SARATOGA SPRINGS — The construction of a new, 6-story mixed-use commercial and retail building with underground parking at 269 Broadway, is under consideration by the city’s Land Use Boards this week.   

Plans call for retail on the first floor, office and restaurant on the second floor, and office space on floors three through six. 

Saratoga Springs Land Use Boards upcoming meetings: Zoning Board of Appeals – 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 9; Planning Board – 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12; Design Review Commission Workshop – 4 p.m., Aug. 25. 

All meetings at Saratoga Springs City Hall.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park is among four recipients of grant funds awarded this week. 

The Saratoga-Capitol District Parks Region was awarded nearly $100,000 in new funding through Park and Trail Partnership Grants program. Funding will be disbursed to four of the regionals friends’ groups to build programming capacity, produce educational content, and develop key infrastructure projects. The full list of awards include: 

• Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park ($75,000) – To restore the Coesa spring house, provide interpretive signage about the Coesa Mineral Spring, and to install a historically accurate replica of the original granite fountain.

• Friends of Fort Crailo ($6,500) – To harness the capacity to draw broader awareness to the Friends of Fort Crailo and Crailo State Historic Site by strengthening the board makeup, developing a strong membership plan, and creating a website.

• Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park ($9,506) – To build capacity through membership, volunteer, and donor development, and to fund a series of activities including hiking, mountain biking, summer film series, fundraising events, promotional materials, and other initiatives.

• Friends of Bennington Battlefield ($6,750) – To add professionally produced audio files via QR code to recently installed interpretive panels providing diverse accounts of the Battle.

“These grants speak to the thriving partnership between State Parks and Historic Sites and our individual Friends groups.” said Regional Director Alane Ball-Chinian, in a statement. “As community focused non-profits, our Friends groups are able to execute on unique projects that meet the needs of our patrons, made possible with the Park and Trail Partnership grants. This funding will change the capacity and landscape of our sites for generations to come” 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 71 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Citing public safety concerns occurring during the early morning hours, the City Council on Aug. 3 adopted a resolution it hopes will ultimately result in the 2 a.m. “closing time” of bars. State law currently allows establishments to remain open until 4 a.m. 

“Through the analytics and arrests and what we’re hearing through the police department, the hours between 2 and 4 a.m. are unquestioningly posing a public safety threat to the community-at-large due to the volume and intensity of the people coming to enjoy our nightlife,” said Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton, regarding the measure that asks the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors to enact a resolution for submittal to the State Liquor Authority. 

The SLA has the power, upon receipt of a resolution by the county board of supervisors, to restrict current hours for sales of the on-premises of consumption alcoholic beverages, according to the resolution. 

“We cannot let this public safety threat go on. I am personally worried about the safety of my police officers every night when they go out, especially between those hours and the safety of the people coming to enjoy our nightlife,” Commissioner Dalton told the council, as city Mayor Meg Kelly held up what she said was a stack of 52 fake ID cards that were presented to one bar in one night. 

The council approved the resolution, which will now go to the county Board of Supervisors, which next meets on Aug. 17.  Regarding any changes that may be implemented in the future, Dalton said “I think it’s important for us to work with the businesses that might be affected to offset any financial loss, or the perception of financial loss they might have.” 

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­— Statements from local political leaders were swift in response to the report of the Attorney General’s investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. 

“As we have said before, the reported actions of the Governor were profoundly disturbing, inappropriate and completely unacceptable. Today’s report from the New York State Attorney General substantiated and corroborated the allegations of the brave women who came forward to share their stories — and we commend the women for doing so.

“The New York State Attorney General has conducted an independent, thorough and professional investigation that found the Governor violated state and federal law, had a pattern of sexually harassing current and former employees, retaliated against at least one of the accusers and created a hostile work environment. No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.” –  Democrat U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, in a joint statement.

“The just-released comprehensive, thorough, and independent report from New York State Attorney General Letitia James into the Governor’s disturbing pattern of sexual harassment, and workplace intimidation while breaking state and federal laws leads to one inescapable conclusion – one that I reached months ago: Cuomo must resign, now! As detailed in the Attorney General’s findings and a five-month-long investigation, Cuomo is a serial sexual harasser that has brought disgrace upon his office and stained our state. For the good of New York, Cuomo must go. He must immediately resign or face bipartisan impeachment during a Special Session of the state Legislature.” – Sen. Daphne Jordan, R-Halfmoon. 

