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Saratoga 4×800 Relay Team Wins Indoor Track State Championship, Sets Meet Record

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Photo provided by Saratoga Springs Athletics.

STATEN ISLAND — Four athletes from Saratoga Springs teamed up to capture the NYSPHSAA Indoor Track State Championship in the 4×800 relay, capping off a weekend full of strong finishes.

The team of Alycia Hart, Sheridan Wheeler, McKinley Wheeler, and Emily Bush took home the state championship in the 4×800 relay with a time of 9:06.63, a new meet record. All four runners also helped Saratoga capture the cross country national championship at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon on Dec. 3.

“Just when you think you’ve done everything, something else pops up,” said coach Linda Kranick. “It’s been a very exciting year for them.”

Kranick has served as the longtime coach of the Saratoga girls track and cross country teams alongside her husband Art Kranick. 

“These girls, they work so well together,” Kranick continued. “They’re so focused. We didn’t even think about the record ahead of time. It was a very exciting race. They led from the gun to the wire, the whole time.”

McKinley Wheeler also placed second in the 3000-meter run (9:37.50), with Sheridan Wheeler in third (9:37.67). Kranick said the times are two of the best in the event in team history.

“Those were just outstanding times that they ran,” Kranick said. “Number three and four all-time for our team, so that says a lot. … It was an amazing race, and they run so well together.”

Kranick also said it was “impressive” to see Bush, McKinley Wheeler, and Sheridan Wheeler all compete in multiple events over the weekend. 

Bush finished third in the 1500-meter run (4:29.42), setting a new personal best. Anya Belisle also placed eighth in the 1500 (4:40.63). Amelia McBain placed fourth in the pole vault (12’ 0”).

“That was a personal best for Emily. To break 4:30 is something to be proud of,” said Kranick. “Amelia is just a super athlete, a super person. We’re so proud of her in the pole vault.”

McBain set the school record in the pole vault earlier in the season, Kranick said.

Next, the team will head to another national championship meet: The Nike 2023 Indoor Nationals from March 10 to 12 at The Armory in New York City. Kranick said the indoor season has been “very successful,” to this point, with the team looking to continue that success this weekend.

“We’re quite pleased with all the girls’ performances,” said Kranick. “There are other girls, not just the ones you see at the state meets and the headlines. But we have many other girls who are out there working hard. It makes it enjoyable for us.”

No Toilets for You

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Hoping to get ahead of what he called a looming “crisis” come spring, city Public Safety Commissioner Jim Montagnino invited council discussion by suggesting the installation of portable toilets at the Woodlawn Garage. 

The thinking is that those portable toilets would be available for use during the late-night and early morning hours by the city’s homeless population after the April 30 lease conclusion of the temporary Code Blue shelter on Adelphi Street.  

“We know the Woodlawn Garage – for better or worse and mostly for worse, the Woodlawn Garage is where many of the unhoused congregate,” Montagnino said. “I think we as a civilized society owe the most vulnerable members of society some modicum of dignity where we can provide it. When Code Blue closes there will be no place – I repeat – no place in the city of Saratoga Springs where after-hours a public toilet is accessible by anyone.” 

Preliminary inquiries indicated costs would be approximately just under $1,000 per month for two handicap-accessible and wheelchair-accessible portable toilets regularly serviced, Montagnino added. 

The proposal as brought to the council table, however, raised several concerns among the other council members, who argued its “discussion and vote” format lacked clarity about how the logistics might work, as well as lacking specific information regarding where revenue would be sourced, how it would be monitored or policed during the overnight period, issues of fair biding practices, and reports of a less-than-stellar track record of previous similar attempts made by the city.   

“I think we’ve got a cart way before the horse in this situation,” city Mayor Ron Kim said, adding that earlier attempts by previous DPW Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco resulted in “a really bad situation where a number of issues occurred that we don’t have to go into in the public realm here. It’s my understanding that Commissioner Scirocco basically saw this as a failure,” Kim said.  “I think we need to get public input on this, but my view is we ought to be working very hard to get a permanent shelter as soon as possible. And I’m not sure this makes any sense at all.”  

“Mr. Mayor, when we talk about what doesn’t make any sense at all,” Montagnino responded, “is we have the permanent shelter. Back in October I was there with you when we announced the permanent shelter,” the commissioner said, referencing last year’s announcement by the city that it would site a permanent 24/7 shelter on Woodlawn Avenue in 2023, after converting the city-owned building that had previously served as the Senior Center. 

Three months later, in January 2023, some members of the Saratoga Central Catholic School – which partially borders the Williams Street Senior Center – began to express concerns regarding the siting of a shelter in close proximity to the private school. By February, the shelter proposal met with an increasing backlash from parents and community members.

“People yelled at you and you caved,” Montagnino said to Kim. “The building that was earmarked for that permanent shelter will lay fallow while our unhoused population will suffer for the foreseeable future.”  

