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May At Moreau Lake State Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

MOREAU — Moreau Lake State Park located at 605 Old Saratoga Road, Gansevoort. Phone: 518-793-0511

Friday, May 10 @ 9:30 a.m. Wiggly Wanderers. 

Wiggly Wanderers is a casual and fun program that is offered to walking toddlers, carriable babies and their caregivers. This will be a beginner’s hike/wander series for toddlers who are ready to move and caregivers who are willing and able to baby wear and/or carry their toddler if their legs get too tired. We will not plan too much distance walking and we will rely on teachable moments to carry us through these experiences. Strollers will not work for these programs. This event does not have sign ups, please come if you can.  We meet at the nature center parking lot. $1 per child. For any questions call 518-793-0511.

Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m. The Buzz On Bugs. 

Join an educator and an entomologist in exploring bug specimens that we collected from the night before. This program is for all ages, $5 per adult and $1 per child. Registration is required, please call the office 24 hours in advance at 518-793-0511. 

Monday, May 13 10 a.m. A-Z Hike. 

Join an educator on a fun and easy hike to look for things in nature that start with each letter of the alphabet. We will be writing things down if they can or they can help point things out. Geared toward 3–10-year-olds, but everyone is welcome. The cost is $1 per child (cash or check). Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Tuesday, May 14 2 p.m. Mud Pond Hike.

Join an Educator on an easy 2.1-mile hike from Nature Trail to Mud Pond. We might just see some beaver lodges. Bring plenty of water, snacks, waterproof shoes, bug spray and appropriate clothing for the weather. The cost for the hike is $5 (cash or check) Please reserve your spot in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Sheep Shearing, Backyard BBQ, Art of Photography at Brookside Museum

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA —Brookside Museum, located at 21 Fairground Ave. will host the following events this month: 

Sheep to Shawl Community Day at Brookside – Saturday, May 11, 1-4 p.m. The famous Fred the Shearer, and the Rock Day Spinning Guild will assemble on Brookside Museum’s front lawn to demonstrate every facet of sheep raising, shearing, and spinning to produce the wool clothing that was so ubiquitous in early America. Sheep to Shawl is a hands-on, family-friendly event. Young and the young-at-heart will have fun petting the sheep, meeting farmers, and participating in demonstrations. A terrific opportunity to embrace the spring weather, learn about Saratoga County’s agricultural past, and enjoy some quality family time.

Welcome Back Spring Millers Backyard BBQ at Brookside – Wednesday, May 15, 3-6 p.m. There is a choice of a ½ chicken or ½ lb. of pulled pork dinner for $15, as well as beef brisket dinner for $20.  (Brisket dinner is only available by pre-order).  All dinners come with baked potato, coleslaw and corn bread.  An 8 oz. side order of mac & cheese is also available for $5.  Barbecue is take-out only with drive-through pick-up.  Reserve in advance is encouraged by visiting the website or calling 518-885-4000. All proceeds will be used to fund public education and children’s programs.

The Art of Photography: From Adirondacks to Brookside – Saturday, May 18, 10-11:30 a.m.. Join Dave Waite & Kathleen Royka and learn the skill of capturing the photo seen in the mind’s eye. Refreshments will be served.

For more information, go to: www.brooksidemuseum.org

Come to the Garden to Support Home Made Theater

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

ROCK CITY FALLS —Home Made Theater will hold its annual Spring Gala on Sunday, May 19 at The Mansion of Saratoga on Route 29 in Rock City Falls. This year’s theme is “Come to the Garden,” in honor of Home Made Theater’s upcoming June production of the musical The Secret Garden, being performed at the Pitney Meadows Community Farm on West Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

Starting at 11:30 a.m., the gala will feature a full brunch menu of American and French favorites prepared by The Mansion of Saratoga’s Chef Rick Bieber. Entertainment for the event will feature performances from the upcoming production of The Secret Garden, as well as raffles, silent auction items, and other activities.

A “Garden Guest” ticket is $125 and includes coffee or tea, juice, iced tea, lemonade, and one complimentary cocktail. There will also be a cash bar. An “Honorary Committee” ticket, which is $200, also includes program recognition, VIP seating for the entertainment, and a special gift bag.

The deadline to purchase tickets for the gala is Friday, May 3. They may be purchased at Home Made Theater’s website, www.homemadetheater.org or by calling 518-587-4427 ext. 1. Also available by website or phone are tickets to The Secret Garden which runs for two weekends, from June 7 through June 16.

Grieving Your Assessment – Class This Week

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Grievance Day is Tuesday, May 28 and a “How to Grieve your Assessment” class for 2024 will be held in the Saratoga Springs City Council Room at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. this Tuesday, May 14.   

