number of auctions featuring exclusive experiences from local restaurants and attractions including a virtual beer tasting with the NYS Brewers Association, a private brunch for two at Bailey’s Saratoga, and more. All proceeds from the auctions will go to Brewnited’s tipped workers’ fund.

“Ball Corporation’s generous contribution will allow Brewnited to continue production and sell Negative Input beer with all profits being distributed locally while allowing Brewnited to expand through the Local Experience program. This will be a direct benefit to local restaurants and attractions while continuing to support local hospitality workers affected by COVID-19,” said Max Oswald, spokesperson for Brewnited.

Starting Friday, May 22, supporters will be able to bid on the Flatbread Social experience: take-out dinner for four from Saratoga’s Flatbread Social.

New experiences will be added to www.wearebrewnited.com every Friday, with bidding open for one week. Visit www.wearebrewnited.com to bid, apply for assistance, or contribute to the fund.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The League of Women Voters US Education Fund announced that VOTE411.org, its one-stop-shop for election information, has been named Best Government & Civil Innovation Website in the 24th Annual Webby People’s Voice Awards (May 2020).

Since 2006, VOTE411 has provided registration deadlines and tools, absentee and early voting information, polling place locations, voting hours, candidate information, and more. Late last year, the League of Women Voters launched the newly redesigned VOTE411.org, with the mission to serve every voter in America with critical election information in 2020.

The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County regularly helps local candidates post information on the VOTE411 website, so that area residents can compare candidates based on their qualifications and their position on issues the School Board Election Guide will be available on May 26 and voters can enter their address to find out who is running for School Board in Saratoga County in the June 9 elections. Information for the June Democratic Primary is available now.

Hailed as the Internet’s “highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet.

“The coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on elections, but it’s never been more important for voters to make sure their voices are heard at the ballot box” said Jeanette Senecal, Senior Director of Mission Impact for the League of Woimn Voters Education Fund. “In this critical election year, VOTE411 is expected to reach one in five people in the United States before November 3. This award is a testament to the time and dedication our league volunteers around the country put into making sure voters have accurate election information.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Quad/Graphics was awarded a $1.05 million tax incentive package Tuesday as the magazine and catalog printing giant prepares to invest $45 million installing new presses at its Saratoga Springs plant.

The Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency approved an incentive package last week that will save Quad $211,000 in sales tax on equipment. The IDA also approved a 10-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement that freezes Quad’s property assessment, saving the company $105,000 a year in property tax.

Munter Enterprises general contracting firm of Middle Grove has been hired to renovate a 60,000-square-foot section of Quad’s 1,011,000-square-foot plant at the W.J. Grande Industrial Park. Construction costs are expected to total $6 million. Renovations will make room for the installation of two Manroland 8-unit auto transfer presses, driving the price tag of the project to $45 million.

The project is expected to reduce scrap and utility costs at the 36-year-old plant, while giving Quad the ability to take on more magazine, catalog and retail advertising insert jobs ranging from a few thousand pages to millions.

The machines will be the first color presses of their kind at Quad to include an auto transfer feature, allowing them to switch to a new job in 30 seconds, a process than can take between 20 and 40 minutes on other presses.

Quad employs 668 people in Saratoga and the new presses are expected to create 74 additional jobs within the next two years with an average salary of $52,500, plus $13,500 in benefits. The project also is expected to receive $6 million in tax credits from the state and $2.25 million in assistance through utility company National Grid.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS) created an online survey to document life during COVID-19. 

“Leaving Our Fingerprints” is an online survey SALS is asking people of all ages in the community to fill out online. The information is collected anonymously and will be used to document COVID-19 in the Southern Adirondacks. 

The survey consists of 20 questions, and each question does not have to be answered. There is no limit to how many times the survey is done, and a second survey can be submitted if more information was discovered at a later time. 

Erica Freudenberger, outreach and engagement consultant for SALS, created the idea for the documentation. She was scrolling through Twitter when she noticed a post that recommended keeping a journal through the COVID pandemic. 

“Scientists, epidemiologists and historians had learned so much about the Spanish Flu from journals they found,” Freudenberger said. “When we began to work from home in mid-March, I spent a lot of time thinking about how we could create and maintain community in a time of pandemic. As a librarian, my first thought was: sharing stories.”

