SARATOGA SPRINGS — Motorists pulling up alongside the gas pump in post-Memorial Day 2021 will notice the cost of filling their fuel tanks significantly higher than the prices of one year ago. 

As of June 9, the national average for a gallon of gas was $3.07, according to AAA. In New York State, that average was slightly higher – at $3.10, ranging from $2.99 in Ulster County to over $3.20 in the North Country region of Hamilton, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. The highest cost-per-gallon rates are in the western part of the nation, peaking at just over $4.20 per gallon in California. 

“If I look at a typical Saratoga store right now, it’s $3.09 (per gallon). If I go back a year ago, we were $2.25, a year before that we were $2.75, and back to 2018 we were $3.01,” says Pat Suprenant, director of field operations at Stewart’s Shops, which counts hundreds of gas station locations in New York State.   

“It’s certainly higher than it’s been in the last five years.  A lot of that is (reflective) of the actual raw cost of the gas we buy is getting more expensive and a lot of that is driven by crude being up at around $70 a barrel,” says Suprenant, who has been with Stewart’s for 21 years, the past five in his current position. This week, CNN reported that on Sunday June 6, U.S. oil prices hit $70 a barrel for the first time in nearly three years. 

“What is promising is that crude may not sustain at this level. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), and its allies including Russia, announced last week they still plan to gradually increase crude production in July. If they do increase production, this could lead to a decrease in crude oil prices, which is good news for motorists,” reports AAA. 

Retail gasoline prices are mainly affected by crude oil prices and the level of gasoline supply relative to gasoline demand, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Strong and increasing demand for gasoline and other petroleum products in the United States and the rest of the world can place intense pressure on available supplies.

Citing heightened levels of uncertainty related to the ongoing economic recovery from the pandemic, the EIA, in its pre-summer outlook forecast U.S. regular gasoline retail prices would rise significantly higher than they were in summer 2020, reflected by anticipated higher crude oil prices and higher wholesale gasoline margins. 

“Wholesale gasoline margins have risen as a result of relatively low inventories and rising gasoline demand (and) margins also temporarily widened because of outages on the Colonial Pipeline,” the EIA reported. 

Colonial Pipeline was forced to temporarily shut down their operations last month following a disruptive cyberattack. The company operates the largest U.S. fuel pipeline and has since returned the system to normal operations. 

“That affected (costs) a little bit,” Suprenant says. “We get most of our gas from the New York harbor and the harbor is fed by the Colonial Pipeline. A lot of people did a lot of panic buying, so obviously the demand spiked up a bit and so did costs to us coming out of the harbor. But we’re past that now. Everyone has enough supply I think.” 

During the first week of June from 2015-2019, gas prices have typically averaged $2.81 per gallon. Last year, amid a pandemic, the national average of gas prices in early June inched up to just above $2 per gallon, the lowest they had been in a decade-and-a-half, according to AAA. 

“In April 2020 when COVID hit, crude went negative for a little while and was the lowest that I think I’ve ever seen crude. The cost of gas went down with it, so that’s why we were able to see under $2 gas,” Suprenant says. 

The EIA added that they expected higher-than $3 per gallon gas costs in June before falling to $2.76/gal by September – the drop based on rising refinery utilization. 

“We’re certainly seeing demand increase as COVID restrictions are lifted and more people are traveling or going back to work,” Suprenant says. “I would expect prices to increase a little bit as they typically do all the way through Labor Day.” 

Prices typically start rising around Memorial Weekend and through the summer. 

“Besides the supply and demand, with EPA regulations we also have to bring in a different grade of gas,  which we call ‘summer blend.’ You can’t mix as much butane in it, because when butane gets above 70 degrees it burns quicker into the atmosphere, so the EPA restricts what you can and can’t sell and you have to add more expensive additives,” Suprenant says. “That typically happens right around the middle of May. It’s been going on for years and it’s why you’ll y see an .08-to-.12-cent bump through May that people correlate with Memorial Day. Typically as you cycle past Labor Day and late September, you can go back to having butane in your fuel because it’s colder (outside), and butane is a little cheaper additive compared to the alternative.” 

The AAA Gas Prices website is updated daily by Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) with average national, state and local prices for gasoline, diesel and E-85. For that daily information, go to: gasprices.aaa.com. 

