BALLSTON SPA – Nearly a month into Phase 4 of reopening New York and local gyms are still not allowed to open their doors.

For one gym in Round Lake and Ballston Spa, those doors will never open. Global Express Fitness planned to open their doors to a new location in Malta in early January. With less than two months of being opened, the gym was forced to shut the doors at their previous location in Round Lake, with no plans to reopen them.

“We did close our Round Lake location due to the impacts of COVID-19. We appreciate everyone who kept their membership during this time. Unfortunately because of the amount of people who decided to cancel, we just could not sustain both locations,” Express Fitness Owners wrote on Facebook. “Four months without a gym is unbelievable.”

All workout equipment has moved to their new facility built in Malta. Any memberships will be valid at the new Malta location once they’re allowed to open their doors. Vent Fitness, a regionally owned gym, had to close their doors in downtown Saratoga on Broadway. Saratoga Peak Performance, a locally owned gym, wanted to open their doors in Phase 2, when “specialty gyms” were allowed to reopen. 

“For the time being, we will abide by the state guidelines for Phase 4 opening…It’s putting myself and our great staff of personal trainers at great economic hardship and simply makes no sense when you
consider the hundreds going into big-box retail stores daily, yet we can’t open with just eight clients,” Bryan Briddel, owner, wrote on Facebook.

As of July 20, each of NY’s 10 regions have reached the final phase of the four-phase reopening process. To date, movie theaters, gyms, and gatherings with more than 50 people are not allowed. With outbreaks increasing around the country, Governor Andrew Cuomo has not mentioned a Phase 5 when the remaining industries will be allowed to reopen. 

The strength studio called Evolution Strength and Performance moved to the virtual world when the pandemic began, and their online on-demand training portal has been successful since. Not only did the gym change the face of its
company, they also expanded the gym and rebranded themselves to be called Kettlebell Works. 

“Back in May we restructured everyone’s gym memberships. We made the decision to predominantly become a remote based business with minimal in-person work, and that’s our direction moving forward,” owner Chris Abbott said.

The new studio is double the size of the old one, and has been ready to open since April.

For fitness centers and gyms that cannot move classes and workouts online, moving outdoors is another option. The City of Saratoga Springs’ Commissioner of Public Works Anthony Scirocco announced this week that Saratoga Springs based gyms, fitness trainers, and yoga studios are able to use Congress Park, High Rock Park, Geyser Road Veterans Memorial Park, and the Waterfront Park to host workout sessions without paying rental fees. The proposed rental and use policy was unanimously approved by the City Council at their July meeting. 

Gym classes and workout are not the only thing to move outside, as street dining has seen a massive increase this past month. The Village of Ballston Spa, downtown Saratoga Springs and Schuylerville announced this week they will expand outdoor seating options. Moving outdoors allows fitness centers to adhere to the general requirements of reopening and can help more gyms not close their doors permanently. In order for a business to reopen they must meet general requirements such as strict cleaning and sanitation, mandatory face masks for all employees and customers and coronavirus cases must be traced, tracked, and reported to regional public-health officials. 

Kettlebell Works is located at 26 Commons Blvd. in Clifton Park and can be reached at 518-235-3896. Global Express Fitness is located at 43 Round Lake Rd. in Ballston Spa and can be reached at 518-400-1428. Saratoga Peak Performance is located at 30 Gick Rd. in Saratoga and can be reached by phone at 518-505-9542.

SARATOGA — Saratoga Greenbelt Trail Map Update, as unanimously approved by the City Council.The Geyser Road section of Saratoga Greenbelt Trail is being constructed and the downtown connector section is anticipated to go under construction next year. The updated map was created to reflect these changes. 

In trail-related news, the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) is initiating a program to support a feasibility study to develop new multi-use trails in the Capital Region, the city announced this week. The new program is designed to implement the Capital District Trails Plan, which was released in 2019. The plan outlines a vision for developing a 300-mile regional trail network. The Saratoga Greenbelt Trail was included in this plan. 

This network is part of the region’s long-range transportation plan, New Visions 2040. CDTC has set an ambitious goal of constructing 10 miles of trail per year in order to develop this seamless, connected network by 2040.

The Capital District Trail System attracts about 1.7 million visits annually. The implementation of the Trails Plan is projected to attract an additional 1.1 million visits and could remove 17,4900 peak-hour vehicle trips. A 300-mile network would have an impact of $48.9 million per year in total economic activity in the region, according to the CDTC. 

{loadmoduleid 268}

WILTON — The H.O.P.E. Adoption and Education Center, located in the Wilton Mall, is open by appointment only and operating under all mandated COVID-19 safety measures and protocols per NYS Department of Health. The center originally opened on Jan. 26, 2020, and occupies almost 3,000 sq. ft. next to the former Sears store, which is soon to be Saratoga Hospital offices.