Those interested in attending the class must sign up by Monday, May 13, and can do so by calling 518-587-3550 Ext. 2551 or 2552. 

For more information in the city of Saratoga Springs, including packet information and other materials, go to: https://www.saratoga-springs.org/249/Grieving-Your-Assessment. 

Whitman Brewing Company Eyes June, September Outdoor Events in Former Saratogian Parking Lot

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Whitman Brewing Company, which occupies the building that had long housed the offices of The Saratogian newspaper, has submitted an application to the city Planning Board for two, one-day events to be held in a portion of the outdoor parking lot which is bordered by Lake Avenue and sits between Maple Avenue and Pavilion Row. 

The first event would run 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 1 and consist of live music (no stage) and local breweries pouring four-ounce samples of their beer. The ticketed event, limited to 300 people, would serve as a fundraising event benefiting Saratoga Pride. 

The second event, featuring similar activities and capacity, would run noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.

Public Hearing Tuesday on Proposed Local Law Regarding “Squatters”

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — A Public Hearing will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 at the county complex in Ballston Spa regarding a proposed Local Law stated “to protect owners of dwellings in Saratoga County from unlawful occupants commonly referred to as ‘squatters’ and to protect lawful occupants of dwellings from unlawful evictions.”    

“We want to hear from the public,” Saratoga Springs city Supervisor Matt Veitch announced at the City Council meeting this week. “Essentially it gives some process and procedure for landowners to file affidavits for law enforcement if there are folks occupying their properties unlawfully.”

The county Board of Supervisors generally meets at 4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month (May 21 this month), but the Public Hearing on the proposed law – titled Local Law no. 2 of 2024,” will take place at 4:30 p.m. this Tuesday, May 14.     

County residents interested in reading about the proposed Local Law are instructed they may do so on the Saratoga County government website. Here’s how: 

1. Go to: https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/.

2. Scroll past the header picture and down to “Board & Committee Meetings,” click on that and a new page will open. 

3. Scroll down to “Board of Supervisors” meetings, find “April 16, 2024,” move to and click on “Agenda,” and a new page will open. 

4. Scroll down to page 56 – where Resolution 118-2024 is titled “Introducing A Local Law Authorizing Property Owners To Request The Removal Of Unlawful Occupants From Dwellings, And Setting A Public Hearing,” and read pages 57 – 60 where the proposed Local Law is detailed.   

Dog Day Celebration Saturday in the Spa City

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Impressions of Saratoga will host its 20th Annual Dog Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11 in front of the store, at the corner of Broadway and Phila St.

Each dog will be greeted with fresh water and treats, first-time visitors will have their photo taken for the “Doggie Wall of Fame.”

Well behaved pets on leash and under voice control are welcome. 

The Saratoga County Animal Shelter and H.O.P.E. (Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist) local pet rescue organizations will be on hand with information about their programs and animals looking for forever homes. 

Donations of pet items such as food, treats, collars, leashes, blankets, and toys are accepted. 

H.O.P.E.’s Walk for the Animals takes place Saturday in Congress Park at 10 a.m. Wellspring will be in attendance educating about their “Safe Pet Partnership” – a program to find foster homes for pets of those in an abusive situation who are afraid to leave for fear of what will happen to their pets.

Hop on Home, a bunny rescue and sanctuary will be in attendance with some adoptable bunnies and program information.

Nearly 400 New Apartments, Townhouses Coming to Wilton Mall in 2026-27

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

Sketch Plan of Planned Unit Development District (PUDD) at Wilton, where 382 units are anticipated to be constructed by 2026-27.

WILTON — A large multifamily housing project recently given the thumbs-up to proceed is anticipated to offer hundreds of new residential units as early as the summer of 2026 in the town of Wilton.

The project will take place alongside the existing Wilton Mall and is expected to be developed in two phases, with 296 apartments available for occupancy in the summer of 2026 and 86 townhomes made available the following year. 

The Wilton Mall will remain largely operational, and the hope is it will gain new interest as a result. The space formerly housing the Bon Ton store will be demolished and atop nearly 9 acres of land, 296  “market rate apartment units” will be constructed in its place. Demolition may take place as soon as this spring. 

The additional 86 townhome units will be developed just across the road in the northeast corner of the property and on nearly 5 acres of land during the project’s second phase. 

Mike Shaffer, general manager of Wilton Mall, is hopeful the combined 382 new units will provide a financial boost for the mall. At its peak in 2016, the mall generated about $95 million in sales, but by 2022 sales had dropped in half, due to factors such as the closure of Bonton and Sears, the pandemic, and a public shift to shopping online. 

