BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA), in partnership with the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County, an affiliate of the Capital Region Chamber, presents Inside Ballston Spa, a free public forum focused on workforce trends, challenges, and opportunities in the context of local entrepreneurship and tourism.
The event will take place on Tuesday, May 20, from 8 –9:30 a.m. at the Town of Milton Community Center, located at 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa.
Inside Ballston Spa offers an opportunity to explore how tourism and workforce development intersect in the Village of Ballston Spa and the Town of Milton—two communities deeply rooted in small business and hospitality. Local business owners, economic development leaders, and community members are invited to join the conversation and gain valuable insight into the forces shaping our local economy.
Check-in, refreshments, and networking begins at 8 a.m. and the program begins with opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. from Pete Bardunias, Senior Vice President, Community Advancement, Capital Region Chamber.
Inside Ballston Spa is open to both the business community and residents of Ballston Spa, Milton, and surrounding towns. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required due to limited seating.
For more details and to register, visit www.capitalregionchamber.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Last week, a chaotic scene that involved ICE Officers, area residents and local police took place on a Massachusetts street in the city that calls itself the “The Heart of the Commonwealth.”
On May 8, Worcester Police officers were dispatched for a report of a federal agent surrounded by a group of about 25 people, as well as in response to a call saying ICE officers were on scene and refusing to show a warrant to the crowd.
“When officers arrived on scene, they observed a chaotic scene with several federal agents from various agencies attempting to take a female into custody,” according to a statement released by the Worcester Police Department.
Arrests related to the event were eventually made and as the “chaotic incident is still under investigation,” local authorities noted the purpose for their response: “Worcester Police officers responded to preserve the peace and prevent anyone from being injured.”
Following a recent event in Saratoga Springs, where at least one person was detained in an ICE Enforcement & Removal Operation – an occurrence in which city police played no role – Saratoga Springs Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll last week explained to the council the department’s level of involvement in events led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“ICE does not have to coordinate with us, but I’ve asked them to do that, and they’ve promised they would. The Saratoga Springs Police Department does not enforce federal immigration law,” Coll said. “We do not have oversight over ICE.”
Coll, who met with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement leadership on April 30, told the council that city police have no legal authority to enforce federal immigration law.
“The purpose of the meeting was to make sure we are deconflicting in coordinating enforcement activities in our city. As you can imagine, if the Saratoga Springs Police Department is conducting an arrest warrant or search warrant in a certain location and ICE is doing the same, you are creating a dangerous situation where we could have a crossfire situation,” the public safety commissioner said.
“They’d tell us when they are in the city doing enforcement activity and they’d tell us when they leave. The primary reason for that is for officer safety,” Coll said. “But I want to be clear: If an agent – and some of them are my friends – are doing what they’re told through their leadership, and if that person is in a dangerous situation and calls for help, we are going to help them. I’m not just going to sit here being a public safety commissioner and have an ICE agent get killed because of a dangerous situation.”
During the public council meeting, which took place at City Hall May 6, Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi asked for clarity regarding whether agents identify themselves.
“ICE will identify themselves – their identity on their vests – usually that they’re either ‘ICE’ or they are ‘POLICE,’” said Coll. “Many times, they will issue criminal warrants. Additionally, they will issue administrative warrants.”
A judicial warrant is a written order – issued by the courts and signed by a judge, while an administrative warrant is a written document issued by a federal agency and usually signed by an immigration officer, according to an April 24 article published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel describing the difference between the two.
“Sometimes they engage in what is called the ‘expedited removal’ process,” Coll said. “There are different due processes for each of those enforcement activities they engage in.”
Pay Station on Putnam Street parking deck, upper level, on May 13, 2025. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Spa City’s seasonal parking program will make its return on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26.
During the program season, which will run through to Monday, Sept. 1, parking in city owned garages and surface lots will costs $2 per hour, or $12 for an overnight rate from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. On-street parking will remain free for all vehicles.
Saratoga Springs City residents are eligible for free parking permits. The city says those who registered in 2024 have been renewed in 2025. New to the program: permits for residents of the Saratoga Springs City School District, which can be purchased monthly or for the entire season at a discount.