Kim responded to Montagnino’s criticism by providing a timeline.  “What happened was Shelters of Saratoga abandoned the plan and the resolution that I brought to this table that people voted 5-0 to support. They walked away from that, so we had to take a step back,” Kim said. “I didn’t cave. I went into the school and told them – in a very hostile audience – that Williams Street was still on the table, that it still could be the shelter, but I wanted three things to happen: we figure out what we need, we figure out the facility, and most importantly now, we figure out who will actually provide that service,” Mayor Kim said. “Williams Street is still on the table, and it remains on the table.” 

Commissioners Golub, Moran and Sanghvi each expressed concern about the way the portable toilets idea was presented this week, as well as the lack of detailed clarity regarding how the installation and maintenance of the portable toilets would be accomplished. Commissioner Sanghvi floated the traction-gaining suggestion that the currently operational public bathrooms in Congress Park could be open for extended hours, after the Code Blue lease runs out on April 30. 

Ultimately, the 22-minute discussion March 8 at the council table regarding the installation of two public toilets at the Woodlawn Garage lacked gaining a second motion, subsequently failing to move the issue to a public hearing on March 21. 

Public Hearings approved to take place March 21:  

• The City Council will host a Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 21 during its regular council meeting regarding potential earlier start times of those meetings. 

Meetings – which generally take place on the first and third Tuesday of every month – start at 7 p.m. Last month, the mayor suggested the start time be relocated to 5 p.m. The purpose of the hearing on March 21 is to solicit opinions from the public regarding a potential earlier starting time, the mayor said. 

One suggestion implemented at the March 7 council meeting featured an expansion of the time allotted each public speaker – from 2 minutes previously, to 4 minutes.  Additionally, two Public Comment Periods – one at the start of the meeting and one at the end of the meeting – were featured.  

• Public Hearing on a proposed ordinance amending city Municipal Code entitled “General Legislation” to add a chapter titled “Human Rights Protection.” The first of the proposed “Human Rights” protections is slated as the protection of reproductive rights. “We invite the public to comment on this important local legislation that will locally protect the right to choose,” city Mayor Ron Kim said. 

• Public Hearing regarding the establishment of an Independent advisory committee to review the city’s compliance to Police Reform Task Force recommendations as ratified in 2021.  

SHMD 2023 Raises $630,111 for the Community at South Glens Falls High School

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education, Featured.

Photos provided by South Glens Falls Central School District.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS — The 46th annual South High Marathon Dance, held at South Glens Falls High School from March 3 to 4, has once again raised a significant amount of money for local families and charities.

The total amount, $630,111.07, was announced during the marathon’s closing ceremony on Saturday, March 4. Over the course of the 46-year history of the dance, the students and community have raised more than $10 million.

The funds will benefit 28 recipients – both individuals and organizations from South Glens Falls and neighboring areas.

“Each year, I am amazed by the hard work and dedication of our students, staff, and the South High Marathon Dance volunteers to put on this amazing event. I can’t say enough about how incredibly proud I am of each and every person who contributed. Knowing we can help families and community organizations is an amazing experience for our students,” said South Glens Falls Central School District superintendent Kristine Orr. “We truly have an incredible community here in South Glens Falls.”

This year, Logan Mahoney was the top student fundraiser, raising $8,326.85, among many other students – both in the high school and in the middle and elementary schools – who raised thousands of dollars. In addition to the student fundraiser, scores of local businesses held fundraisers for the community, which added thousands to the total amount raised.

This year’s recipients include the families of: Tayton Bowen, Donald Crandall, Crue Duswalt, Kathleen Evarts, Hunter George, Christopher Goodness, Grace Netti, Gabrielle Potter, Aiden Rodriguez, Randy Strong, Shane Walsh, and Megan Willis.

Community organizations receiving donations include: Adirondack Vets House, Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York, Ben Osborn Memorial Fund, Cancer Center Community Crusaders, CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Food For Thought, Kelly’s Angels, Inc., Moreau Community Center, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, and Southern Adirondack Independent Living.

The dance itself, which was streamed live at shmdlive.org, began in 1978. The event has progressed from a small dance in the high school gym to an event that brings the entire community together. After two years at Six Flags Great Escape, the dance returned to the high school this year.

“We can’t thank our community enough for their generosity. This marathon would not be possible without the support of countless businesses, organizations, and individuals who donate not only monetarily but their time and effort to make this the best possible experience for our students,” Orr said.

Lefty Milligan: One of Saratoga’s Finest Athletes

Written by Sean Kelleher on . Posted in Featured, History.

John “Lefty” Milligan.
Photo provided by The Saratoga County History Roundtable.

