153 Circular St. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation homes tour takes place May 13. Photo provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, along with Honorary Co-Chairs Zane and Brady Carruth, will welcome spring with the 2023 Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, May 13.
The event will be held 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and offers the rare opportunity to see the interiors of private historic homes of the East Side neighborhood of Saratoga Springs.
Three private residences on Circular Street will be featured as well as a condominium in the Stone Abbey, 125 Circular Street, and Circular Manor Bed & Breakfast at 120 Circular Street. The tour will also include two private residences on Union Avenue and a “Rehabilitation-in-Progress.”
“I’m excited that this year’s tour will feature a variety of different homes and buildings that showcase Saratoga Springs’ architecture and history of the people who lived in them. I’m particularly thrilled that the ‘Rehabilitation-in-Progress’ will be the 1851 Alexander A. Patterson House at 65 Phila Street, our current project,” said Samantha Bosshart, executive director of SSPF.
In addition, 153 Regent Street will be open. This was the first building to be constructed for the Young Women’s Industrial Club, the predecessor institution of Skidmore College. Lucy Skidmore Scribner built the building in 1904 to serve as an auditorium, gymnasium, and dining room.
The virtual tour features three buildings, two of which are on the in-person tour and Union Gables, 55 Union Avenue, that is only featured on the virtual tour.
In addition to the tour, the Foundation is hosting two educational programs on Saturday, May 13. At 260 Broadway, Carol Godette will discuss the visionary Franklin Smith who constructed “The House of Pansa” in 1889, a replica of a home in the ancient city of Pompeii. Program starts at 9 a.m. at Death Wish Coffee Company, 260 Broadway. Light breakfast will be provided by Spring Street Deli.
Join Charlie Kuenzel for the Lunch & Learn program “Eliza Jumel: The Story of a Successful Woman.” The Lunch & Learn begins at 12:00 p.m. at Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St. Lunch will be provided by Neighborhood Kitchen.
The Historic Homes Tour is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser of the year and underwrites the Foundation’s mission to promote the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs through educational programs, advocacy efforts, technical assistance, and restoration projects.
Historic Homes Tour tickets for the in-person and virtual tours are $35 for SSPF members and $45 for non-members. Virtual tour tickets are $20 for SSPF members and $25 for non-members. Tickets for the Buildings & Breakfast and Lunch & Learn programs are $30 for SSPF members and $35 for non-members and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited for these educational programs and tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, May 10. Visit www.saratogapreservation.org to become a member to receive event ticket discounts and support preserving Saratoga Springs.
Saratoga Springs City Council meeting on May 2, 2023. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The mayor sat at the center of the table flanked by four council members and under the gaze of several dozen faces inside of the Saratoga Music Hall.
The proposal on the table: a resolution to create an 11-member “restorative justice” review panel, and an acknowledgement. “Saratoga Springs has supported and allowed racism and hate in areas of housing, employment, law enforcement and other areas of formal and informal life during its history,” it read.
Among the attendees inside the hall: past council members, potential future council members (those on the ballot in November’s election), nearly two dozen Saratoga BLM supporters, local citizens, various onlookers, and assorted stakeholders in the night’s other scheduled agenda items – who would ultimately have to wait two days for the meeting to resume.
As the resolution was read, the public safety deputy commissioner relocated his position from table-side to the back of the hall with the intent to exit the room in protest should the council approve the proposal. The Saratoga Springs PBA had earlier released a statement taking issue with the resolution’s stating of “law enforcement” as one entity that, during its history, “has supported and allowed racism and hate.”
A handful of officers stood in the back hall and out of public view. “Present in the event their presence was needed,” the public safety commissioner later confirmed.
The mayor read the resolution, paused for a beat, and looked across both sides of the council table.
“Any discussion?” he asked.
Where We are, How We Got Here
A variety of newspaper clippings dating back more than a century and displaying racist and often vulgar language when referring to local black residents are preserved as part of the historical record in the Saratoga Room of the Saratoga Springs Public Library.
Among the materials is a list of slave owners in early 19th century Saratoga County that details the names of the slave “owners” and the number of slaves they “owned.”
More recent newspaper clips report about white supremacist flyers found on car windshields one day in 2017, and an assortment of fliers that depict the crude illustrations and racist language.