Click Here: Roohan Realty Proud To Be Honored By “Best Of 2021”

SARATOGA SPRINGS – A ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local and state officials and community members celebrated the installation of a rainbow-colored crosswalk Thursday night on Spring Street, leading to Congress Park.

Following in the footsteps of other cities in the state such as Albany, Buffalo and Kingston – which has four painted crosswalks – the rainbow crosswalk was installed to depict a symbol of Saratoga’s continued open and welcoming environment, and ongoing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

A few hours later, however, a local news report pointed to the anticipated permanence of the crosswalk as being in violation of state and federal rules.  City Mayor Meg Kelly told NewsChannel 13 that she had received an email from DOT saying the “non-conforming colors” should be “removed from the crosswalk.”

“It’s standards throughout the country,” Kelly told NewsChannel 13. “When you have a colored crosswalk, it’s not conforming to the state and federal standards.”

Since 2017, DOT crews have been painting a temporary rainbow crosswalk near the Stonewall Inn in New York City, onto the iconic intersection of 7th Avenue and Christopher Street in New York City to celebrate WorldPride.

Some American cities – Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, D.C. among them, have installed a permanent rainbow crosswalk in support of the LGBTQ+ community. In the New York State village of New Paltz, a permanent rainbow crosswalk was painted in 2018.  

“It has to be repainted for maintenance because the paint fades, but it’s permanent. And we’re a DOT community, our whole Main Street is a New York State road, so they’ve got their eyes on us in many ways. This crosswalk doesn’t go across a DOT road – it is a locally managed one – but if they had taken issue with it, we would know about it,” said Arianna Basco, assistant to the mayor of New Paltz .       

Saratoga Springs Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday night, said Friday that the Pride crosswalk on Spring Street was a project first brought to the city a year-and-a-half ago, in January 2020.

“The Public Safety Department did extensive research into whether or not it could be installed in the city, vetting both the design and placement. We followed every step required to ensure for a successful installation and outcome. To date, I have not been contacted by the NYS DOT or been provided anything to warrant readdressing the placement,” Dalton said.  

“Saratoga Springs joins a lengthy list of cities and towns across New York State and the country in hosting this symbol of inclusion, celebration and ongoing support for our LGBTQ+ community. As the Public Safety Commissioner, I proudly stand by our crosswalk and remain focused on celebrating pride month and all that it stands for.” City Mayor Meg Kelly did not immediately return a call seeking comment.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation announced last week it had purchased a long-neglected building at 65 Phila St., which will now be revived. 

The Foundation has advocated for the preservation of 65 Phila Street since the inception of its endangered buildings list in 1998.  The 1851 Italianate style house clad with wood clapboard located at 65 Phila Street was constructed by Alexander A. Patterson, an architect and builder.  That same year the brick Italianate style house located at 69 Phila Street was constructed by mason Robert Hunter.  Both houses are listed as contributing buildings to the East Side Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The Foundation opposed the owner’s proposals to demolish both, the 65 and 69 Phila Street buildings. The latter building has since been sold to new owners who plan to restore it, according to SSPF. 

Mark Haworth, an investor and a member of the Foundation, had an interest in preserving the buildings.  He provided the necessary low-interest financing to allow the Foundation to acquire the property for $235,000. 

“Our goal is to make it safe for future owners and the neighborhood, something that is long overdue,” said Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, in a statement. The Foundation plans to start with environmental remediation, necessary structural repairs, and a new roof.  Construction costs have risen significantly in the last 18 months so the Foundation will lean on the community for financial and in-kind support in addition to utilizing funds they have raised over the past few years to undertake a special project such as this.

The Foundation’s initial goal is to raise $250,000, the preliminary estimated cost to complete the identified scope of work. The Foundation recently raised $50,000 to restore the most at-risk stained-glass windows at the First Baptist Church and $475,000 to restore the Spirit of Life & Spencer Trask Memorial in Congress Park in partnership with the City of Saratoga Springs. 

To support the Foundation’s efforts to Revive 65 by making a donation or becoming a member, visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030.

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Race Course will re-open to fans at near full capacity for the 2021 summer meet.

