A Halfmoon man is facing additional charges after he allegedly attacked a fellow inmate at the Saratoga County Jail.
Shayne Vaccaro, 22, of Halfmoon was arrested on August 11 for an incident that occurred on July 19. He was charged with felony 2nd degree assault.
According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Vaccaro is accused of striking another inmate’s head against a toilet. The alleged assault resulted in the victim being hospitalized with injuries to the head and face.
Vaccaro was arraigned in Milton Town Court and remanded back into custody. In addition to the charges from this incident, Vaccaro is facing attempted murder charges over a stabbing that occurred at a Stewarts in Malta and criminal mischief charges in Saratoga Springs.
It was a late night in Saratoga Springs as the City held its regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
On the agenda was a public hearing on the city’s nearly $25 million capital budget and a discussion of proposed changes to the Unified Development Ordinance.
Here is a rundown of what happened at the Saratoga Springs City Council meeting.
Mayor lays out case for UDO.
The mayor’s proposed changes to the UDO were once again a hot topic of conversation this week as Deputy Mayor Lisa Shields presented multiple slides regarding the changes and progress made on a final draft since changes were first proposed in April.
Shields made the presentation during both the preliminary meeting on the morning of August 17 and the City Council meeting on the evening of August 18. In the preliminary meeting, Shields answered questions from City Council members.
Among the key issues facing the proposal is regarding the city’s architectural review district, which covers the city’s “gateways” along Route 9, Route 50, Lake Avenue, West Avenue, Union Avenue, Washington Street, and Van Dam Street — among other areas.
The architectural district is one of two districts in the UDO under the purview of the Design Review Board — the other being the historic district, which often overlaps the architectural review district in several areas such as Union Avenue and Broadway.
While several of the amendments in the June draft have received favorable opinions by the State Historic Preservation Office, DRB, and Planning Board, a key area of concern is demolition in the architectural review district.
Under the current UDO, the DRB can make determinations regarding historic significance in the architectural review district and raise the threshold for demolition of structures deemed historic.
The mayor has sought to change this and argued that the DRB has been too broad in applying historic standards. He said that a house could be in the architectural review district and after a vote of the DRB, the house could have historic standards applied to it.
Under the proposed changes, if the DRB finds historic significance of a structure, they would be required to make a recommendation to the City Council to designate the structure as a landmark or part of a historic district.
Both the DRB and Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation have pushed back against this change. In their advisory opinion, the DRB argued that the changes would threaten the historic buildings in the district and are “too far-reaching.”
Samantha Bosshart, President of the Saratoga Springs Foundation spoke at the August 18 meeting. She questioned the urgency of the amendments and argued that the changes go too far.
“There may be provisions that need clarification and processes to be improved, but improvement is different than weakening preservation provisions and protections afforded in our historic buildings,” Bosshart said. “Once a significant building is demolished, it’s gone forever. No later comprehensive plan, no ordinance or amendment can bring it back.”
There have been no scheduled hearings on the proposed changes as of the time of publication.
City unveils Capital Budget.
The other main talking point during the meeting was the proposal for the 2027 capital budget. The budget, which is just a proposal covering capital projects, was presented by Shields during a public hearing before the meeting began.
The capital budget is separate from the operating budget, which will be proposed at a later time. In total, 24, projects were recommended, with an additional 12 projects shifted to 2028.
Among the proposed projects is a new police station set to cost the city over $14,000,000. The new station would replace the current station, which sits in the basement of City Hall and has served the city for over 150 years
Mayor Safford said that the project is set to be funded through the sale of unused city properties and could be combined with a DPW garage that would replace the current facility on Van Rensselaer Street.
Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Ian Murray, Joe Fodera, Robert Williams, Tamim Fares, Frank Tatum, Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett.
It was a quick afternoon in Ballston Spa as the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors held its monthly meeting to decide legislation.
On the agenda this week, in addition to the normal spending items and hiring changes were a resolution honoring 9/11 first responders, a new tax breaks for disabled veterans, and over $250,000 in state funding distributed to youth sports.
Here is a rundown of key events at this week’s Saratoga County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Hearing Set for Major Tax Breaks for Disabled Veterans
A law that would grant a full county property tax exemption for veterans with a 100% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was introduced this week with a public hearing set for Sept. 9.
The bill was introduced in response to a State Law passed in 2025 which granted jurisdictions the ability to grant a full exemption for those who are fully disabled due to injuries sustained during their time in military service.