There is also material related to Urban Renewal.
“The greatest concentration of black-owned businesses in Saratoga Springs was found on Congress Street. An assortment of nightclubs, gambling houses, restaurants, bars, barber shops, brothels, and beauty salons,” writes Myra B. Armstrong. “The street was completely renovated by the Urban Renewal Program.”
The Urban Renewal Program began around 1960 and by 1980 resulted in the relocation of 96 households consisting of 228 people on the city’s West Side. Nearly two-thirds of the households were black.
Tuesday’s Vote
During the council discussion immediately prior to the resolution vote, city Mayor Ron Kim addressed the members of the audience who, just as Public Safety Commissioner Jim Montagnino began expressing opposition to the resolution, collectively engaged in a loud coughing fit.
“Commissioner Montagnino wants to say that I’m not in control of this meeting,” Mayor Kim said. “I’m going to ask you to be quiet for this debate – because he basically wants to charge this room,” he added, gesturing to a doorway off stage right that leads to a blind stairwell. “They’re right outside,” Kim said. “Please. Let him speak.”
Montagnino continued and the room quieted; when the commissioner raised speculation about the cause of a fallen statue in Congress Park three years ago, voices in the audience again grew elevated. The statue, dedicated to a local regiment of the Civil War, mysteriously toppled in the middle of the night. Despite an investigation, the cause of the statue’s toppling remains unknown.
“That statue sat peacefully in Congress Park for a century-and-a-half until it was toppled in July 2020. I suspect there are people in this room who know who did it,” Montagnino said. The voices grew louder.
“The remarks made by Commissioner Montagnino – you’re playing into his hands. He is essentially inciting you,” said Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran, who would vote in favor of the proposal. The resolution, Moran said, was aimed at reconciliation and moving forward with dignity and respect. “That’s what this motion is about, Jim.”
Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi, who similarly voted in favor of the resolution, agreed. “Housing discrimination, employment discrimination are all realities that have existed. Not just for Black people but also for various immigrant communities,” she said. “For restorative justice to work, we have to first acknowledge the truth. And the truth is that racism, discrimination and bias exists in this country, in this state, and this city. And for this reason, I voted for a restorative justice resolution brought forth by Mayor Ron Kim.”
Over Montagnino’s protests that he be allowed to continue speaking, the mayor called for a vote. The council approved the measure 4-1, with Montagnino casting the one vote against.
Many in the crowd rose to their feet and began chanting. With an eye toward this November’s elections, they chanted “Hit The Road Jim.” Referencing earlier charges brought against two Saratoga BLM supporters related to actions during previous council meetings, there were calls to “Drop The Charges.”
Montagnino was the complainant in a disorderly conduct charge against Chandler Hickenbottom regarding a Feb. 7 council meeting, and a witness in disorderly conduct and instructing governmental administration charges against Saratoga BLM founder Alexis Figuereo, and against Bridgette Barr regarding to an April 24 council meetings.
Queried about whether he may consider dropping those charges, Montagnino said only a court can dismiss a charge and a prosecutor can move to withdraw a charge, while witnesses and complainants do not have that authority. “With or without that authority, I have no intention other than to cooperate with the two special prosecutors who have been appointed to see that the cases are prosecuted to disposition,” he said during a sit-down interview on Wednesday, one day after the council meeting.
Might any new charges be forthcoming related to Tuesday night’s meeting, which came to an abrupt halt.
“The truthful answer is: I don’t know,” he said.
Montagnino denied intentionally attempting to provoke a reaction from Saratoga BLM supporters during the meeting when speculating about the toppled Saratoga Regiment Civil War statue. The statue is dedicated to The 77th Regiment, which was organized in Saratoga Springs and mustered into service in 1861 to fight against the Confederacy. “No. It wasn’t done to provoke emotion,” Montagnino said. “It was done to make a point, and my point is this: BLM is not looking for justice, reform, accommodation, a seat at the table. No. They want chaos.”
Tuesday’s approved resolution asks all five council members and both supervisors to each appoint one member to a “Restorative Justice Panel” by May 31. That panel – to which the mayor will appoint co-chairs, is then charged with inviting community input in a dialogue to define what form Saratoga Springs Restorative Justice Program would take. Their recommendations will subsequently be presented to the City Council by Dec. 19.