Season and weekly ticket plans for the 2021 meet, which opens on Thursday, July 15 and continues through Monday, Sept. 6, will go on sale on Wednesday, June 9 at 10 a.m. at NYRA.com. Season admission passes will also be available for purchase at that time. 

In order to re-open Saratoga Race Course to fans at near full capacity, NYRA will designate most sections for vaccinated fans only, including the popular Saratoga backyard. This policy aligns with current New York State guidance for large outdoor sports and entertainment venues, which allows for fully vaccinated sections to operate at full capacity without social distancing measures in place.

All fans who show proof of vaccination via the New York State Excelsior Pass on Opening Day, Thursday, July 15, will receive free Grandstand general admission. Fans from outside New York State may redeem free admission by showing their Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. 

Season and weekly ticket plans for reserved seats in the Clubhouse, Grandstand, The Stretch and Fourstardave Sports Bar will go on sale on Wednesday, June 9, in addition to season admission passes. 

Season passes, which are valid for vaccinated fans only, provide admission to all 40 days at Saratoga Race Course. Season passes do not include reserved seating and will be available by digital download only. Printed versions or hard copies will not be available. A Grandstand season pass is $50. A Clubhouse season pass is $75. Season passes may be purchased at NYRA.com beginning on June 9. 

Individual tickets and tickets for other areas of Saratoga Race Course, including dining, will go on sale at a later date.

In addition to the historic and family-friendly backyard picnic area, sections that will be reserved exclusively for vaccinated fans and will operate at full capacity will include: the 1863 Club, The Stretch, Turf Terrace, Porch, Clubhouse and most of the stadium seats within the Grandstand.

Under New York State guidelines, non-vaccinated children under the age of 16 will be admitted to seating and hospitality areas designated for vaccinated fans when accompanied by a vaccinated adult. 

A limited number of seating areas will be available for non-vaccinated fans, who will be required to observe social distancing guidelines and to wear a facial covering at all times during their day at Saratoga Race Course. 

Single-day Grandstand general admission tickets are $7 and Clubhouse general admission tickets are $10. Walk-up admission will be available daily and does not include reserved seating. Upon entry, fans must submit proof of vaccination by presenting the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or digitally through the New York State Excelsior Pass. 

Individuals are considered fully vaccinated by the CDC/New York State 14 days or more after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or 14 days or more after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson / Janssen). 

NYRA encourages all fans who have been vaccinated in New York State to download the Excelsior Pass at covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/excelsior-pass. NYRA reserves the right to amend admission protocols based on updates and adjustments by the CDC and New York State. 

The 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course will feature 76 stakes worth $21.5 million in total purses highlighted by the 152nd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on Aug. 28 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on Aug. 7, as the anchors of two of the most prestigious racing days in North America. 

Following the four-day opening weekend from Thursday, July 15 through Sunday, July 18, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day. For additional information, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore business professor Minita Sanghvi this week officially announced her candidacy for the position of Saratoga Springs’ Commissioner of Finance on the Democrat line. The seat is one of five council positions and two supervisor seats up for election in November in the city of Saratoga Springs. 

Sanghvi is a tenured business professor at Skidmore and has made Saratoga Springs home for her and her family since 2014. She currently sits on the Saratoga Springs Public Library board of trustees as its Finance Officer. She served on the city’s Charter Review Commissioner and is a founding member of the Saratoga Springs Human Rights Task Force.

She holds an accounting degree as well as an MBA and PhD and has worked for Leo Burnett, one of the world’s largest ad agencies, CARQUEST and Wal-Mart.

Among Sanghvi’s other initiatives for the Finance Office are: Creating new tourism opportunities and boosting the arts community to create a more vibrant downtown; Encouraging the establishment of women and minority-owned businesses in the city; Supporting diverse voices in Saratoga Springs. 

Also this week: the Town of Milton Democratic Committee announced they have nominated and endorsed candidates for the fall 2021 town elections.  The Democratic nominating caucus was held on May 27 in the Village of Ballston Spa. Incumbent Supervisor Benny Zlotnick and Council-hopeful Meg Stevens were nominated to appear on the Democratic line in the electoral contest.

ALBANY — Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and Sen. Michelle Hinchey this week announced legislation addressing efficiency and cost barriers facing broadband service providers seeking to build out infrastructure in rural and underserved areas of New
York State. 

