SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City Council this week unanimously approved a bond resolution for the improvements of city security measures, that were “planned in light of recent events and long-term challenges in specific city locations,” according to city documents. The approval authorizes the issuance of $214,188 in bonds to finance the purchases and installation of additional cameras and analytics to increase safety and security in Congress Park and key city streetscapes. Details about the types of cameras and their placement in the city are anticipated to be announced in the near future. 

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“We’re seeing substantial improvements in city revenues”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Citing significant venues such as the Saratoga Race Course and Saratoga Performing Arts Center reopening and the ability of restaurants and other businesses to welcome an increasingly number of consumers, there are early indications that the city is rebounding from the pandemic afflicted budget crunch of 2020.

“We’re seeing substantial improvements in city revenues as a result,” Saratoga Springs Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan said this week. 

Sales tax year-to-date revenue collected through the end of May are running 36% higher than in 2020, and 10% higher than in 2019. In mid-October, the city will receive reports for the months of June, July and August.

“We’ve got a new projection based on data received of potentially $14.5 million coming in in sales tax revenue – which is a lot more than what we received even in 2019. So, we’re trending well, which is good.” 

Mortgage Tax YTD amounts collected from October 2020 through June 2021 are running 60% higher than 2020, and 42% higher than 2019. The $1.56 million collected thus far already exceeds the $1.5 million that was anticipated in the budget. 

”Mortgage tax is performing very, very well for us,” said Madigan, adding that with additional mortgage tax revenue expected, total projections are being upped to $1.9 million. 

Occupancy Tax amounts collected the first two quarters “remain low, but are improving.” 

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Year-to-date collections are 40% higher than in 2020 and are projected to exceed the $338,000 initially budgeted. A new projection has been set at $375,000. “(But) that does tell you that the City Center is probably not doing so well since that is one of their main revenue drivers as well as Discover Saratoga. Hotels are booked right now, so we’re anticipating some occupancy tax coming from that.” 

As a result of the uptick in revenue, the 2021 budget has been increased to cover an increase of police officers, overtime adjustments and citywide security measures – totaling about $1.4 million, and reinstated 2021 employee contracts based on MOU’s the council approved Tuesday – which will total about $1.1 million. The amendments will occur mid-to-late Autumn, Madigan said.    

“Right now, revenues are looking very positive, and it gives us the ability to adjust some of our expense lines.” 

• MLK Saratoga donated $1,500 to be used for siting a memorial bench near the War Memorial Pavilion in Congress Park. 

The bench, in memory of longtime Saratoga Springs resident Lt. Clarence Dart will hold a plaque that remembers Dart as a husband, father and community leader, and notes his role as a Tuskegee Airman, a World War II fighter pilot, Congressional Gold Medal, recipient. Dart died in 2012 and members of his family attended Tuesday’s meeting at City Hall. 

• The council approved putting up for sale two parcels the city owns at the southwest corner of Caroline and Henry streets, adjacent to the Saratoga Springs Public Library. The property is comprised of 0.17 acres and is currently used as a parking lot. 

The property was appraised by the city at $500,000 and that will be the minimum bid accepted. Bids may be received by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 10, at which time the sealed bids will be publicly opened and read.     

• Commissioner Robin Dalton requested the council recommend members for a COVID-19 Memorial Committee. Once formed, the group will suggest a location and design of a memorial that will recognize the more than 60 city residents whose lives were lost due to the disease, as well as recognize the efforts of first responders to protect the public health of the city.    

1st Place: Lifestyles of Saratoga – Lifestyles’ “Queen of Saratoga” themed window honors Marylou Whitney.
2nd Place: Tailgate and Party – Street mural depicting a bright scene of galloping horses and jockeys inspired by the Saratoga Race Course.
3rd Place: G. Willikers – “And they’re at the gate…” Playful display of toy horses “at the gate.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Downtown Saratoga welcomed racing fans back to the city with a creative racing-themed contest for local business owners – and the results are in.

The Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association has recognized the winners of the Celebrate Saratoga window decorating contest, sponsored by NYRA. Participating local businesses in downtown Saratoga decorated their storefronts in a racing theme for the contest. 

“The collaboration between the Downtown Business Association and NYRA represents the community collaboration that is so important in a city like ours,” said Heidi Owen-West, Vice President of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association. 

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The decorations were judged on July 14 by volunteer judges Liz Bishop, Walt Adams, and Tom Durkin. The winners were announced during opening weekend at the track, on Saturday, July 17, in the winner’s circle. 