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Freudenberger shared her idea with Sara Dallas, executive director of SALS, who was enthusiastic and told her to go for it. SALS is comprised of 34 member libraries in Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties, and each library is autonomous, with its own board and director. They create the Director’s Council who very supportive of Freudenberger’s idea.

In addition, the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Crandall Public Library and Schuylerville Public Library put her in touch with library staff to help with any efforts. She then formed a committee at the end of April with Lorie Wies, local history librarian at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, Michelle Isopo, adult services librarian at the Schuylerville Public Library, and Jack Scott, tech and youth services consultant SALS.

According to the “Leaving Our Fingerprints” website, by collecting stories the community can become witnesses to history, helping to provide insight into daily life during the global pandemic.

“We want everyone to participate. There are 20 questions, but you don’t have to answer them all. We’re also collecting images, gifs, and digital documents, if people want to share artwork, poetry, photos, or TikToks – we’re open to however people want to share their pandemic story,” Freudenberger said.

The survey can be reached online at www.sals.edu, or contact efreudenberger@sals.edu with questions. Currently there is no end date to the project, as Freudenberger said they’re leaving it up for the length of the pandemic. 

 ELMONT — The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced a new charitable initiative designed to raise funds for the NYRA backstretch community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fans can support the effort by purchasing new t-shirts emblazoned with the inspirational messages “Belmont Tough” and “Saratoga Tough.” The t-shirts emphasize the strength and commitment of the men and women who have been working throughout the pandemic to provide essential care for the 1,500 horses stabled on the property.

The Belmont Tough t-shirt is available in steel grey and the Saratoga Tough t-shirt is offered in heather red. The limited-edition t-shirts are now available for sale by visiting online.

NYRA will donate all net proceeds from t-shirt sales in equal allotments to three non-profit organizations which serve the Belmont Park backstretch community: the Belmont Child Care Association (BCCA); the Backstretch Employee Service Team of New York (B.E.S.T.); and the New York Race Track Chaplaincy of America (NYRTCA).

“The backstretch workers are the unsung heroes of our sport,” said NYRA Chief Operating Officer Gordon Lavalette. “As we move toward the resumption of live racing, we encourage fans to support the men and women whose hard work and dedication have made that possible.”

The BCCA operates Anna House, a childcare and early-childhood education facility at Belmont Park for backstretch families, providing vital support to those who work in thoroughbred racing. Libby Imperio, a longtime owner on the NYRA circuit, is the president of the BCCA board and oversees the organization’s fundraising and outreach efforts.

Anna House was closed on March 17 consistent with Nassau County’s decision to close public schools to help limit the spread of the coronavirus, but the BCCA continues to work remotely to support the children of backstretch workers.

B.E.S.T. operates the B.E.S.T. Health Center located on the Belmont Park backstretch and maintains a staff of 15 full-time workers and numerous volunteers who are tasked with providing backstretch workers free health care, life insurance, drug and mental health counseling, food and clothing.

Led by Executive Director Paul Ruchames, B.E.S.T. operates on an annual budget in excess of $2.2 million which is funded mainly by NYRA and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), along with public donations and grants from private foundations.

The NYRTCA, led by Chaplain Humberto Chavez, ministers to the backstretch community with children’s enrichment, social services, recreational programs, educational opportunities and non-denominational religious services.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Harness Racing, Inc. (SHRI) and American Gaming Group, LLC (AGG) announced May 20 that they have mutually agreed to terminate an acquisition agreement under which the parties had agreed that SHRI would acquire the operating assets of Wildwood Casino in Cripple Creek, CO from AGG.

Both parties cite that the termination, although disappointing, was necessary based on the current economic impacts resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis. The pandemic has resulted in a need for each company to focus on its respective businesses, and has impacted the companies’ ability to realize the benefits of the transaction during these unprecedented times.

SHRI owns and operates Saratoga Casino Hotel, in Saratoga Springs, featuring over 1,200 slots, electronic table games, a live entertainment venue, a variety of dining options and bars, live harness racing, and simulcast wagering. SHRI also owns and operates Saratoga Casino Black Hawk, located in the historic town of Black Hawk, CO featuring over 425 slot machines, 10 table games, a full-service restaurant, bar and a variety of guest services. SHRI is also a partner with Delaware North Companies in the operation of Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths in Saratoga Springs.  Additional information about Saratoga Casino Hotel can be found at saratogacasino.com.