One provision would streamline the contract process for these build-outs and a second would more fairly distribute installation costs between broadband service providers and utility companies. 

When broadband service providers seek to install internet service on a utility pole, they must obtain contracts to use space on each pole they intend to use. The bill amends the Public Service Law to include all utility poles in a given city, town, or village under one contract, creating a more efficient system for broadband service providers to complete the installation process. This change would increase the likelihood that broadband providers will service more areas of the state and ensure that all homes within a municipality receive the same level of service. 

The Hinchey/Woerner bill also updates cost distribution dynamics between utility pole owners and broadband service providers. Pole owners regularly delay the replacement of aging utility poles and will condition access to the pole on the broadband service provider agreeing to pay all costs associated with replacing it. This practice can greatly increase the cost of deploying the necessary broadband infrastructure to underserved parts of the state, disincentivizing such investment overall in these areas. 

This legislation prohibits this practice by pole owners and makes it so that whoever is requesting space on a utility pole will only be liable for a small portion of the cost if a new pole needs to be installed. 

“If we have learned anything in the past year, it is the extent to which we require a reliable internet connection to function in the world. This is one step to assure that residents of rural communities have access to the technology that most of the rest of the state takes for granted,” said Woerner, in a prepared statement. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Mayor’s Office will host a drive-thru food drive at the Vanderbilt Avenue Recreation Center June 7-8, in partnership with students from the Saratoga Springs High School Saratoga Pathways Academy (SPA) program. 

The food drive will benefit the Saratoga Nutrition Assistance for Children Program, more commonly known as SNACpack. Many of the children who benefit from SNACpack receive free breakfasts and lunches through their schools on weekdays, but may not have guaranteed access to food over the weekends. The program provides food items that children are able to prepare themselves, in case their parents are absent or unable to make meals for them. 

The Recreation Center is located at 15 Vanderbilt Ave. Food drive hours: 3- 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 7, and 9 a.m. – noon, Tuesday, June 8. 

Visitors should enter the Rec Center parking lot from Vanderbilt Ave, and stop in the traffic circle near the back entrance. They may then exit their vehicle (wearing a face mask), and place their donation in an available cart. A staff member from the Mayor’s Office will then transport the donation inside.

Needed items include: cereal, oatmeal packets, graham crackers, granola bars, mac & cheese, peanut butter & jelly, tuna, soup, juice boxes, canned veggies, popcorn, crackers. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The U.S. Department of the Treasury established the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to assist struggling families who have been financially impacted by COVID. 

The New York State Office of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) received $2.4 billion in aid of which $6.8 million was allocated to provide relief for Saratoga County tenants. The rental subsidy is paid directly to landlords for eligible applicants. 

Shelters of Saratoga (SOS) in conjunction with Saratoga County Department of Social Services is offering outreach and application assistance for the program to support Saratoga County tenants who are behind on rent due to COVID-19. The program may cover up to 12 months of past-due rent, three months of future rent, and utility assistance for eligible tenants. 

To qualify for assistance, households must meet the criteria as established by OTDA. For the period beginning March 13, 2020, an eligible household member’s income must not exceed 80% of Saratoga County area median income, at least one household member experienced a job loss or reduced income due to COVID-19, and overdue rent is owed at the applicant’s primary residence. 

Tenants can apply directly to the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program portal at otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/#overview  Assistance with the application process is also available by contacting Shelters of Saratoga at sheltersofsaratoga.org or by calling SOS’s ERAP Helpline at 518-602-3004.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – As restrictions ease up and COVID-19 infection numbers decline, Stewart’s Shops is celebrating the transition with a dedicated ice cream flavor suitably named ‘Sweet Return to Normal.’ 

Sweet Return to Normal will be available at the cone counter. The vanilla flavor features chewy brownie bites, soft cookie dough pieces, and a rich fudge swirl and will be available at all Stewart’s Shops for a limited time. 

 “I think we can all agree, Covid-19 has taken a toll on everyone in some way. As we carefully reopen, summer plans now include more travel, events and of course – ice cream. We all crave a return to normal, and this ice cream flavor is dedicated to just that,” Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake said, in a statement.