When people think of Schuylerville, they think of history. The region is known for the 1777 Battles of Saratoga. Baseball is not what people think of Schuylerville. However, for years, the community was known for the pitcher John Milligan one of the finest athletes in the county’s history. He hurled for the Philadelphia Phillies of the National League and the Washington Senators of the American League. 

John Milligan was a noted Schuylerville High School athlete in basketball and baseball. In 1921 the Saratogian wrote, “Milligan has been pitching stellar ball all season.” Milligan then embarked to pitch at Cornell University. “Among the more promising new pitching prospects is John A. Milligan, left-hander, who performed brilliantly for the freshman team last year,” reported by Cornell Alumni News on March 20, 1924. 

Milligan batted left-handed and threw right-handed. The Boston Daily Globe reported on May 4, 1924, “John Milligan, a stocky southpaw, had the [Harvard] Crimson battery eating out of his hands throughout.” Milligan played two seasons for Cornell. He was instrumental in starting at triple play against Columbia and pitching a no-hit game against Virginia which he lost 1 to 0 because he gave too many bases on balls. 

Milligan continued to play ball in Schuylerville. The Saratogian reported on July 15, 1924 that the “Veterans Royal Giants of Albany… composed of (many) colored [sic] players have arranged to represent Schuylerville for the remainder of the baseball season. The team comes here highly recommended, and the games should prove a great attraction for the village… John Mulligan, a baseball pitcher for Cornell College will pitch with the outfit… The opening game will be played Sunday with the Mechanicville K. of C. team at the Fort Hardy Park diamond.”

Milligan’s first major league game was on August 11, 1928 for the Philadelphia Phillies (1928–1931). The New York Times reported the next day that Philadelphia lost to the New York Giants 4–0. “The Phils played a mean trick on a young fellow named Jack Milligan yesterday at the Polo Grounds. The youth hadn’t caught his breath from the excitement of being in the major leagues when he was flung to the fury of the Giants, a team that was practically invincible the way it played yesterday. Young Mr. Milligan was hired yesterday morning and fired at the Giants in the afternoon. He never had a chance.” 

“Johnnie Milligan, Schuylerville lad, yesterday (September 24, 1930) turned in his first major league victory, when, pitching for the Philadelphia club of the National League, he turned back Brooklyn, 6 to 3… His chief weakness has been his inability to control the ball, his wildness having cost him a regular pitching assignment with the Phillies. The New York baseball authors with the Brooklyn team gave Milligan a lot of credit for winning the match. The New York Times said: “The Dodgers… could not solve the efficient pitching of Jack Milligan, a southpaw. Milligan, whose hurling this year won a pennant for the Wilkes-Barre club, for which he turned in twenty victories.” The New York Tribune said: “Milligan pitched as though he might be the answer to many Philadelphia prayers for a pitcher. Aside from the first inning, he never gave the Robins much chance to do any hitting, and in the few times they did get men on the bases, he stopped them cold,” according to the Saratogian on September 25, 1930. 

Milligan’s final game was on June 23, 1934 with the Washington Senators. In a five-season career, Milligan posted a 3–8 record with 38 strikeouts and a 5.17 ERA in 35 appearances, including 12 starts, four complete games, and 116⅔ innings of work. Milligan played professionally with Newark, Baltimore, Buffalo, Albany, and Toronto in the International League; Syracuse, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Albany of the New York¬–Penn League; Nashville of the Southern Association; Dayton of the Central League. 

Even as a professional ballplayer, Milligan found time to play local baseball. The Saratogian reported on October 9, 1933 that “’Lefty’ John Milligan, Schuylerville’s favorite son and ace port-sider for the Scranton team of the New York–Penn League, exercised his trusty wrong-side flipper with such effect yesterday that at the end of nine chuckers, the men of Easton had failed to acquire a semblance of a hit . . . Big John Milligan was in superb form and only on one occasion was he extended. His burning fastball, crackling curve, and deceptive change of pace completely overwhelmed the visitors, fourteen of whom were strikeout victims and none of whom collected anything close to a safe hit.”

After retiring from the diamond, Milligan took over the Broadway Theater in Schuylerville. In addition, Mulligan was a commercial pilot. In 1941, “Milligan demonstrated his skill in the cockpit by a successful takeoff from the state road (Route 9) at Round Lake. While State Police held back traffic for the stunt that was given approval by the Civil Aeronautics Authority,” according to the New York Times on November 7, 1942. In that year Mulligan was called on to serve the nation’s war effort by instructing military aircraft pilots at Carlstrom Field, Florida, operated by the Riddle Aeronautical Institute. After the war, he settled in Fort Pierce, Florida, where he died on May 15, 1972.   