Adoptable cats, in high demand during this time of social isolation, are once again available at the H.O.P.E. Adoption and Education Center. With COVID restrictions resulting in many people having more time at home and fewer social activities, people have realized that this a perfect time to adopt. Unfortunately, their access to adoptable animals has also been limited. Most shelters and rescues were closed at some point, though H.O.P.E. kept the purpose of the center alive through dog and cat adoptions, handled with limited contact and without the benefit of public adoption events or access to the center. The re-opening of the center, by appointment, gets them a step closer to easy, open access for want-to-be adopters. Even this limited re-opening, will allow H.O.P.E. to better serve those looking to adopt. H.O.P.E. will also continue to produce virtual events.

Wendy Mongillo, founder and executive director of H.O.P.E. said, “having the center open by appointment is progress and we are so excited to have cats back at the center. Even though we only opened less than two months before COVID concerns closed the Mall, we were already having a significant impact on the community. We adopted-out hundreds of cats and dogs as well as beginning to establish the center as a go-to event space, with programs like dog adoption events, training workshops, cat yoga, and pet-related art exhibits. We will work toward a return to full operations as conditions safely permit.”

Programs are currently being redesigned and offered via Zoom. More educational and social programs are also being created for virtual participation until the center can open safely once again. 

“It’s important for people to know that cat and dog Fosters are still crucial to our mission. Donor support is also critical whether it comes through fundraising events or direct donations,” reminded H.O.P.E. President, Kristina Kline.

For appointments to meet adoptable pets, adoption information, volunteer and donation opportunities, call 518-450-7013 or visit
hopeanimalrescue.org or Facebook.com/PetsHope.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new nonprofit organization in Saratoga Springs aims to educate, support, advocate and fundraise for people affected by Eating Disorders.

Saratoga Springs residents Annalise and Cheryl Marron founded Flutters of Hope Inc. in Sept. 2019 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Annalise was diagnosed with this disease at 11-years-old and came to realize, she wanted to support others like herself and not let others suffer alone. 

Annalise Marron creates baskets of soothing supplies she calls “ButerflyWish Baskets,” along with a personal note with words of encouragement. Annalise has recently delivered four “ButterflyWish Baskets” to Albany Medical Center’s Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders of Northeastern New York. Aware of the overwhelming costs associated with treating eating disorders, Annalise hopes to help offset the cost of treatment, travel, and counseling by creating a “ButterflyWish” Grant when more funds are raised.

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder, yet many people never receive treatment, Cheryl Marron says. Residential treatment can cost around $30,000 or more a month. Counseling sessions cost roughly $250 per session.

Education, awareness, prevention and support are the key elements to fighting this disease. Recent studies have identified eating disorders as a genetic, neurological, and a biological disease intensified by social influences that increase the chances of suffering with an eating disorder. This disease can have a multitude of additional diagnoses, such as anxiety disorders, OCD, depression and bipolar disorder. 

Flutters of Hope Inc. seeks the community’s support to help Annalise Marron fulfill her wish to help others fight Eating Disorders. All donations will go to recipients of “ButterflyWish Baskets” and “ButterflyWish” Grants in the Capital Region. 

For more information on how to support, please visit fluttersofhopeinc.org or contact Cheryl Marron at hello@fluttersofhopeinc.org or 716-818-0170. Maggie Callesano can be reached at fundraising@fluttersofhopeinc.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association, Inc. announced that all-sources handle for Opening Weekend of the 2020 Saratoga summer meet totaled $80,325,660, a 9.4 percent increase over last year’s Opening Weekend.

Under New York State guidelines, Saratoga Race Course is currently operating without spectators in attendance.

In 2018, the opening weekend paid attendance at Saratoga was 109,395. All-sources handle was $71,671,188.

In 2019, paid attendance was 105,690. All-sources handle was $73,441,101.

Saratoga’s recently completed Opening Weekend, Thursday, July 16 through Sunday, July 19, corresponds with the four-day period in 2019 from Thursday, July 11 to Sunday, July 14.

SARATOGA — Saratoga Greenbelt Trail Map Update, as unanimously approved by the City Council.The Geyser Road section of Saratoga Greenbelt Trail is being constructed and the downtown connector section is anticipated to go under construction next year. The updated map was created to reflect these changes. 

In trail-related news, the Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) is initiating a program to support a feasibility study to develop new multi-use trails in the Capital Region, the city announced this week. The new program is designed to implement the Capital District Trails Plan, which was released in 2019. The plan outlines a vision for developing a 300-mile regional trail network. The Saratoga Greenbelt Trail was included in this plan. 