To qualify veterans must have a disability rating of 100% from the VA. Under the VA’s system, the total disabilities a servicemember has is calculated and combined. The maximum rating is 100% while the lowest rating is 10%. These ratings determine monthly payments and other VA benefits.
According to Board of Supervisors Chair Phillip Barrett, in Saratoga County, there are 3,585 veterans receiving some sort of VA disability benefits. Of these 775 have a 100 disability rating from the VA with 705 of those being considered being considered permanently disabled, according to Saratoga Springs Supervisor Minita Sanghvi.
It’s unclear how many of these veterans own homes in Saratoga County. However, Sanghvi said that estimates from the county so far indicate that taxes would go up only a few dollars depending on the assessed value, due to this legislation. She also said that once this legislation is passed, the City of Saratoga Springs will be able to consider whether it wants to grant exceptions for city property taxes.
A public hearing on this legislation will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 9 in the Board of Supervisors room in Ballston Spa.
9/11 Anniversary Marked by the Council
During the meeting, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and honored four individuals with a connection to the attacks.
The four individuals were:
• Joe Fodera, a Halfmoon Town Justice who served as an NYPD detective who responded to the World Trade Center on 9/11 and served there for months afterwords.
• Robert “Bobby” Williams, a former Saratoga Springs Fire Chief and former member of New York Task Force 2 Urban Search and Rescue team who deployed to New York City in the aftermath of the attacks.
• Frank Tatum, a Stillwater resident and attorney who represented 9/11 victims’ families after the attacks. His mother, Diane Moore Parsons, was killed on 9/11.
• Tamim Fares, a US Army Sergeant and Saratoga County Veterans Service Officer who served during the War on Terror and saw combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Over $250,000 in Funds Distributed to local Youth Sports and Education Groups.
During the meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted on two resolutions that will have an impact on youth sports in Saratoga County.
The two related resolutions saw the Board of Supervisors accept and allocate over $250,000 in money for youth sports and education groups in Saratoga County. Of this money, $112,117 was for municipal youth team sports while $139,855 was for youth sports education and opportunity.
Here is a breakdown of who received the money.
• Ballston Spa Junior Baseball League: $15,000
• Galway Baseball and Softball League: $20,000
• Halfmoon Girls Softball: $15,000
• Miss Scotties Softball: $15,000
• Old Saratoga Athletic Association: $20,300
• Saratoga Youth Lacrosse Association: $10,000
• Burnt Hills Ballston Lake Youth Activity Fund: $11,300
• Department of Aging and Youth Services – Double Dutch Jump for Youth Month: $11,500
• Department of Aging and Youth Services – Lifeguard Training Course: $12,000
• Department of Aging and Youth Services –NW Region Dance Program: $13,000
• Department of Aging and Youth Services – Regional YSEF Opportunities: $18,300
• Mechanicville Area Community Services Center – Dance Program, Girls on the Run, & Open Sports Clinics: $8,000
• Shredders MTB, Inc. – Devo Bike Racing Team: $6,000
• Shredders MTB, Inc. – Youth Mountain Recreational Biking: $10,000
• Town of Corinth – Youth Sports Programming: $9,220
• Town of Northumberland – Summer Adventure Program: $10,000
A concept image showing the proposed layout of the gallery. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs)
Saratoga Springs, NY – The City of Saratoga Springs is pleased to announce the launch of the Garage Gallery, an exciting new public art initiative that will transform the Putnam Parking Garage into a vibrant, welcoming space celebrating local creativity, community, and connection.
The Garage Gallery is a collaborative project led by the city in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Arts Commission and will feature artwork by local artists and Saratoga Springs High School students. By reimagining public infrastructure as a destination for public art, the project seeks to enhance the downtown experience while showcasing the remarkable artistic talent within the community. “We are excited to provide opportunities to showcase the work of local artists. We are incredibly proud of the important role the arts play in Saratoga Springs, and the Garage Gallery will serve as a reminder of the creativity and talent that enrich our community,” says Commissioner of Accounts Jessica Troisi, who has been playing an advisory role to the Arts Commission.
The Overhead Gallery will feature a series of original mural panels suspended from the overhead crossbeams of the garage’s lower parking level. Up to fourteen local artists will be selected through a public call for submissions to create individual works on standardized aluminum composite panels provided by the city. Together, the collection will create a cohesive and engaging gallery experience while allowing each artist to express their own unique creative vision.