The s inaugural program kicked off in 2024, with the city anticipating approximately $1.6 million in revenue minus an estimated $450,000 expenses and resulting in net gain of over $1.1 million.
The program eventually got underway in mid-June and resulted in a net revenue of just over $130,000, officials announced in October. Overall, the program generated just over $275,000 with a project cost about $144,000 to implement the first year – nearly $124,000 of which was for the one-time purchase of equipment.
“In the second year of the program both public safety and public works are prepared to improve on what they learned through implementation and I’m hoping for a successful program in 2025,” said Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll.
Newly minted DPW Commissioner Chuck Marshall expressed strong opposition to the paid parking plan during his campaign for the seat earlier this year in a citywide special election. Marshall, who was endorsed by the Republican Party, secured the seat by a narrow margin and at his swearing-in ceremony in March said while he remained opposed to paid parking measures in the city, it would be irresponsible to simply un-fund it as it already was present in the budget as city revenue, and its outright elimination would create an unbalanced budget.
“I remain concerned about the impacts of paid parking on downtown businesses, but the City Council approved the program so it will be implemented this year,” Commissioner Marshall said in a statement this week. “Throughout the program I’ll be performing a thoughtful assessment to determine the full ramifications of paid parking.”
Garages and surface lots owned by Saratoga Springs are included in the paid parking restrictions. This includes the multi-level parking garage on Woodlawn Avenue, the two-level garages one on Spring Street and the other on Walton Street, and the surface lots located at Spring Street and other High Rock Avenue. In each of these locations the hourly rate is $2, or $12 overnight.
Residents previously registered only need to update their vehicle information if it has changed (new license plate or vehicle). Those interested in obtaining a permit can access the portal through the City’s website to register: https://www.tocite.net/saratogaspringspd/portal/permit or visit the Department of Public Works at City Hall, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., for assistance.
Taxpayers of the Saratoga Springs City School District (SSCSD) can apply for a monthly or season long permit. Monthly permits are: $35 for May and June, $45 for July, and $55 for August and September. The seasonal permit cost is $100 and must be purchased in May or June. Permits can be purchased through the portal on the city’s website.
Employees of businesses located downtown can obtain a free permit through their employer. The employer needs to register their fleet with the city and can email parking@saratoga-springs.org for more information. Businesses that previously registered their fleet will be reactivated and can apply a 2025 permit to their employees.
Note, the Saratoga Springs Public Library Lot located on Maple Avenue requires a separate free library permit that can be obtained at the front desk of the library.
Saratoga County — The Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District (SLPID) has been awarded First Place for Large Lake Digital Newsletter by the New York State Federation of Lake Associations (NYSFOLA).
The recognition highlights SLPID’s commitment to lake health, education, and transparent communication with residents and stakeholders.
The award was presented during NYSFOLA’s 2025 annual conference, recognizing the most effective and engaging newsletters among lakes across the state.
Saratoga Lake plays a vital role in the region’s environmental, recreational, and economic health. As a popular destination for boating, fishing, and tourism, maintaining the lake’s ecological integrity is essential to preserving property values, supporting local businesses, and ensuring public enjoyment for generations.
SLPID is a NYS government-established improvement district that manages and protects Saratoga Lake through scientific monitoring, lake management strategies, and community outreach. Its work supports the lake’s long-term health while balancing recreational use and environmental sustainability.
For more information on Saratoga Lake, visit http://www.slpid.org or call 518-223-3252.
BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County Department of Health (SCDOH) has launched a public dashboard with local data on birth rates and birth outcomes and has created a mailer for parents of newborns that includes resources for families in Saratoga County.
These two new family health initiatives will provide valuable insights and resources to support new parents, healthcare providers, and early education providers in the County.
This new dashboard offers valuable insights into maternal and infant health outcomes. The data includes statistics on birth rates, preterm births, birth weights, infant feeding methods and other key indicators. Healthcare providers, early care and education programs, school districts, and researchers can use this critical information to identify needs, monitor outcomes, and tailor programs to support the well-being of families across the county.
The new parent mailing initiative provides essential resources for families of newborns including information on breastfeeding support, parenting programs, food assistance, immunizations, developmental milestones, mental health services and more. The mailing also includes a brief survey, giving parents an opportunity to share their experiences and challenges, which will help SCDOH better understand and respond to the evolving needs of families across the county. Families don’t need to sign up to receive this valuable resource.