“The mall needs that residential catalyst to attract new interest,” Shaffer told the Wilton Town Board during its April meeting when it approved the creation of a Planned Unit Development District (PUDD) to allow the project to move forward. Specifically, Shaffer cited the project as catalyst to potentially attracting national retailers, restaurants and new uses such as entertainment. 

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The evolution of the mall over the past decade or so has included bringing in Healthy Living, Planet Fitness and a 22,000 square feet Home Goods store as a tenant. It transitioned the vacated Sears box store to Saratoga Hospital for primary care, clinical care and administrative uses, sited Orangetheory  Fitness and recently celebrated the reopening of a cinema. The redevelopment of the vacant BonTon marks the next step in the evolution of the mall.

To meet the spring 2025 construction plan, design and preparations are anticipated to take three to four months, site plan subdivision approval four or five months, and building two or three months in time. The hope is to have the first apartments online and for rent in the summer of 2026. 

The Macerich Corporation and Paramount Development are collaborating on the project. “For the construction, we have 318 jobs, $14.5 million in associated earnings, $37.5 million in sales spent locally,” Tawney Farmer, of Macerich, told the Wilton Town Board during the 35-minute presentation and vote, which was approved 4-1, with Wilton Supervisor John Lant casting the lone vote against.  “Annually, after the apartments are built, we will generate 125 permanent jobs, $5.6 million in associated earnings and $16.6 million in annual sales.” 

Additional estimates point to the Town receiving $368,000 in new sales tax revenue annually, and the Saratoga City School District experiencing a net benefit of $809,000 after estimating 25 new enrolled students the project may produce.

The proposal for the project had been in the discussion and debate stage for at least two years. The Wilton Planning Board and the Saratoga County Planning board had each previously issued a positive recommendation for the project.

Belmont on Broadway: Blues Traveler to Headline Free Belmont Fest Kick-Off Concert on Broadway

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in Featured, News.

Blues Traveler. Photo Provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A six-day festival in June anticipated to produce an economic impact in 2024 of more than $50 million will feature a free kick-off concert on Broadway with the band Blues Traveler, officials announced during a May 1 press conference at the Skip Scirocco Music Hall at Saratoga Springs. 

Nicknamed “Belmont on Broadway,” dozens of local business, tourism and government leaders were on hand for the announcement of a multifaceted celebration being planned for the week of the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. 

 “Not only is the Belmont going to help economically for the city, but it’s going to put us on a pedestal that’s going to be worldwide,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford, “This is just going to bring it to a whole new level.” 

With construction ongoing at Long Island’s Belmont Park in 2024 and 2025, the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will shift to Saratoga Race Course over the next two years. Racing days in 2024 will begin on Thursday, June 6, continue through Sunday, June 9 and will be highlighted by the 156th edition of the Belmont Stakes – the third leg of the Triple Crown – on Saturday, June 8. 

Belmont on Broadway activities, slated to take place June 4 through June 9, will include a downtown window decorating contest, a pre-festival event called Embrace the Belmont, and a variety of other events including the free, outdoor concert with Blues Traveler, which will take place on Wednesday, June 5. 

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The concert will start at approximately 6 p.m. (with Blues Traveler going on around 8:30) and end promptly at 10 p.m. The stage will be set directly on Broadway adjacent to the City Center and face south. Broadway will be closed likely from Van Dam to City Hall the day of the show, said Saratoga Springs City Center Executive Director Ryan McMahon. 

Organizers anticipate 5,000 to 10,000 people to attend the event. Opening bands participating in the all-ages free concert as well as satellite parking, shuttle options, and additional weeklong activities will be announced leading up to the June 4-9 festival.    

“We’re anticipating people will be coming up a little earlier in the week (prior to the June 6 race day start), so that’s why we’re trying to create these opportunities for people to have fun things to do, opportunities to engage with our community. And our hotels are definitely seeing some occupancy earlier in the week, so that tells you some good things,” said Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri. “It’s also something for our locals. Doing this free concert downtown, I want locals to know they’re welcomed too, they’re a part of this, were celebrating together.” 

What will be interesting to learn is whether the staging of the Belmont in Saratoga brings different visitors to the area, compared with visitors who flock to Saratoga during the New York Racing Association’s annual July-to-September summer meet.   

“Everyone is going to learn off the first year, and we can build on that in the second year,” said NYRA President & CEO David O’Rourke, who spoke at this week’s presser. “It’s a new big event. You have the Whitney, the Travers, and now The Belmont,” O’Rourke said. “You might see more of an international (crowd); it’s typically on another level in terms of international exposure – and then if you have a Triple Crown, that’s just going to change the dynamic.”