Mulligan will be remembered in Schuylerville history for his athleticism. It seems fitting that on October 17, 1928, on the 151st anniversary of the surrender of Saratoga, the village of Schuylerville honored Milligan with a parade. “A local resident has said it never rains on 17 October. It poured instead last night. In spite of pouring the Schuylerville Fire Department Fife and Drum corps and citizens, automobiles escorted John A. Milligan Philadelphia National League baseball pitcher from the home of his parents on Green Street to the Hotel Schuyler, where 80 enthusiastic residents sat down to the dinner given under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce to “Johnnie” or Lefty Milligan, as he is popularly known,” according to the Saratogian the following day.  

 Sean Kelleher is the historian for the Town of Saratoga, the vice president of the Saratoga County History Center, and the vice chairman of the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission. Kelleher is a contributing writer to More Saratoga County Stories and Saratoga County Stories.

Wrestlers Place at States – Locals Finish Strong at State Tournament

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Taylor Beaury (far right) stands at the podium after finishing in seventh place in the 126-pound weight class at the 2023 NYSPHSAA Division 1 wrestling championships. Photo provided by Jake Zanetti.

ALBANY — Eight local wrestlers competed at the NYSPHSAA Division 1 State Championships over the weekend at MVP Arena in Albany, concluding their seasons against the top wrestlers in New York State.

Ballston Spa’s Darrien Insogna finished as the NYSPHSAA Division 1 runner-up at 215 pounds, falling to Minisink Valley’s Ethan Gallo in the state championship match. Connor Gregory earned a third-place finish at 160 pounds for the Scotties, while Ralph Keeney placed fourth at 110 pounds. Also competing for the Scotties was Cameron Hinchcliff.

Saratoga Springs’ Taylor Beaury earned a seventh-place finish at 126 pounds, while Lorenzo Palleschi battled to an eight-place finish at 189 pounds. Also competing for the Blue Streaks were Vito Spadafora and Patrick McKinley.

Ballston Spa head coach Harvey Staulters said it was “great to get them out there a second time,” noting that Insogna, Gregory, and Keeney all wrestled at last year’s state championships as well.

“Because of their experience, they were a little more at ease, and had a little higher expectations, a little higher goals,” said Staulters. “It was great to watch them compete.”

All three of the Scotties’ returning wrestlers improved on their finishes from the 2022 state championships.

Saratoga head coach Jake Zanetti said the weekend was “a nice culminating event” for Spadafora and Palleschi, who are seniors. Zanetti added that it was great experience for Beaury, a sophomore, and McKinley, a junior.

“Definitely a great opportunity for all four of them for different reasons,” said Zanetti. 

For Ballston Spa, Insogna opened his tournament by pinning Longwood’s William Francois, then pinned Central Square’s Rocky Files in the quarterfinals. Insogna pinned Bellport’s Jaiden Green in the semifinals, dropping an 11-4 decision to Gallo in the state title match.

Gregory earned a 17-6 major decision over Horseheads’ Liam Levantovich in his opening match, rallying to earn a 6-4 sudden victory decision over Iona Prep’s Sean Dagl in the quarterfinals. Gregory fell in the semifinals, dropping a 5-3 decision to Cornwall’s Tyler Reed, before winning a consolation match over Churchville-Chili’s Coy Raines to advance to the third-place finals. There, Gregory beat Degl again, earning a 3-2 decision.

Keeney opened the tournament with a 15-2 major decision over Brady Judd of Warwick Valley, dropping a 9-0 major decision to Valley Central’s Luke Satriano in the quarterfinals. Keeney earned consolation round victories over Jason Euceda (Brentwood), Ryan Cielinski (Spencerport), and Ryan Ferrara (Chenango Forks), before dropping the third-place finals in an 8-4 decision against Long Beach’s Dunia Sibomana.

Hinchcliff defeated Hilton’s Tyler Simons in the first round, falling to Niagara Falls’ Amarfio Reynolds in the second round. In the consolation rounds, Hinchcliff earned a 9-5 decision over Horseheads’ Cody Dale, and a win by fall over Carthage’s Landon Copley before dropping a 5-0 decision to Pittsford’s Samson McKissick-Staley.

Staulters had praise for his wrestlers, saying they “exceeded expectations” over the weekend.

“They were inspirational, to continually fight and move forward, despite some of the adversities,” said Staulters. “Sometimes they lost, and they just kept coming back. It was really a great experience.”

For Saratoga, Beaury opened the tournament with a victory by technical fall over West Babylon’s Billy Colloca. He fell to Calhoun’s Ray Adams by an 8-2 decision in the quarterfinals. Beaury won his first consolation match over Fox Lane’s Justin Gierum, falling to Nikolas Massero of St. Joe’s Collegiate in the second. Beaury earned a 4-2 decision over Bellport’s Camryn Howard in the seventh-place match.

Zanetti said that Beaury “did really well,” noting that the 126-pound weight class was particularly strong.

“The seeds don’t really matter much at states,” Zanetti said. “He’s a tenth-grader, he battled a lot of older kids than him.”