To see the SCDOH Family Health Dashboard, please visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/data.
BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County History Center is seeking vendors of handmade crafts, antiques and farm products for the annual craft fair on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m..
No mass-produced or commercially-made items will be permitted. Spaces are available outdoors, with limited spaces available indoors. This is a rain or shine event.
Visit www./brooksidemuseum.org for more information, or contact Beth Silvestri at bsilvestri@brooksidemuseum.org.
The White Party Presents Moonlight and Magic Gala June 14
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The White Party presents Moonlight and Magic Gala will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 6-10 p.m. at the 1863 Club, located at Saratoga Race Course.
Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour, a dinner, live music, and silent and live auctions to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Saratoga County.
The featured guests of the night include the events co-chairs Kimberly & Leigh McConchie, the agency’s Community Builder Recognition Awardees Sonny & Julie Bonacio, and special guest Emcee & Auctioneer Chris Onorato, Anchor for News Channel 13.
Guests are encouraged to wear white or moonlight-inspired attire.
To purchase tickets for the White Party Gala, visit www.saratogabridges.org and click on “The White Party” button on the home page. Reservations are required for the event, and tickets must be purchased by Monday, June 2. The silent auction is open to the public and will be open during the week of the event.
Saratoga Bridges has provided services and programs to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 60 years by promoting their abilities and achievements in every aspect of community life.
For more information on the Moonlight and Magic Gala, contact Saratoga Bridges at 518-587-0723 ext. 1266 or via email at info@saratogabridges.org.
BALLSTON SPA — The Village of Ballston Spa invites all residents, business owners, and stakeholders to participate in a public workshop from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at 50 West High St. Ballston Spa, as part of the ongoing Revitalize Ballston Spa planning initiative.
The workshop will be held to solidify a shared community vision for the future of downtown Ballston Spa and surrounding areas, and to prioritize the redevelopment of specific strategic sites.
The May 21 workshop will include a brief presentation and open house collaboration and interactive activities to help shape the implementation strategy for the final plan.
No prior registration is required. For more information about the Revitalize Ballston Spa Plan and ongoing opportunities for public input, visit www.revitalizebspa.com or contact the Committee liaison, Trustee Bernadette Van Denise at trusteebernadette@ballstonspa.gov.
The Revitalize Ballston Spa plan is a comprehensive, community-driven effort designed to attract investment and funding opportunities by establishing a clear and actionable vision for the Village’s future. Supported by grant funds from the NYS Department of State Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Program, this 12-month planning process is focused on identifying both challenges and opportunities for downtown revitalization, with the goal of ensuring vibrant redevelopment that benefits the entire community.
Saratoga Springs: promoting ride share safety and awareness.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — the Saratoga Springs Police Department has partnered with the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation to promote ride share safety and awareness throughout the community Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll announced last week.
The initiative honors the memory of Samantha Josephson, a New Jersey resident kidnapped and murdered in March 2019 near the University of South Carolina by someone posing as a rideshare driver.
In response to the tragedy, Josephson’s family founded the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation to educate the public on the importance of verifying ride share drivers.
A central message of the campaign is the simple but powerful reminder: always ask, “What’s my name?” before entering a ride share vehicle.
As the city continues to encourage the use of rideshare and taxi services for convenience and safety, new roadside signs will be installed to remind passengers to take precautionary steps before getting into any vehicle, Coll said.
MIDDLE GROVE — The Town of Greenfield will hold its first Community Day Celebration on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Middle Grove Park at 428 Middle Grove Road.
Food and drinks will be sold and there will be a special appearance by many Greenfield Farmers Market vendors. There will be fire trucks, firehoses, live music, art and an inflatable obstacle course for the children.
The event, described as a “red, white and blue barbecue,” will feature commemorative “TOG Better TOGether” t-shirts for $15.
The Town of Greenfield is home to 8,200 residents in Greenfield, Porter Corners, Middle Grove, Lake Desolation and Maple Ave. It spans more than 41,000 acres of land bordering the Adirondacks and is the largest town in Saratoga County, by square mile.