Blue arrow pointing to area of proposed development consisting of 212 affordable units. Image: Liberty Housing Presentation to Saratoga Springs March 13, 2023.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — This week, the city Planning Board was scheduled to potentially entertain a variety of applications under consideration at its end-of-April meeting.
The renewal extension of a special use permit for outdoor entertainment at Siro’s, 168 Lincoln Ave.; a review for a two-lot subdivision at 13 Bowman St., and review of a proposed two-lot subdivision at 172 Caroline St.
Additionally:
• Duplainville Road site plan review and land disturbance activity permit for a proposed 45,480 square-foot flex commercial warehouse with corporate office and 25,000 square-foot cold storage accessory building and associated site work in the Industrial Park. The applicant is Munter Land Holdings, LLC.
• An area variance is sought to permit the development of workforce housing (Liberty Housing) at Crescent Avenue and Jefferson Street. The proposed multi-family project is slated to consist of 212 affordable units on a 30.3-acre parcel. The allotted district height is 40 feet, and 8 feet of relief is being requested, as the proposed building is 48 feet. Neighboring properties include the Saratoga Casino Soccer Fields, and Saratoga Casino and hotel structure, which stands at 67 feet tall.
For specific times and dates of the Saratoga Springs’ three Land Use Boards – the Planning Board, the Design Review Commission, and the Zoning Board of Appeals – visit the city’s website: saratoga-springs.org.
BALLSTON — George S. Murray, 40, of Saratoga Springs, was killed after he was struck by a vehicle last weekend. The crash occurred near 230 Church Ave. in the town of Ballston at 8:46 p.m. on April 22.
Preliminary investigation into the collision showed that a 2017 Honda Civic traveling northbound on Church Avenue struck a pedestrian who was lying in the roadway, according to a statement released by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Collision Reconstruction Unit.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City Council will announce Tuesday night a proposed ordinance that prohibits possessing a firearm in a public place while intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or drugs.
A “public place” is described as public highways, streets, sidewalks and parking areas, as well as in any vehicle or premise open or accessible to the public.
Intoxication is defined as meeting the definition of intoxicated under the state’s Vehicle and Traffic Law, which sets the threshold of illegality at a blood alcohol level of .08 percent or higher. Additionally, “impaired” in the proposed ordinance is defined as meeting the definitions of impaired by alcohol, impaired by drugs or impaired by a combination of alcohol and drugs under N.Y. Vehicle and Traffic Law and its related case law.
During its May 2 meeting, it is anticipated the council will announce the proposal and set a public hearing on the matter.
Saratoga Black Lives member Lexis Figuereo on the steps of City Hall shortly after his court appearance on April 24, 2023. To Figuereo’s left is his attorney Mark Mishler. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Black Lives founder Alexis Figuereo pleaded not guilty on April 24 to charges of obstructing governmental administration – a misdemeanor, and disorderly conduct – a violation, in connection with an alleged fracas that occurred two hours into an April 4 City Council meeting. He is scheduled to return to court on May 8.
Bridgette Barr was charged with obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct related to her alleged actions during the same April 4 meeting. The city’s official video record of the meeting depicts Barr apparently grabbing a microphone set on a stand for public comment use, unfastening a thin barrier that separates members of the council and the public, and approaching the council table.
Inside the courtroom on April 24, Barr made a series of loud outbursts. Medical assistance personnel were eventually summoned to the scene and she was taken to a medical transport vehicle outside of City Hall. Her attorney provided “no comment” immediately following Barr’s court appearance when asked about the case
A disorderly conduct charge made against Saratoga BLM member Chandler Hickenbottom was also forwarded in Saratoga Springs City Court on April 24. Hickenbottom had previously pleaded not guilty to the violation, in connection with the disruption of a Feb. 7 City Council meeting. The charge was requested by City Council member and Public Safety Commissioner Jim Montagnino.
“There’s a proposal to resolve her non-criminal disorderly conduct charge with an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal – which means the case is adjourned for 6 months and dismissed,” said Hickenbottom’s attorney, Mark Mishler. “We appreciate that proposal, it’s under consideration (but) the truth is that charge could simply be dismissed.” Hickenbottom, who is Figuereo’s sister, is currently evaluating the proposal, Mishler said.