Palleschi beat Canandaigua’s Mason Depew in the opening round, avenging a loss to Depew earlier in the season on Jan. 21. Palleschi fell to top-seeded Zack Ryder of Minisink Valley in the quarterfinals, and bounced back by winning his opening consolation match over Bethlehem’s Quincy Bonville. Palleschi lost to Pine Bush’s Braydon Pennell in the second consolation match, and dropped a 6-2 decision to Orchard Park’s Jack MacDonald in the seventh-place match.

Zanetti said it was nice to see Palleschi avenge his earlier loss to Depew, which came in sudden victory during the King Bison Invitational at Shaker High School.

“For him to get a ‘W’, that was really nice,” said Zanetti.

Spadafora lost his opening round match to Nyack’s Sam Szerlip, defeating Lancaster’s Mikey Schaefer in the consolation rounds. Spadafora fell to Clarke’s Justin Soriano in the third consolation round. 

“(Vito has) been a key program guy for a long time, so for him to get to the state tournament was really fun for him,” said Zanetti.

McKinley earned a 5-3 sudden victory decision over Davit Abjandadze of Edward R. Murrow High School, falling to Gallo, the eventual state champion at 215 pounds, in the quarterfinals. McKinley beat Josh Amiel of John F. Kennedy (Bellmore) by 4-3 ultimate tiebreaker in the first consolation match, falling to MacArthur’s Ben Velasquez by 7-2 decision in his second consolation match.

Zanetti described McKinley as “a total Cinderella story,” saying he emerged as one of the team’s top wrestlers midway through the season.

“Once he started showing signs of that, it was great for him to get out there,” Zanetti said.

Athlete Dominates Pro Debut – Saratoga Springs Native Don Walton Wins MMA Match

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Photo by John Dean.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Karate, judo, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai. You name it, and Don Walton likely utilized it during his professional MMA debut on Feb. 18.

Walton, a coach and trainer at the Saratoga Academy of Elite Martial Arts, defeated Jason LaPage as part of the Battle in Barre 9 in Barre, Vermont. The match was Walton’s first professional fight.

“It hasn’t become real yet,” said Walton of his victory. “It still is kind of sinking in a little bit. But it’s just nice to be able to watch all the years of suffering and hard work that I’ve been through finally come to fruition, and show something.”

Walton has been training at the Saratoga Academy of Elite Martial Arts since 2012, beginning as a student. Walton is a black belt in Kyokushin karate, a four-stripe brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a yellow belt in judo, and will be receiving his jiu jitsu black belt soon, said Saratoga Academy of Elite Martial Arts head instructor Jim Bruchac.

Eventually, looking to increase his skills, he headed west to advance his training at Kings MMA in Huntington Beach, California. There, he worked with highly acclaimed trainer Rafael Cordeiro, who has trained fighters such as Anderson Silva, Maurício Rua, Wanderlei Silva, and more.

“It just was really amazing,” said Walton of the experience. “I just fell in love with it, I loved everything about it.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, however, Walton ultimately moved back to the Capital Region. Initially, Walton was unsure if he wanted to continue fighting, but said the itch eventually returned.

Walton’s professional debut would not come without its hurdles, however. His initial opponent dropped out due to an injury, and Walton’s first professional opportunity did not come until a year later. 

Walton said in order to stay prepared, he simply tried “not to focus too much on the fight.”

“I tell people, if all you do is focus on trying to be a fighter, you’re going to burn yourself out,” said Walton. “You physically and mentally cannot be focused on fighting all the time.”

That’s where his role as a teacher comes in. Walton said he focuses most of his time on being a martial artist and a teacher at the Saratoga Academy of Elite Martial Arts, saying it is “more rewarding” to watch another person develop their skills.

“I really enjoy teaching more than anything else. Fighting is really fun, don’t get me wrong,” Walton said. “But it’s more rewarding to me to watch someone else develop themselves in a way, where I get to play a role in that myself.”

Walton runs the Academy’s muay thai programs for both adults and children, and is a camp instructor at the martial arts school at Ndakinna Education Center, Bruchac said.

“We have some very competitive kids in both those arenas,” said Bruchac. “Right after winning his fight, he was helping us run one of our youth camps, our nine-year-old group.”

Eventually, the day of Walton’s fight came, and saw him utilize a wide variety of moves in order to capture a win via leg lock in the second round. Walton said the skill learned from a variety of styles has been invaluable.

“In this fight, I got to use muay thai. I used karate, I used judo, I used wrestling, I used jiu-jitsu. Just everything that we do here,” said Walton.

Bruchac said Walton is ultimately fighting “for his students,” providing a real-world example of the moves and methods that the Academy teaches.

“To highlight what we teach at our school, to show things come to fruition in a real situation like a sports situation, and then be able to pass that on to his students,” said Bruchac. “He fully illustrated all that we offer at the school in brilliant fashion.”

