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DPW Tips for Winter Driving & Sharing the Road with Snowplows

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA – As winter weather sets in, Saratoga County officials urge drivers to prioritize safety on icy and snowy roads. With snowplows hard at work clearing roadways, it’s essential for motorists to practice safe driving habits and show extra caution around these vehicles.

Driving Near Snowplows:

Don’t Crowd the Plow: Snowplows are wide, often extending beyond the width of a standard lane. Give them plenty of room to work, maintaining several car lengths between your vehicle and the plow. Staying well behind the plow where the road is freshly plowed is advised. 

Don’t Follow the Plow into an Intersection: Plowing an intersection is one of the most difficult operations for snowplows as they must do several backing maneuvers to clear the intersection of snow and ice.  When vehicles follow a plow into the intersection backing up becomes problematic and increases the potential for accidents. 

Avoid Blind Spots: Plows have large blind spots. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you.

Be Patient: Snowplows travel at slower speeds to clear roads effectively. Maintain a safe distance and don’t tailgate.

The Saratoga County Department of Public Works (SC DPW) has 24 active snowplow beats, and plows 365 miles of roadway countywide. 

While spreading salt during a countywide winter storm event, one plow beat pass will utilize approximately 390 tons of salt. SC DPW has two garage facilities, one in Ballston Spa and one in Hadley. The County’s salt storage capacity totals 8,300 tons. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Participate in Statewide Holiday Season High Visibility Engagement Campaign

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The county Sheriff’s Office and Saratoga County police agencies are participating in special efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving this holiday season. 

The campaign runs through Jan.  1, 2025.

“The holiday season is a time for celebrating,” Sheriff County Sheriff Michael Zurlo said in a statement. “The choices you make now can determine the direction of not only the new year, but the rest of your life. Take the time right here, right now, to make a plan. It only takes a minute.”

In December 2022, the most recent statistics available, 1,062 people died in drunk driving crashes – the most since 2007, according to the sheriff’s office.  Alcohol is not the only culprit. From 2019 to 2021, one study involving seriously injured or killed drivers in trauma centers found that approximately 25% had active THC – the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana – in their systems.

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Download the mobile app – “Have a Plan” to always be able to find a safe ride home at: www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library Programs During the Holiday Break

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

CLIFTON PARK — The following programs are slated to take place at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library 

Holiday Stories and Songs – Monday, December 23 at 10 am. Join us for holiday-themed stories, songs, and an activity at the Clifton Park Center Mall. For all ages, with an adult. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Take & Make: Arctic Fox – Friday, December 27. Take home a fun paper plate craft project and learn some interesting facts about the arctic fox. While supplies last. For ages 3-6, with an adult. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Family Story Time  -Monday, December 30 at 10 am. Nurture your child’s love of reading with stories, songs, and other fun activities. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Teen Arts & Crafts Bar – Monday, December 30 at 3 pm. It’s a crafting free-for-all! We’ll provide access to our arts and crafts supplies and you can let your creativity run wild. Drop in between 3-5 pm. For grades 6-10. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Happy Noon Year!  Tuesday, December 31 at 11:30 am. No need to stay up until midnight, our balloons drop at noon! Join us for a craft, story, and a noisy New Year countdown to a dance party. It’s all of the fun with none of the yawning. For ages 3 and up, with an adult. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Warm Hands and Hearts

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The mitten tree is in need of donations of new and handmade hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks and winter wear. All items hung on the tree will be donated to local charitable organizations for distribution to those who need a little help staying warm this winter.

Donations will be accepted through Jan. 4, 2025.

Members of the local community are invited to contribute warm winter wear to the Visitor Center Mitten Tree located at 297 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. All donations will benefit the following organizations: CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Franklin Community Center, and Shelters of Saratoga.

During the Christmas and New Years holiday, the Visitor Center will observe the following hours of operation:  Tuesday, Dec. 24, 9 am – 1 pm; closed Wednesday, Dec. 25 – Thursday, Dec. 26.  The Visitor Center will be open from 9 am – 5 pm on Friday, Dec. 27 – Saturday, Dec. 28 and will be open from 9 am – 1 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 31.  The Visitor Center will be closed on New Year’s Day.  Starting Jan. 2 the Visitor Center will follow winter hours, 10 am – 4 pm, Tuesday – Saturday.

For more information, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center.