First place went to Lifestyles of Saratoga, who won two tickets to the Rail at 1863 club, including buffet and lunch. Second place went to Tailgate and Party, who won two Clubhouse Reserved Seats. And, third place went to G. Willikers, who won two Grandstand Reserved Seats. 

Owen-West, who is also the owner of Lifestyles of Saratoga, and her team decorated their storefront as a tribute to Marylou Whitney. There was no racing season in 2020, following her passing in 2019, and so Owen-West and her team came up with the idea to honor her.

“It feels great winning, but most important were the comments,” said Owen-West. “People have walked in and choked up with tears and thanked us for our tribute to Marylou Whitney. It really feels like Saratoga is back and racing again.”

Other participating downtown locations included: Celtic Treasures, Complexions Spa, Crafters Gallery, Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs. Impressions of Saratoga, Saratoga Dance, Saratoga National Bank, Saratoga Saddlery, Saratoga Tea and Honey, Spoken Boutique, The Dark Horse Mercantile, and Walt and Whitman Brewing. 

Click Here: Pet, Play & Learn at Little Feet Little Farm

GROTON, CT — A Clifton Park native is serving in the U.S. Navy at Naval Submarine Base New London, supporting the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines.

Petty Officer 3rd Class John Kennedy, a 2018 Shenendehowa High School graduate, joined the Navy two-and-a-half years ago. Today, Kennedy serves as a Navy diver.

“I joined the Navy because I wanted to help people,” said Kennedy. “The Navy keeps everyone safe by doing the work that other people don’t want to do.”

According to Kennedy, the values required to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Clifton Park.

“Growing up, my mother always told me not to quit things just because they’re difficult,” said Kennedy. “That lesson helped me get through the challenging schooling and physical requirements that are needed to be selected as a Navy diver.”

Fast, maneuverable and technically advanced, submarines are some of the most versatile ships in the Navy, capable of silently conducting a variety of missions around the world.

There are three basic types of submarines: fast attack submarines (SSN), ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN). 

Fast attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. Their primary tactical advantage is stealth, operating undetected under the sea for long periods of time.

The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. Their design allows the submarines to operate for 15 or more years between major overhauls. On average, the submarines spend 77 days at sea followed by 35 days in port for maintenance.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Armed with tactical missiles and equipped with superior communications capabilities, SSGNs are capable of directly supporting combatant commander’s strike and Special Operations Forces requirements. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes.

Serving in the Navy means Kennedy is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“As a member of the Navy, I know we are doing all we can to keep all the bad stuff out,” said Kennedy. “We do the dirty work to keep our country safe.” 

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

“What our undersea forces accomplish every day is vitally important to our nation’s defense,” said Vice Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, Submarine Forces. “Our Submarine Force is a critical part of global maritime security and the nation’s nuclear triad. Every day, our submariners are at the tip of the spear, forward deployed and ready – from the depths, we strike!”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Kennedy, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” added Kennedy. “Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to serve, and now I get to live out that dream.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Due to a nationwide Tyson Foods Inc. chicken recall for possible listeria, Stewart’s Shops is recalling the following products. 

Please note, Tyson Foods Inc. has expanded their product recall and this has impacted additional coded Now and Then Chicken Riggies and Now and Then Chicken Alfredo products. The additions are listed below.

Stewart’s Now & Then Entree’s: Chicken Riggies 12oz with best by dates of Sep 9 2021, Sep 19 2021. *Additional Codes Added: Oct 8 2021, Oct 15 2021, Nov 5 2021, Nov 19 2021

Chicken Alfredo 11oz with best by dates of Aug 24 2021, Sep 12 2021, Sep 25 2021,Sep 30 2021. *Additional Codes Added: Oct 14 2021, Oct 21 2021, Nov 4 2021, Nov 14 2021, Nov 26 2021, Dec 3 2021

Frozen Tyson Chicken package: Any package of Tyson Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Breast Strips 22oz

Customers who purchased any of the items listed above are urged to return them to their local Stewart’s Shops for a full refund.  Customers with questions may contact Stewart’s Consumer Affairs Department at 518-581-1200 ext. 2130, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 pm.

BALLSTON SPA — To follow-up Brookside Museum’s grand reopening, the Saratoga County History Center is staging a slate of summer events, offerings, and activities in July and August. 