“For me, I like to say this is the example,” Walton said. “You see now why I require you to understand judo, why I require you to understand wrestling. … It’s not just about punching people, you have to also be able to deal with every possible scenario.”

As for the future, Walton said that while he has been offered more professional opportunities, he will likely only fight “once or twice a year.”

“At the end of the day, my career is a coach and a martial artist,” Walton said. “I hope to get back in there again before the end of the year. But right now, we’ve got other guys on our team that I’m trying to help bring up. I’ve got some guys that might be fighting in March and April, so I want to help those guys first.”

Walton said that ultimately, professional fights are a way for him to test himself.

“For me, I like to push myself to the limit and just be able to find out, how far can I go? How far can I push my body?” said Walton. “Win or lose, I don’t care. It’s all about me testing myself and my skills. It’s not about me proving anything to anyone other than myself.”

Under Development: Renovations at Longfellows, Redevelopment of Stewarts, SoBro Hotel Expansion

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

Photo provided. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Planning Board will host its next meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 9 at City Hall. 

Planning Board applications currently under consideration include:  

• Stewarts 177 S Broadway & 28 Lincoln – Initiation of Coordinated SEQRA Review of a proposed redevelopment of existing Stewart’s Shop, demolition of all existing site features and replacement of fuel tanks and canopy, and a new two-story 3,720 sq. ft. Stewart’s Shop.

•3368 South Broadway Hotel – Expansion Site Plan review for an addition to an existing hotel to incorporate 17 new rooms in the Gateway Commercial – Rural district. The expansion along the southern hall of the building would be a total of 2,942 square feet new footprint, according to documents filed with the city. Three parking spaces will also be added to the site of the project, which is titled Homewood Suites. 

• 500 Union Longfellows Renovations – Site plan review of a proposed redevelopment of the existing Longfellow’s hotel, restaurant and conference center in the Interlaken PUD. 

The project description calls for the demolition of the restaurant portion of the main building, while maintaining the existing hotel rooms on the building’s north side. Addition plans point to the development of a new building to connect to the existing block of hotel rooms and the construction of a connecting bridge. 

In specific numbers, plans call for the number of rooms to increase from 18 in the main building and 32 in the hotel wing, to 54 and 34, respectively, according to the most recently revised plans submitted to the city.

‘Let Our Residents Enjoy Saratoga Lake’: Town of Malta Buys Former Mangino’s Property, Plans To Build Public Park

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business, Featured.

The former Mangino’s Ristorante. Photo by Dylan McGlynn.

MALTA — The Town of Malta has purchased the property of the former Mangino’s Ristorante, and the town has plans to turn the location into public lake access and more.

Mangino’s, a restaurant run by the Mangino family for 72 years, closed in 2018. Town of Malta Supervisor Mark Hammond said plans for the town to purchase the property were “long-awaited.” The town purchased the property for $1.9 million, Hammond said.

“This has been something that was on my radar nearly two years ago, when I was deputy supervisor,” said Hammond. “I really thought that property was something, that it would be a benefit to the town residents to obtain that and solidify and firm up any lake access we would ever have on behalf of our town to the lake.”

Hammond said he “breathed a huge sigh of relief” when the sale was finalized, emphasizing the importance of the town having public lake access. 

“Really happy that we’re at this point,” Hammond said. “It’s step one. …The major step is the first one, and that was getting the property.”

Hammond said he hopes to create office space and boat slips/launches for the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District (SLIPID), the Malta Ridge Volunteer Fire Company, and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol. 

Hammond said there are also goals to build a park for residents, and mentioned picnic spaces, a non-motorized launch, and a fishing pier as possibilities. Hammond said the goal is to allow the town’s residents to “enjoy the lake.”

“That’s our goal. Let our residents enjoy Saratoga Lake,” said Hammond. “It’s our way of affording them access to that body of water that a lot of people enjoy. But from the Town of Malta standpoint, we had nothing until now that guaranteed our residents access to that lake.”

Hammond said he envisions the park holding picnic areas, grill setups, and more, allowing a space where residents can relax by the water and “enjoy the serenity of the lake.”

“Basically, just relax, and enjoy one of the beauties that we have right in our backyard,” Hammond said. “It really, truly, is a gem.”

Hammond also said it would be beneficial for SLIPID, Malta Ridge, and the County Sheriff’s Marine Unit to have a presence on the lake. He said SLIPID “are the true stewards” of Saratoga Lake.

“I want them to have their own bonafide office space, where they can show the residents, and have a presence at this location, to show, ‘Hey, this is what we’re doing to keep this lake healthy, and keep it safe,’” said Hammond. “I’d like to have those three entities have a means to say, ‘OK, this is where we can launch to and from, or slip,’ and also provide what small office space they may need to facilitate their operations daily.”