Mechanicville Judge Constantine DeStefano presided over each of the three cases on April 24.
“I speak very loudly, passionately. It’s dear to my heart. This is about my community, about making changes in my community,” Figuereo said, standing on the steps of City Hall shortly after his court appearance Monday morning.
“For a year-and-a-half, Saratoga Black Lives Matter has participated at all City Council meetings – speaking quietly, speaking calmly – waiting, waiting, waiting for change to actually happen. No changes had been made in Saratoga Springs that entire time,” he said. “We started speaking out in a tone that was saying: we’re not playing games here. Demanding change, not asking or waiting for it (and) that’s when things started changing,” Figuereo said, citing specifically last week’s 4-1 council approval that restricts no-knock warrants in the city.
“When we talk quietly, nothing happens. When we talk loudly, changes happen,” Figuereo said, adding, “our words are not violent.”
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, presents the next discussion of its social justice series at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 1.
The Zoom panel discussion will discuss BlacKkKlansman, a 2018 film produced and co-written by Spike Lee.
“Spike Lee, who never cared about what anyone thought of his politics,” said Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of SJCA, “is bold in speaking truth to power and dedicated the film to Heather Heyer who lost her life in the Charlotteville confrontation with an epitaph of ‘rest in Power’ under her picture in the closing of the film.”
Registration is required for the panel discussion at sjca.sjcf@gmail.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Need a raised bed to garden in? Saratoga Springs Community Garden at Wesley has planting beds that folks from the Saratoga community can come to garden in the space.
Make new friends in the garden and at monthly socials, grow healthy organic food and enjoy beautiful flowers.
If you are interested in applying for gardening space, please contact Susan Bokan for an application at susanbokan@gmail.com or 518-221-8142. For more information visit thewesleycommunity.org/about-wesley/extended-neighborhood/community-garden/
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Put your lawnmower aside for the month of May to help save our bees and the planet.
The City of Saratoga Springs is joining with Sustainable Saratoga to launch No Mow May, a national movement to help highly at-risk Pollinators transition from barren winter to blooming spring.
Action Plan: Take No Action!
During the critical month of May, the city of Saratoga Springs will encourage all to keep your mowers at rest and let lawns go natural in May. This critical transition month allows the Bees, Moths, Butterflies, and all other Pollinators to safely exit their winter ground homes and find nectar nourishment available during May…nectar from beautiful Clover (great nitrogen source for spring lawns), cheerful Dandelions, native lovely violets and the few other Wildflowers that bloom and go to seed in May prior to mowing.
Appleton, Wisconsin was the first U.S. community to adopt No Mow May, in 2020. It proved exceptionally successful in supporting pollinators: No Mow May lawns had 5x as many bees and 3x as many bee species as lawns that were mown, according to scientists in Wisconsin.
Sustainable Saratoga has NO MOW MAY Bee Lawn Signs announcing you’ve signed up to help “Save The Bees.” Get a sign by emailing pollinators@sustainablesaratoga.org. The organization requests a $10 donation to Sustainable Saratoga to cover the cost of the sign. The signs can be re-used each May for at least 10 years.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs School District residents have approved a tax levy of $5,283,757 to operate the Saratoga Springs Public Library in FY 2023-24. Katie Capelli of Saratoga Springs was re-elected to the Library’s Board of Trustees. She ran unopposed.
The library serves the residents of the Saratoga Springs City School District, and funds for the library are collected when school taxes are collected. The proposed FY 23-24 contains a 1.5% increase over the amount levied in FY 22-23. The most recent increase was approved in 2019. An estimated $774,103 will be available from sources other than FY 23-24 property taxes. The tax amount for public library purposes appears as a separate item on school district tax bills.
“We thank all those who came out to vote.” said Library Board President Katie Capelli, in a statement. “We’ve just completed another busy year, including making progress toward the goals set out in our long-range service plan, and we continue to adapt to new modes of delivering library services introduced in the midst of a public health crisis. We are delighted by the public’s ongoing support, and look forward to continuing to serve the community as it recovers from the pandemic.”