“This is truly a disappointing day for all New Yorkers but an important one to begin to provide some closure for all the women who were victims of this Governor’s actions. The New York State Attorney General’s disturbing report confirms what I’ve been saying for months, that Andrew Cuomo must be impeached and removed from office immediately.  Enough is enough!” – Sen. James Tedisco, R-Glenville. 

“No one is above the law and today justice must be served. Governor Cuomo must resign and be arrested immediately…President Joe Biden must immediately call for Cuomo’s resignation. In December, I was the first federal official to publicly call for an independent investigation into Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. The independent investigation led by the Attorney General’s office confirms Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed and assaulted multiple women, including employees in his office and state troopers. The media and Democrats smeared me and closed ranks to protect Cuomo, a shameful chapter in New York history. All of them including his staff must be held to account. These brave women deserve swift and definitive justice.” – U.S. Rep Elise Stefanik, R-Saratoga, 21st Congressional District. 

“I called for a full and independent investigation earlier this year into credible allegations that Gov.  Cuomo sexually harassed several women including members of his own staff. In March, as those allegations grew even more troubling, I called on him to do the right thing for the people of New York and resign. The New York Attorney General’s report today confirms my worst fears. The governor‘s victims deserve justice, the people of our state deserve better and the governor needs to resign.”  – U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, 20th Congressional District. 

“I called for the Governor’s resignation when these credible allegations came to light earlier this year. Now that we see this thorough and well documented investigation released by the Attorney General, there is no doubt that Andrew Cuomo cannot continue in a leadership role in this state. In light of the pervasive appalling behavior documented in this report, he should immediately resign. Failing this, the Assembly should impeach Andrew Cuomo. As a voter in New York, I am angry. As a human being, I am disgusted.”
– Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake. 

The 168-page report may be read at: www.ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2021.08.03_nyag_-_investigative_report.pdf  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Racing City Chorus, with their A Cappella “Barbershop-style” singing, performs consecutive Thursday evenings on Broadway through Aug. 26. 

“The Chorus will be entertaining crowds from all walks of life who love to hear barbershop a cappella harmony being sung on Broadway,” says Racing City Chorus President Rusty Senecal. “One of the most rewarding things we do is sing to audiences and experience the positive responses it creates in youngsters and adults.” 

The Racing City Chorus is a men’s singing organization that meets regularly to practice, perform, socialize, and have fun. They currently have over 25 singers from all walks of life and all parts of the Saratoga Springs/Capital Region. The main purpose of the Racing City Chorus is to get out and sing for the community.  For more information, visit www.racingcitychorus.org or call 518-504-7464.

Performances are Thursdays from 7-9 p.m. as follows:  7 p.m. The Scott Varley Team at Keller Williams; 7:45 p.m. Union Hall Supply Co.; 8:30 p.m. Stewart’s Shops (Aug. 19: Woodlawn Ave.); 8:30 p.m. Adirondack Trust Company (Aug. 12, Aug. 26). 

WILTON — Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is continuing to host Nature Craft Hours under the pavilion at Camp Saratoga every Tuesday throughout August and September. This program runs from 4 – 5 p.m. and is geared for children of all ages.

Each Tuesday will feature a different and creative nature-themed arts project. Activities are TBA but have included sun prints, natural tie dye, seed medallions and more. Please note, there is a craft supply fee of $3 per participant.  Participants should park in Parking Lot #1 located on Scout Road directly across the street from the pavilion. Registration is required. Space is limited.

For more information about the program or to register, contact the Preserve & Park Office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. Please provide your name, phone number, email address and the number of people attending within your party. 

Also: Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s popular Pond Exploration Programs will be running every Friday throughout August and September. Revolving around discovering aquatic wildlife at Delegan Pond, this scheduled reoccurring program is taking place every Friday from 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Participants can use the dip nets that are provided to search for pond life, including frogs, salamanders, tadpoles, crayfish, and aquatic insects. 

Registration is required. Space is limited. This is a free program. For more information or to register for the program, please contact the Preserve & Park office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org.  Please provide your name, phone number, email address and the number of people within your party. 

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga is preparing for a multi-year celebration to commemorate the anniversary of the American Revolution that is anticipated to both – raise local educational awareness, and provide a financial stimulus for communities across the region. 