The property is roughly 2.65 acres in total, said Bonnie Mangino, daughter-in-law of former Mangino’s owners Richard and Pauline Mangino and a former employee of the restaurant. She said the family is “so grateful” to Hammond and the town for their purchase.

“We are so grateful to Mark Hammond. It’s really his vision to make that happen, and to make sure that property didn’t go to some sort of private development,” said Mangino. “He worked hard, and over a long period of time, to make that happen.”

Mangino said the family is glad the property will become a resource for local residents.

“Gratitude is the absolute feeling of the week, and the month, and the year,” Mangino said. “Toward a lot of people, but Mark is at the top of that list, for sure. …Years from now, people won’t remember our name or his name, but they’ll know that park and they’ll love it.”

Hammond said the town is hoping to move quickly, attempting to maintain “forward momentum” with the project.

“Once we get pointed into a direction of what we should do, I’m going to move as quickly as I can,” said Hammond. “Not because I want to do it out of haste, but because I don’t want this opportunity to lose its steam. I want this to move forward, and I want it to be available for people sooner than later.”

The Times They are a Changin’ – City Council Implements Modifications

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Addressing potential solutions to the lengthy and at-times volatile public comment sessions during recent council meetings, the city is looking to change meeting start-times from early evenings to late afternoons. It will also relocate public comment sessions from the traditional meeting-start to meeting-end and extend each speaker’s allotted time limit by adding additional minutes.

“All meetings will now start at 5 p.m.,” city Mayor Ron Kim announced while proposing the changes during the council’s Feb. 21 meeting. “We (will be) starting a little earlier to get to some of the standard business that has to be done by our City Council.”  City Council meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. 

Public Comment periods – both, those targeting specific proposals as well as sessions provided for general commentary – will be moved to the tail end of meetings. The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors similarly stage their public comment periods at the end of their regular meetings. Each speaker will be allotted twice as long to talk as is currently allotted.

“Each person will have four minutes to speak, rather than the current two minutes,” Kim said. “People seem to be very constrained by the two-minute time period. We’re doubling the time and adding a (once-per-month) Community Forum which will allow groups to speak to us in a more open and less constrained manner. We do believe this will enhance our ability to interact with the public.” 

The changes are anticipated to go into effect with the council’s next meeting on March 7. The 5 p.m. commencement stands in contrast to the traditional 7 p.m. start of meetings that back many years and through several administrations. A sampling:   

April 4, 2000 – Mayor Ken Klotz called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Meeting Notes: Commissioner Thomas McTygue informed Council members that two individuals had been apprehended in Congress Park for pouring dye on the Katrina Task stairway. He said these individuals were caught due in great part to the new cameras placed throughout the park.

April 20, 2004 – Mayor Michael Lenz called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and reviewed some of the guidelines for the public comment period: 1 – Speakers must step to the microphone and give their name, address and organization; 2 – Speakers must limit their remarks to two minutes on a given topic; 3 – A total of 15 minutes shall be allotted at the beginning of each Council meeting for the public comment period. If more time is needed, time will be provided to those still wishing to speak at the end of the Council meeting; 4 – All remarks shall be addressed to the Council as a body, not solely to any member thereof; 5 – Speakers shall observe the commonly accepted rules of courtesy, decorum and good taste. 

March 21, 2006 – Mayor Valerie Keehn called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Agenda: Finance Commissioner Mat McCabe leads discussion on city Bond Rating; Public Safety Commissioner Ron Kim announces the formation of a Pedestrian Safety Committee.  

July 15, 2008 – Mayor Scott Johnson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Several people spoke during the public hearing regarding the donation of land to the Shelters of Saratoga (SOS) on Walworth Street to enable the Shelters to build a transitional housing to compliment the Shelter already existing there.

Dec. 6, 2016 – Mayor Joanne Yepsen called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Discussion and Vote: Resolution for Humanity, Respect and Inclusiveness; Announcement: Special City Council Meeting on Affordable Housing scheduled to take place Dec. 14. 

Oct. 5, 2021 – Mayor Meg Kelly called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and opened the public comment period at 7:01 p.m. Melanie Trimble of the New York Civil Liberties Union addressed the arrests made of BLM activists in the past weeks and expressed the belief that the protestors were engaged in actions protected by the first amendment. 

Feb. 21, 2023: meeting call to order 7 p.m.  City Mayor Ron Kim lead a discussion regarding changes for future City Council meetings.   

The proposed changes

• Saratoga Springs City Council meetings will now be called to order at 5 p.m. 

• Public Comment Period, normally held at the beginning of meetings and allowing 2 minutes per public speaker, will now be held just prior to conclusion of meeting, allowing 4 minutes per speaker.  

• Proposals up for vote requiring public comment will be re-arranged accordingly, so the public may   voice their opinion prior to a Council vote taking place.