Sounds of Summer from the Brookside Porch

Instrumentalists from the American Federation of Musicians perform 3 p.m. July 18 and 3 p.m. July 25 at Brookside Museum. Performers include members of the Albany Symphony Orchestra, playing popular melodies on Brookside’s grand front porch while guests relax on the spacious front lawn. Students and representatives from the Dance Factory of Saratoga Springs will be on hand on July 25 to teach audience members a few basic steps and, perhaps, even put on a show.  Both concerts are free and open to the public. Guests should bring their own lawn chairs or picnic blankets.

Experts Next Door

The virtual speaker series will continue to bring top scholars, authors, and thinkers into homes through Zoom. July’s installment features Dr. Mindy Pitre, Associate Professor of Anthropology, and Dr. J. Amsil Ramsay, Professor of Public Health, at St. Lawrence University, NY talking about bio-archaeological discoveries in the Aswan-Kom Ombo Archaeological Project in Aswan, Egypt.  August will introduce guests to Sara Evenson, a practitioner of early colonial cooking. Evenson will explore a single family through their legacy of recipes and provide cooking demonstrations along the way.

BSBPA Farmer’s Market

The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association’s weekly farmer’s market runs to Sept. 30, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.  The gathering of artisans and farmers will offer 100% locally grown produce, farm fresh agricultural products, baked treats, and hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind gifts and goods.

Brookside Museum is open 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday to Sunday, and during the Thursday and Saturday Farmers’ Markets. Donations are appreciated. For more information, go to: brooksidemuseum.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The City of Saratoga Springs has accepted a donation by the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation to make a repair to the architectural surround of the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask Memorial in Congress Park, a National Historic Landmark. 

Congress Park has seen increased use, in part, due to the many restoration projects that the City of Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works has undertaken over the years.  In 2015, the Foundation, in partnership with the City of Saratoga Springs, completed a $750,000 restoration of the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask Memorial and, most recently, the Katrina Trask Gateway Memorial was restored by the city. 

With increased use of the park, however, there can also be an increase in vandalism. In 2019 a baluster of the surround was stolen.  With the City facing economic challenges as a result of COVID, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will restore the missing baluster in the upcoming months, with the assistance of PCC Contracting, and have two additional balusters replicated should a repair be needed in the future. 

This donation was made possible through funding provided by the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund, which maintains a Donor Advised Fund for the preservation of the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask Memorial. 

In keeping with the spirit of the memorial’s inscription, “His one object in life was to do right and serve his fellow men, he gave himself abundantly to hasten the coming of a new and better day…” this donation ensures that the beauty of the Spirit of Life and Spencer Trask Memorial is maintained. Since the completion of the restoration in 2015, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has donated lighting, geraniums, and regularly schedules volunteers to assist with maintaining the landscape of the Memorial.  Within the past year, volunteers have donated 250 hours to maintain the landscape. 

The Memorial was unveiled and gifted to the City of Saratoga Springs on June 26, 1915 by Katrina Trask and George Foster Peabody to memorialize Spencer Trask who played a critical role in preserving the spring waters of Saratoga. It was designed by sculptor Daniel Chester French and architect Henry Bacon, who were also responsible for the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., as well as Charles Leavitt Jr. who designed the
surrounding landscape.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A large-scale development targeting Washington Street continues to make inroads through the city’s Land Use boards. 

The proposed Washington Street Development project – 19  Washington St./ 365 Broadway – features a 200,000 square foot mixed-use building with 90 residential units and 31 hotel rooms, and includes the demolition of the existing candy store adjacent to the Starbucks coffee shop, the latter of which will remain.   

A Historic Review determination of historic/architectural significance is currently under consideration by the city’s Design Review Commission, which next meets on July 21. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On July 14, city Assistant Chief of Police John Catone released a statement regarding a June 28 press conference at City Hall. The statement, in its entirety, reads: 

“At the June 28th press conference with Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton, I allowed anger and frustration to interfere with my intended message. 

The conference was called to address and inform the public on the recent stabbing and gunfire incidents in our downtown, to discuss the increasing presence of identified gang members, and to detail the department’s efforts in investigating and responding to those issues. We are not a city known for this type of criminal activity, but we should appreciate that we re not immune to it either. Addressing it will require the entire community working together with our police department, and this requires mutual trust. 

While I fully appreciate the Police Department must always work toward building and maintaining that trust, my frustration at the conference stemmed from the fact that certain misinformation has unfairly eroded it. My comments were not meant to cast blame, or serve as a threat. My comments were made as a call upon every member of this community to work together. 

I have spent my entire professional career serving and protecting the people who live, work and visit our great city and I will always remain committed to that mission.”  -John T. Catone.