“This is going to be a big deal. It’s a huge opportunity for the county. We’re going to ensure that it’s a big deal and the county and the surrounding communities are going to benefit from it,” says Todd Kusnierz, supervisor of the town of Moreau and chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. 

The American Revolution – in which Saratoga County played a significant role – will be observed as a 250th anniversary commemoration across the country from 2025 through 2033. Federal and state anniversary commissions have been or are in the process of being created. Two weeks ago, the county Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution to establish the Saratoga County 250th American Revolution Commission.    

“Two key aspects of this effort are the educational impact, and the economic impact,” says Kusnierz. “We will involve schools and teachers to help encourage them to educate our children on the events that took place right here in our own backyard, and the importance it had on the world. The other component is the economic impact that this will have on the county. We estimate tens of thousands of visitors, including international visitors, will come in to our county over the course of this celebration – especially in 2027 – and that will have a major impact on our local economy. Cultural and heritage tourism is a key driver of tourism dollars. “ 

The Battles of Saratoga – which took place in September and October 1777 – were a turning point in the Revolutionary War, resulting in the surrender of the Army of British General John Burgoyne to American General Horatio Gates following the success of the Americans at the Battles of Saratoga,

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“Certainly Schuylerville, the town of Saratoga, the town of Stillwater are very critical players in this celebration. For our area particularly it will be the Battles of Saratoga and the ultimate surrender of Burgoyne here,” said Tom Wood, longtime supervisor of the town of Saratoga, who had previously served as its historian. 

Wood, along with Kusnierz and Stillwater Supervisor Edward Kinowski are part of the 13-member commission – a number chosen in honor of the 13 original colonies. Additional members appointed to the commission by Kusnierz include Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts, and persons representing county education, veterans’ services, the Saratoga National Historical Park, and others. The Commission will be active through the end of the calendar year 2033. Members of the commission will receive no salary or compensation for
their services. 

“Although the big events happened here in the town of Saratoga, and in the town of Stillwater, we want this to be a county-wide celebration, to involve all of Saratoga County,” Wood said. “There were Revolutionary War things that happened throughout the county and those will all be integrated into the celebration, and we’ll also will be communicating with other counties, as they likewise will be creating Revolutionary War 250th anniversary commissions.” 

Varying themes will be established for each year of the anniversary to enable other historic sites and groups in the county to plan events in conjunction with the themes. The commission will also coordinate with both state and federal revolutionary war commissions recently established to help mark the national milestone, Kusnierz says. 

“The focus will be on the anniversary of the Battle(s) of Saratoga – that was the turning point of the American Revolution, and dare I say one of the most influential battles in world history.  That celebration is going to take place in the fall of 2027. Obviously, this is a big event and we wanted to get the ball rolling.” 

The county will be investing funds to help organize and publicize events, and the Board will begin discussing its level of investment in the fall when the 2022 budget process gets underway. State and/or federal funds may also play a role. The county will also look to form a non-profit that to collect donations that may also be used to help with the events and celebrations, Kusnierz added. 

BALLSTON SPA – The Capital Region in general, and Saratoga County especially, has seen an upswing of COVID infection rates over the past few weeks.

On July 29, Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Todd Kusnierz announced the formation of the Saratoga Health and Readiness Planning (SHARP) Task Force, which was tasked to analyze guidance issued by state Department of Health and the CDC, and make recommendations for the community.

“We had a meeting with senior staff here at the county (on Aug. 2) and we expect to have a full Task Force meeting – we’re shooting for the end of this week – and hold a public event to update our county residents,” Kusnierz said this week. 

“The county is strongly recommending our residents follow CDC guidelines. However, the county is not going to do mandatory requirements for masks. At the end of the day the most effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, the people you interact with, is to get vaccinated – so we are strongly encouraging anyone who has not been vaccinated to do so. “

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has tagged Saratoga County as having a “substantial” level of transmission and as such recommends the wearing of masks indoors, whether or not a person has been vaccinated. According to Saratoga County data this week, the fully vaccinated population accounts for 1.5% of overall county infections to date. Of the 168 deaths in the county, all were unvaccinated.