The city welcomes artwork that reflects the power of creativity to inspire, connect, and cultivate a sense of belonging. Artists will be encouraged to explore themes including hope, resilience, joy, healing, identity, inclusion, community, and the shared human experience. The goal is to create artwork that invites viewers to feel welcomed, uplifted, and connected to one another.
In addition to beautifying a heavily utilized public facility, the project will replace outdated advertising panels, discourage graffiti through creative placemaking, support local artists, and create new opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with public art in an unexpected setting.
Artist submissions for the Overhead Gallery will open September 1st, 2026, with applications accepted through an online portal on the City of Saratoga Springs website. The Saratoga Springs Arts Commission will conduct an anonymous review process, with selected artists announced later this year. Installation of the Overhead Gallery is anticipated in spring 2027.
Additional information, project guidelines, submission deadlines, and application materials will be announced in the coming weeks through the City’s website and social media channels.
According to Chair of the Saratoga Springs Arts Commission, Steve Rosenblum, “The Commission has been focused on elevating the visibility of the Arts in Saratoga Springs, including both visual and performing arts, and this is among several initiatives we hope will come to fruition in the coming year.”
For project updates and future artist opportunities, please visit the Garage Gallery page on the City of Saratoga Springs website or follow the city and the Saratoga Springs Arts Commission on social media.
Arts Commission Garage Gallery Page: https://www.saratogaspringsny.gov/2864/Garage-Gallery
The Department of Public Safety recently received numerous complaints regarding unlicensed taxi drivers and rideshare operators circumventing the use of the rideshare applications.
Code Enforcement handles the licensing of taxicabs operating within the city of Saratoga Springs. This process includes the issuance of a hack license, monitoring in the LENS (New York State License Event Notification System) program, inspections of taxicabs, fingerprint/photo checks, and the issuance and display of medallions. These regulations allow the city to ensure that passengers are entering road-safe, well-maintained vehicles that are operated by properly licensed, safe drivers.
Last week, members of the department conducted a detail focused on these complaints. As a result, three individuals were cited for violating City Code 215-2(D) – Operating Without a Medallion. One of the drivers was also found to have a fictitious inspection sticker displayed on his vehicle and was issued additional citations as a result.
Additionally, one of the drivers did have driver status on a rideshare application, but circumvented use of the application in exchange for cash. These rideshare applications have their own vetting and background processes and retain information about rides in order to increase rider safety. The Department of Public Safety highly discourage agreeing to circumvent the use of the application when getting into your ride.
Before getting into a rideshare, follow these four simple steps:
Stop – Check the security features in your app and know how to contact help within the app if needed.
Ask – Ask the driver “What’s My Name?” If they do not know, do not get in.
Match – Match the car and license plate before you get in.
Inform – Notify an emergency contact where you are, where you are going, and what time you should arrive.
These enforcement efforts will continue throughout the remainder of the summer. If you have complaints regarding taxicabs operating within the city limits, contact: code.enforcement@saratogaspringsny.gov
A Glens Falls woman is facing felony charges for allegedly failing to follow protocols regarding the care of someone who couldn’t care for themselves in late 2025.
According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, McKayla Irish, 30, was arrested on Aug. 6 on charges of felony 1st degree endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person.
According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on Dec. 24, 2025, and was reported to the Office on May 28 in the Town of Wilton.
Irish is alleged to have failed to follow protocols by not conducting temperature checks of the person in question every four hours. The person developed a high fever, was transported to Saratoga Hospital and died a few weeks later.
Irish was released on an appearance ticket pending proceedings in the Wilton Town Court.
A Shenendehowa bus driver has been arrested after he allegedly tried to kiss a student.
Donald Barnes, 49 of Malta, was arrested on Aug 7, 2026, on charges of misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child and 3rd degree sexual abuse.
He is alleged to have tried to kiss a child unrelated to him on the mouth.
According to New York State Police, while Barnes had met the child through his work as a Shenendehowa bus driver, the incident did not occur on school property or at a school sponsored event.
Barnes was initially charged with endangering the welfare of a child; however, further investigation determined that the additional charge was merited. Barnes was arraigned on the sexual abuse charge on Aug 11, 2026. He has since been released.
In a statement to several media outlets, the Shenendehowa School Central School District confirmed that Barnes has since been placed on administrative leave.
The investigation is ongoing with New York State Police encouraging anyone with additional information to contact them at 518-457-6811 or by email at Crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.
A Mechanicville woman has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to a garage on Main Street in Mechanicville.
Alisha Cooper, 46, was arrested and charged with third degree arson, attempted third degree arson, third degree burglary, and third-degree criminal mischief.