• At least one City Council meeting per month will also include a Community Forum. That forum, anticipated to run 30-to-60-minutes in length, will be an open forum and focus on one specific item, selected by the mayor’s office with public input. Council members and supervisors are invited, but not required, to attend the forums. 

Details Emerge on Wilton Mall Plans – 296 Apartments, 88 Townhomes

Written by Dylan McGlynn on . Posted in Business, Featured.


Paramount Development principal Tom Settle (left) and Wilton Mall general manager Mike Shaffer (right) discuss plans to construct 296 apartments and 88 townhomes on the property of the Wilton Mall on Tuesday. Dylan McGlynn photo.

WILTON — Officials from the Wilton Mall, Macerich, and Paramount Development met on Tuesday to discuss proposed plans to add nearly 400 apartments and townhomes on the site of the mall’s former Bon-Ton location.

The group included Wilton Mall General Manager Mike Shaffer, Tom Settle, Principal at Paramount Development, and Tawney Farmer, Macerich Vice President of Development. Shaffer said the project can be a “catalyst” for attracting new uses to the mall.

“The project is really about economic revitalization, and ensuring that we continue to contribute to the Town of Wilton the way we have historically, and also continue to make this a vibrant shopping center with mixed-use and new uses that are essential in today’s environment for malls of our nature,” said Shaffer.

First proposed to the Wilton Town Board in April 2022, the project would see the development of 296 apartments and 86 townhomes in place of the former Bon-Ton location.

Bon-Ton closed in 2018, and has been vacant since. Wilton Mall partnered with Paramount Development in May 2021, and began developing plans for apartments.

Roughly half the apartments will be one-bedroom, said Settle, while townhomes will primarily be two- and three-bedroom units. The plans also include a clubhouse between 12,000 and 20,000 square feet, and Settle said the group has looked into amenities such as an indoor pool.

“We want to do as much as we can afford to do,” said Settle. “We’re going to do what everybody else does, and then some.”

Surface-level and garage parking will be available to residents. Settle said the complex would have a gated entry that residents can access via their phones, and other smart features. Rent is expected to begin around $2,000, Settle said.

Tawney Farmer, Vice President of Development at Macerich, said they envision the mall becoming a “town center.” The goal is to attract more entertainment, dining, and retail spaces back to mall property.

“It’s going to drive traffic to the property, not just to shop for retail, but for restaurants, and for entertainment, and visiting people who live here,” said Farmer. “We’re trying to create a place where the community wants to be, not just to shop.”

“And what better amenity to a residential community than having shopping and restaurants just outside your door?,” Shaffer added. “The project will also be pedestrian friendly, offering convenient access to Wilton Mall via sidewalks and green space.”

Shaffer said the mall’s first venture into mixed-use was when Planet Fitness and Healthy Living Market opened in the former location of J.C. Penney in 2012 and 2013. More recently, Saratoga Hospital moved parts of their operation into the former Sears location in 2020.

“As we continue to bolster our property for success, it’s important once again we look beyond the traditional plans to replace a former anchor that has been vacant for some time,” said Shaffer.

Shaffer and Farmer said there is general interest in the area, but that many companies are seeking visibility on Route 50. 

“There’s not a lot of vacancy on Route 50, and there’s interest in this market,” Shaffer said. “We need to be able to offer some additional reasons besides the traditional mall to attract that interest.”

“Everybody wants that Route 50 frontage, they want that visibility,” added Farmer. “But if we can create a destination, it’s a different story. …  There are national restaurant chains interested in the area, but they want to be on Route 50. The signage is one of the things too that we show in the renderings. 

“In the future, we can do that to get them the Route 50 visibility, but they’d be in the property, either in the parking lot or in the mall. So we need this first domino to fall, and then we can hit the retailers hard and get the interest back.”

The project will operate in two phases, Shaffer said. Phase one would consist of the apartment developments, the demolition of Bon-Ton, and “some additional green space” and landscaping between the apartments and the mall. The townhomes would be constructed as part of the second phase.

Shaffer said infrastructure for the plans are already in place due to the mall. He said a traffic study did not identify additional impacts to area traffic, with Farmer saying the mall was, “built for traffic.”

“It’s built in close proximity to the highway,” said Farmer. “It’s built to handle a lot more traffic than it’s getting, that’s for sure.”

Shaffer said he has served as the mall’s general manager for 11 years, and spent 30 years in retail prior. He is a resident of the Town of Wilton, he said.

The Town of Wilton Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the project to the Town Board, provided they show renderings of the project. An update on the project, including the renderings, will be presented at the upcoming board meeting on March 2 at 7 p.m. at 22 Traver Road in Gansevoort, with the group saying they are hoping the board will set a public hearing.

More information on the project is available at reimaginewiltonmall.com.