Approximately two-thirds of the county’s population – just over 150,000 of the approximately 230,000 Saratoga residents – have received at least one vaccine dose. According to the state’s Vaccination Zip Code Tracker – Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, Clifton Park are each above the 70% threshold for vaccination rates, while Victory Mills (46.7%), Porter Corners (48%), and Corinth (52.5%) are the three municipalities with the lowest vaccinated zip codes, according to the state.  

SHARP Task Force members include: Chairman Todd Kusnierz; Clifton Park Supervisor Jonathan Schopf, Vice Chairman of the Board; Malta Town Supervisor Darren O’Connor, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee; County Administrator Steve Bulger; Dr. Dan Kuhles, Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Public Health Services; Scot Chamberlain, Saratoga County Director of Human Resources; Pete Bardunias, Senior Vice President of Community Advancement with the Capital Region Chamber; and Anita Murphy, Capital Region BOCES District Superintendent.

The city announced Aug. 3 it has begun appointing members to the COVID-19 Memorial Committee. The group will be tasked with creating the language and placement of a memorial for those who have lost their lives to the pandemic. Among the members are: Charlie Samuels, Tara Gaston, Susanna Combs, and Dr. Robert Donnarumma, chair of Emergency Medicine at Saratoga Hospital.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS – Statements from local political leaders were swift in response to the report of the Attorney General’s investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

“As we have said before, the reported actions of the Governor were profoundly disturbing, inappropriate and completely unacceptable. Today’s report from the New York State Attorney General substantiated and corroborated the allegations of the brave women who came forward to share their stories — and we commend the women for doing so.

“The New York State Attorney General has conducted an independent, thorough and professional investigation that found the Governor violated state and federal law, had a pattern of sexually harassing current and former employees, retaliated against at least one of the accusers and created a hostile work environment. No elected official is above the law. The people of New York deserve better leadership in the governor’s office. We continue to believe that the Governor should resign.” –  Democrat U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, in a joint statement.

“The just-released comprehensive, thorough, and independent report from New York State Attorney General Letitia James into the Governor’s disturbing pattern of sexual harassment, and workplace intimidation while breaking state and federal laws leads to one inescapable conclusion – one that I reached months ago: Cuomo must resign, now! As detailed in the Attorney General’s findings and a five-month-long investigation, Cuomo is a serial sexual harasser that has brought disgrace upon his office and stained our state. For the good of New York, Cuomo must go. He must immediately resign or face bipartisan impeachment during a Special Session of the state Legislature.” – Sen. Daphne Jordan, R-Halfmoon.

“This is truly a disappointing day for all New Yorkers but an important one to begin to provide some closure for all the women who were victims of this Governor’s actions. The New York State Attorney General’s disturbing report confirms what I’ve been saying for months, that Andrew Cuomo must be impeached and removed from office immediately.  Enough is enough!” – Sen. James Tedisco, R-Glenville.  

“No one is above the law and today justice must be served. Governor Cuomo must resign and be arrested immediately…President Joe Biden must immediately call for Cuomo’s resignation. In December, I was the first federal official to publicly call for an independent investigation into Governor Cuomo’s sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. The independent investigation led by the Attorney General’s office confirms Governor Andrew Cuomo sexually harassed and assaulted multiple women, including employees in his office and state troopers. The media and Democrats smeared me and closed ranks to protect Cuomo, a shameful chapter in New York history. All of them including his staff must be held to account. These brave women deserve swift and definitive justice.” – U.S. Rep Elise Stefanik, R-Saratoga, 21^st Congressional District.  

“I called for a full and independent investigation earlier this year into credible allegations that Gov.  Cuomo sexually harassed several women including members of his own staff. In March, as those allegations grew even more troubling, I called on him to do the right thing for the people of New York and resign. The New York Attorney General’s report today confirms my worst fears. The governor‘s victims deserve justice, the people of our state deserve better and the governor needs to resign.”  – U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, 20^th Congressional District.

“I called for the Governor’s resignation when these credible allegations came to light earlier this year. Now that we see this thorough and well documented investigation released by the Attorney General, there is no doubt that Andrew Cuomo cannot continue in a leadership role in this state. In light of the pervasive appalling behavior documented in this report, he should immediately resign. Failing this, the Assembly should impeach Andrew Cuomo. As a voter in New York, I am angry. As a human being, I am disgusted.” – Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake.

The 168-page report may be read at: https://ag.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2021.08.03_nyag_-_investigative_report.pdf.