According to the Mechanicville Fire Department, crews were dispatched to 192 South Main Street on August 10, 2026, at 7:42 p.m. for a structure fire. On scene, crews found a 25 by 100-foot garage with heavy fire conditions and reportedly heard multiple explosions coming from the structure.
Within 20 minutes, firefighters were able to get the fire under control and prevent it from spreading to surrounding buildings. No injuries were reported in the fire.
The fire was investigated by the Mechanicville Police Department and Saratoga County Cause and Origin Team. According to the Mechanicville Police Department, witnesses observed a woman, allegedly identified as Cooper, leaving the scene of the fire around the same time as the alarm. A search warrant was later executed at her residence, where police say they found additional evidence.
Cooper is alleged to have illegally entered the garage, set it on fire, attempted to set a truck on fire, and damaged a vehicle in the garage. Police said they believed the incident stemmed from “an ongoing family despite.”
Cooper was arraigned and released to pre-trial services pending further proceedings.
Multiple agencies responded to the fire including the Arvin Hart Fire Company, Hillcrest Fire Department, Melrose Fire Department, Hemstreet Park Fire Department, Clifton Park Fire Department, Stillwater Fire Department, Waterford Fire Department, Clifton Park-Halfmoon EMS, Saratoga County Cause and Origin Team, Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services, and the Mechanicville Police Department.
Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby recently announced the formation of the Saratoga County Child Safety Review Commission, a first-of-its-kind, multidisciplinary effort bringing together 53 dedicated professionals and community leaders committed to identifying gaps in the systems designed to protect children and developing solutions to address them.
The commission was formed following an overwhelming response from the community, with more than 250 individuals expressing interest in serving.
The 53-member commission includes District Attorney Eby and representatives from law enforcement, child advocacy, education, public policy, social services, mental health, health care, the faith community, local government, the judiciary, the State Legislature, philanthropic communities and many others. Every member is serving in a volunteer capacity.
“This commission is about bringing smart, dedicated professionals who care deeply about children into one room and giving them the opportunity to work together on some of the most difficult challenges facing our children,” said Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby. “We received more than 250 letters of interest from people who wanted to be part of this effort. That response demonstrates just how deeply our community cares about public safety and well-being of its children.”
The goal of the Child Safety Review Commission is to identify gaps in the systems intended to protect children, understand why those gaps exist, and develop practical solutions to close them. “This is not about pointing fingers or assigning blame,” Eby said. “It is about taking an honest look at our systems, asking difficult questions, and finding ways to make them better. We are trying to prevent future tragedies, and I am confident that bringing this group of talented and compassionate professionals together will help us develop meaningful answers to the problems facing our children.”
The commission’s membership reflects the many systems and disciplines that intersect with child safety. Members include law enforcement officers and investigators, school administrators, counselors and nurses, child protective services and social services professionals, mental health clinicians, child advocates, public policy experts, health care professionals, government and county leaders, elected officials, a retired Family Court judge, a pastor, nonprofit executives, and community leaders.
“Child safety does not fall within the responsibility of any one agency or profession. Protecting children requires all of us to work together. By bringing these perspectives together, we have an opportunity to see problems from different angles and develop solutions that can make a real difference.”
The Saratoga County Child Safety Review Commission is believed to be the first commission of its kind, created specifically to bring together such a broad cross-section of professionals and community stakeholders to comprehensively examine child safety systems and identify opportunities for improvement.
The commission will begin its work by examining existing systems, identifying areas where children and families may fall through the cracks, and developing recommendations designed to strengthen child safety and prevent future harm.
A Milton man is facing felony charges after he allegedly collected money from parents for a basketball team that didn’t exist.
Norbert Sygdziak was arrested on July 21 in the Town of Milton on charges of felony 4th degree grand larceny, felony 1st degree scheme to defraud, misdemeanor 2nd degree scheme to defraud, and five counts of misdemeanor petit larceny.
According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Sygdziak allegedly collected money from parents in order for parents to join a basketball team that didn’t exist. The scheme is alleged to have occurred between February and April 2026 and resulted in over $1,000 being stolen from parents in the Town of Malta.
Sygdziak was issued appearance tickets pending proceedings in the Malta Town Court.
“The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Deputy Dylan Ferguson at dferguson@saratogacountyny.gov,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
This isn’t the only legal matter facing Sygdziak. A review of court records from New Jersey and New York show several default judgements against Sygdziak related to a company he owned in New Jersey called “RideAlongNow.”