This network is part of the region’s long-range transportation plan, New Visions 2040. CDTC has set an ambitious goal of constructing 10 miles of trail per year in order to develop this seamless, connected network by 2040.

The Capital District Trail System attracts about 1.7 million visits annually. The implementation of the Trails Plan is projected to attract an additional 1.1 million visits and could remove 17,4900 peak-hour vehicle trips. A 300-mile network would have an impact of $48.9 million per year in total economic activity in the region, according to the CDTC. 

{loadmoduleid 268}

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Members of the community should smash their piggy banks and collect change to deposit at local banks this upcoming month. 

To help aid the nation-wide coin shortage or coin circulation disruption, the Adirondack Trust Company along with other banks have started an initiative to motivate the community to deposit coins. 

“Like other banks, we’re taking certain steps to be aware of what our positions are. There are certain things happening in retail all over the country that lots of different banks are responding to,” Patrick Reilly, chief marketing officer at Adirondack Trust, said. 

USA Today reported the coin shortage is due to an increased demand in coins. As the coronavirus spread across the world earlier this year, business closures and crippled economic activity in the United States developed as a result. That caused the circulation of coins to drop off significantly. The U.S. Mint, which manufactures the nation’s coin supply, also decreased staffing in response to the pandemic. 

On June 11, the Federal Reserve acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the “normal circulation patterns for U.S. coin.” 

“In the past few months, coin deposits from depository institutions to the Federal Reserve have declined significantly and the U.S. Mint’s production of coin also decreased due to measures put in place to protect its employees,” the Federal Reserve wrote in a statement. “The Federal Reserve is working on several fronts to mitigate the effects of low coin inventories.”

{loadmoduleid 268}

Now, as the nation’s businesses have reopened, demand for coins has exceeded the available supply. Many businesses are posting signs outside asking for exact change or another form of payment. 

To help out these places of business, Adirondack Trust is going to start a mini campaign for coin return. Reilly said their financial institution has coin machines that sort and deposit coins for a fee. 

“We are implanting to make our customers and the community aware that they can take their coins and turn them in fee free,” Reilly said. 

The goal is to encourage members of the community to return change that the bank then recycles. The machines allow a direct deposit or can be converted into cash and other banks are thinking along similar lines in regards to returning coins. CNN reported the Community State Bank in Wisconsin launched a Coin Buy Back Program, which offers a $5 bonus for every $100 worth of coins turned in to any of its seven locations. Anyone who brings by coins, whether they’re a bank customer or not, can receive up to a maximum coin bonus of $500.

Forbes reported that actions were being taken to try and boost coins back into normal circulation to help stop the shortage. The Federal Reserve said they’re working with the U.S. Mint to minimize any constraints on Mint production and is advising banks and other depository institutions to only order what they absolutely need in terms of coins.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As the city begins to move toward budget season – a 2021 budget must be approved by the end of November – the estimated revenues that will factor into that budget are anticipated at nearly $8 million less than was budgeted for 2020.   

“Even with the phased reopening, our city cannot expect revenues to rise to former levels immediately upon the reopening of our downtown,” city Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan told the council this week. 

“It is generally held that it will be months, if not years before the new economy establishes itself well. In addition social, behavioral and consumer changes due to closed businesses, wide-spread unemployment and other results of COVID-19 will continue to affect revenue collection well into the future.” 

Madigan estimated that revenue collection – without any additional state or federal aid – at approximately $7.8 million less than the amount estimated for the pre-COVID world of 2020. As such, the 2021 general operating budget revenue is anticipated to be $40.9 million, down from the current year’s $48.7 million adopted budget. 

Madigan reported the following year-to-date comparisons: 

Sales Tax: year-to-date collection 19% lower than last year. More specifically – May 2020 is 37% less than May 2019.

Occupancy Tax: year-to-date collection is 54% lower than last year at this time. Specifically, 2nd quarter collection is 78% less than 2nd quarter collections in 2019.

Mortgage Tax: 0.24% lower than 2019, year-to-date. 

Some Good News: The state released 80% – or $1.86 million – of annual VLT aid amount to the city.

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS

City officials said this week that a newly amended state law will provide greater clarity in enforcing COVID-19 safety protocols. The amended law comes in the wake of some businesses and municipalities alike requesting stronger language than what had previously been issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as an Executed Order. 

“The New York State Department of Health (on July 9) amended the Public Health Law, specifically Section 66, which codifies statutorily the requirements that Gov. Cuomo had implemented in the executive order and also imposed the ability for civil penalties associated with that, establishing authority for state and local municipalities to enforce those provisions,” City Attorney Vincent DeLeonardis said Tuesday. 

“So it’s something we’re looking at to address that’s not necessarily punitive or restrictive, but lets people know that health is a priority for Saratoga Springs, that you can come here and feel comfortable,” said Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton. 

