ALBANY — A tri-state travel advisory affecting travelers coming to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut went into effect at midnight on June 24. 

The advisory – announced jointly by NY Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont stipulates that individuals traveling from states with significant community spread of COVID-19 quarantine for a 14-day period, from the time of last contact within the identified state. 

The quarantine applies to any person arriving from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or a state with a 10% or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average.  When the advisory was announced, on Wednesday, June 24, those states above the infection rate were: states above the infection rate are: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North and South Carolina, Washington, Utah, and Texas.

The tri-state measure will use uniform parameters and messaging on highways, airports, websites and social media across the three states. The three states will also ask hotels to communicate the 14-day quarantine to guests who have traveled from one of the impacted states. Those found violating the quarantine can be subject to judicial order and fines, Gov. Cuomo said. 

“Two thousand dollars for the first violation, $5,000 for the second, up to $10,000 if you cause harm,” the governor said. 

Guidelines for Phase Four Reopening, which is currently slated for the greater Capital Region July 1 have been posted on Gov. Cuomo’s website at: forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries. 

Those categorized industries are: Higher Education; Low-Risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment; Low-Risk Indoor Arts & Entertainment, and Media Production. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — City owned splash pads, located at the recreation center and Geyser recreation fields, are open for public use, Department of Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco announced June 18. 

Following all guidance for social distancing is required while using the splash pads and additional cleaning protocols will be implemented by DPW. Residents who are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms should not use the splash pad.

The Recreation center splash pad is located at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue and the Geyser splash pad is located in Veterans Memorial Park on Geyser Road. East and West Side Rec splash pads are currently closed due to construction by the Saratoga Springs School District. Reopening of these splash pads is dependent upon approval by the district. Residents with questions can contact DPW dispatch at 518-584-3356.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Approximately one dozen picnic tables donated for temporary use to the city by NYRA have been set up in Congress Park. “In this time of social distancing, we trust that these tables will expand the enjoyment of Congress Park,” NYRA CEO David O’Rourke wrote, in a letter dated June 10 and addressed to city Mayor Meg Kelly. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In recognition of the official emancipation of African-Americans throughout the United States, city Mayor Meg Kelly of Saratoga Springs has proposed making Juneteenth a holiday for city employees, beginning in 2021.

On June 19, 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, African-Americans across the state of Texas became aware of their emancipation and their fundamental rights as free men. This day has become known as “Juneteenth,” a day that celebrates and commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and the beginning of a new era of brotherhood, acceptance, and the recognition of shared human rights no matter one’s race or heritage. 

Last week, state Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced he is advancing legislation to make Juneteenth an official state holiday next year. 

“I fully support Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order,” Mayor Kelly said in a statement. “We are going to work with our unions to make Juneteenth a holiday for our employees for 2021. I am thrilled that this historically significant day is becoming more recognized across the state, country, and right here in Saratoga Springs.”   

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It is with the greatest sadness that the Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of their retired K9 Gunner Monday, June 22. Gunner served the citizens of our county gallantly from 2008 to 2016 as a narcotic detection and patrol K9. Rest in peace partner. End Of Watch June 21, 2020.

Photos by Dan Heary.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Principal owners of Sackatoga Stables, Jack Knowlton and Ed Mitzen celebrate with other partners and friends as Tiz the Law won the 152nd Belmont Stakes. “Tiz” is the first New York bred since 1882 to win the event. The “watch party was at Pennell’s fine eatery in Saratoga Springs.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Work continues on the development of a multi-story parking garage that will connect conference attendees and others with the Saratoga Springs City Center. 

Plans call for the lower level of the structure to be completed and available for use during the summer, with all levels of the structure completed by the fall. 

“The goal is as soon as possible,” City Center Executive Director Ryan McMahon said this week, as a 400 ton crane tended to the business at hand atop the lot where the structure is being developed.

The COVID-19 pandemic slightly affected the progress of the development. 

“We’ll probably open now in early November instead of early October,” McMahon said. 

The City Center itself, like most all other venues across the country where large groups of people gather, has canceled events during the pandemic – although the good news is that most of those events have been rescheduled to take place at a later time, McMahon said. A handful of previously scheduled events slated to take place during the summer are still being held in the hopeful anticipation that they may be able to take place. 

The greater Capital Region –a multi-county area that includes Saratoga – this week entered the third phase of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s four-phase reopening plan. Should infection, hospitalization and death rates due to COVID-19 remain low, the region is slated to enter Phase 4 on July 1. Phase 4 includes arts, entertainment, and recreation. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A limited edition set of Saratoga Race Course-branded face masks have been made available to help raise funds for Franklin Community Center and Shelters of Saratoga.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the city of Saratoga Springs launched the joint initiative June 15. 

The Saratoga reusable cloth face masks come in a variety pack featuring three individual designs: a red mask with a white Saratoga logo; a white mask with a red Saratoga logo; and a navy-blue mask with a red Saratoga logo. The masks include a white border and stretchable elastic ear straps with an interior pocket for a replaceable filter.

The three-pack is available for preorder for $24.95 at Shop.NYRA.com. The masks are for personal use only, and not a replacement for medical grade personal protective equipment.

A portion of proceeds will be donated in equal allotments to support the efforts of two Saratoga Springs-based non-profit organizations: Franklin Community Center and Shelters of Saratoga, which provide food, shelter and other critical resources to the community.

Franklin Community Center is a non-profit human service agency that has provided basic necessities and services to individuals and families in Saratoga Springs for more than 25 years. The Center serves more than 6,000 people annually through a variety of programs, including a food pantry, afterschool prevention, and safe and affordable housing.

 “With our resources stretched and funding in jeopardy, the number of people relying on our services continues to skyrocket,” said Franklin Community Center Executive Director Kari Cushing, during a press conference outside the Union Avenue entrance of the Saratoga Race Course on June 15. She said since the start of the pandemic, there has been a large number of people going to the food pantry for the first time in their lives. 

‘The funding received from this program will enable us to continue to focus on maintaining the physical and mental well-being of the individuals and families we serve by providing them with the basic necessities and services they require to get through these difficult times.” 

“We’re living through a pandemic and facing uncertain times. Can you imagine not having a home at this time?” said Shelters of Saratoga Executive Director Karen Gregory. ‘We thank NYRA and the City for not forgetting our most vulnerable community members. Their commitment to humanity means the world to us at Shelters of Saratoga.”

City’s State of Emergency Expired

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City’s State of Emergency expired Friday, June 12, and per the recommendation of the City Emergency Management Committee, Mayor Meg Kelly decided not to extend it for another period of time.

Plans to Reopen City Hall in July

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The schedule for moving employees into City Hall is set and should be completed during the week of June 29. 

Plans call for the July 7 City Council meeting to be held in-person, and open for the public to attend.

City Hall closed in the aftermath of a lightning strike and flood which badly damaged the building in August 2018. The building, which was constructed in 1871, has undergone a massive, multi-million dollar renovation. Most of city government was relocated to the Vanderbilt Avenue recreation facility, and following the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions, city meetings have been held via Zoom. 

At City Hall, there will be maximum occupancy limitations and access and safety protocols that will shortly be announced, the city says. 

It is anticipated City Hall offices will re-open to the public by mid-July. 

New City Firehouse Seeks Design Services Bids

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City of Saratoga Springs will receive sealed bids for Proposed Firehouse #3 – Design Services. Sealed bids must be received in their entirety by the City of Saratoga Springs, Office of the Commissioner of Accounts, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866, by 2 p.m. on Thursday July 2. Copies of the request for proposal (RFP) may be obtained on the City’s web page at www.saratoga-springs.org, under current bids.