“We’ve been looking for ways to encourage and enforce people wearing face masks in and around Saratoga Springs. It continues to be a problem, and the problem has grown. We keep hearing from people who are uncomfortable to leave their homes, or uncomfortable to visit here because they’re afraid they’re not going to be safe and healthy if they visit our downtown,” she said, adding that the biggest problem is weekend nights on Caroline Street, where large crowds gather along the sidewalks outside late-night establishments.    

‘It’s not really the bars and restaurants, they’re doing a great job, it’s the people who are coming downtown and wandering in big packs on the sidewalks (and) no one’s wearing a mask. So that to me is the more urgent situation for us to be able to address the safety issue through this public health amendment.” Dalton said during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. “We’re not going to be scouring Broadway in the middle of the day, seeking out people who aren’t wearing masks.” 

DPW Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco argued that the police had better things to do than to enforce people wearing masks. Commissioner Dalton responded to say there already exists a police presence along Caroline Street, and actions there wouldn’t take away from any other safety issues in the city. 

{loadmoduleid 268}

Commissioner Madigan added that there is no reason why police wouldn’t want to ask large crowds who had gathered to disperse or to don masks, and that pedestrians exhibiting safety measures also provide a positive display for local economic reasons in assuring people it is safe to visit and shop downtown. 

The amended Public Health Law – which may be read in its entirety on the NYS website under New York Codes, Rules and Regulations heading –  contains some exemptions, and reads, in part: Any person who is over age two and able to medically tolerate a face-covering shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or face-covering when in a public place and unable to maintain, or when not maintaining, social distance.

SARATOGA COUNTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH RESIGNS

Saratoga County Director of Public Health Catherine Duncan announced this week that she will retire, effective July 31. As such, the agency is currently actively seeking to fill the position of Commissioner Of Health. 

The appointment to the position is for a term of six years at a salary of $132,446 plus benefits. Job responsibilities include to direct, manage and regulate the Department’s delivery of public health services throughout Saratoga County. Requirements include: being a physician currently registered to practice medicine in New York State and possessing two years of experience in administrative practice in a health-related organization or government agency. For more information about the position, call 518-885-2225, or go to: www.saratogacountyny.gov.

HEALTH & WELLNESS PROPRIETORS UTILIZE CITY PARKS

The City Council unanimously approved on Tuesday, and Commissioner of Public Works Anthony “Skip” Scirocco announced Wednesday that Saratoga Springs based gyms, fitness trainers, and yoga studios are able to utilize Congress Park, High Rock Park, Geyser Road Veterans Memorial Park, and the Waterfront Park to host workout sessions without paying rental fees through Sept. 7. 

Health and wellness proprietors can host classes at the specified parks by filling out a rental use agreement. 

Regulations: No permanent equipment can be installed and a strict carry-in, carry-out procedure must be followed. Safety guidelines set forth by the CDC must be adhered to including mask wearing and social distancing. No loud speakers, loud music, or other activity interfering with others’ enjoyment of the park will be authorized. Providers must submit an anticipated schedule and location to inform the city of routine dates and times of usage, and DPW will resolve any conflicts between providers and/or other renters of the parks; location preference will be given to paid renters. A Certificate of Insurance must also be furnished. 

Interested parties should contact Mary in the Department of Public Works at 518-587-3550 ext. 2555 or mary.castanza@saratoga-springs.org to obtain a rental agreement or for more information.

COVID-19 TESTING

COVID-19 Testing Sites and Antibody Testing Sites for Saratoga County change frequently and are updated at the Saratoga County website.  Currently, sites include: Saratoga Hospital and Wilton Medical Arts – where COVID-19 and Antibody testing are available to Saratoga County residents of all ages with a provider order; Malta Med Emergent Care – Provider order required, and Saratoga Hospital Medical Group Primary Care in Ballston Spa – Antibody testing only – available with provider order. Appointment information, criteria for testing, and a regularly updated list of testing sites is available at: www.saratogacountyny.gov.

Click Here for House of the Week: Country Life and Additional Income Opportunity

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Design Review Commission is slated to this week consider an application for architectural review regarding a 12 building, 202-unit project comprised of mixed-income workforce housing, with supportive activities and site amenities. 

Titled Tait Lane Reserve Workforce Housing, the project is listed at 114 Tait Lane – an area just off Church Street and Allen Drive, on the city’s west side. 

The proposed new construction will also provide a clubhouse, play areas, and resident gardens. Plans call for three-story walk-up buildings and townhomes. 

According to city records, the applicant is NRP Properties LLC of Buffalo, NY, and the owner Denton Road LLC, of Cady Hill Boulevard, Saratoga Springs.