Toys For Toga Donates More Than 4,500 Toys – Including $37,000 In Gifts for Teens

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY — With the support of more than 120 Saratoga County businesses, Toys for Toga donated more than 4,500 toys to three Saratoga County community centers last week. 

This donation included $37,000 in gifts and technology specifically for teenagers. These gifts included video game consoles, tablets, Apple AirPods, Stanley cups, scooters, and other wish list items requested by specific children. This donation was made by longtime Toys for Toga member Death Wish Coffee, the nonprofit organization Brewnited and the Saratoga County Foundation.

Toys for Toga donations are split evenly between the Franklin Community Center, CAPTAIN Community Human Services and Mechanicville Area Community Services Center. 

Toys were collected at local restaurants, hotels, bars, retail stores, schools, clubs and more since Nov. 1. An estimated 1,500 children will benefit from the donations, according to the beneficiaries. A more than $12,000 cash donation from the campaign’s GoFundMe page and sponsor support will also be split among the beneficiaries. 

For more information about the campaign, go to www.toysfortoga.com

Christmas Hike, Wintertime Fun at Moreau State Park This Month

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

MOREAU — Moreau Lake State Park, located at 605 Old Saratoga Road in Gansevoort, is offering the following events this month. 

Saturday, Dec. 21 – Making a Lantern for Winter Solstice 11am – 2 pm.

Drop by the nature center to learn about the Winter Solstice, why we have it, and how to make the most out of the shortest day of the year! Pop in anytime from 11-2 to learn and make a paper lantern, no registration required. If you have any questions call the office at 518-793-0511

Sunday, Dec. 22 – Walking in a Winter Wonderland (Nature Trail) noon.

Join a Nature Center employee for a 3-mile peaceful walk around the lake. We will ID any plants and animals we see along the path and learn about the winter activities of Moreau’s regular animal inhabitants. Open to all Ages, just keep distance in mind. The cost is $5/adult, $1/child payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Sunday, Dec. 22 – Camping Stories by the Fire, 4 – 5 pm: Kid’s stories, 5-6 pm: 13+ Stories.

Join an educator by the fire for some treats and stories! We will have some children’s books to read by the fire from 4:00-5:00pm and from 5:00-6:00pm we are encouraging people to bring their favorite camping stories to tell the group. They can be stories about camping at Moreau Lake or any New York State Park! The cost is $5/adult, $1/child payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Wednesday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day Hike at Big Bend 1 pm.

Looking for something different to do this Christmas day? Bundle up and join an educator on an easy-going, family friendly walk at Big Bend! This hike will go as long as we can depending on who shows up! At most it could be 3 miles on flat ground. We may hear and see birds (maybe even an eagle!), animal tracks, shells, feathers; there’s no telling what Nature might gift us with. There is no fee for this walk, but please reserve your spot in advance by calling 518-793-0511. We will meet at the park office and caravan to the trailhead. 

Friday, Dec. 27 – Crafts with the Friends 11 am.

Come to the nature center for some more crafting on your winter break! Fun for all ages. This program is free and registration is not required.  

Monday, Dec. 30 – Eagle Watch 9 am.

Join a park educator on a convoy-style journey along the Hudson River to try to spot our local Bald Eagles. We will be getting in and out of vehicles at a few locations and, with a little luck, viewing the eagles through binoculars and a scope so make sure to bring your hat and gloves! If you have binoculars bring them, we do have a couple of pair to pass around as well. The cost is $5 per adult payable by cash or check at the office upon your arrival. Please register in advance by calling 518-793-0511.

Tuesday, Dec. 31 – Reptile Profile 10 am.

Join an educator in the nature center to meet our resident reptiles! We at Moreau take care of six New York native turtles and three snakes that cannot be released into the wild and are wonderful little educators. This program is for all ages. The cost is $5 for adults, $1 for children (cash or check) at the office upon arrival. Please reserve your spot 24 hours in advance by calling the office at 518-793-0511.

Wednesday, January 1st – First Day Hike 10 am.

We will be hiking around our beautiful Moreau Lake starting the hike all together at the park office to kick off the new year! There will be a section of the hike that allows people to split off if they want to make it a shorter loop of about 2.1 miles on a flatter trail or they can continue on the longer hike of 3 miles, and both will end either at the Warming Hut or back to the Park Office. This is a free event, but please register in advance.

For more information, call 518-793-0511, or go to: friendsofmoreaulake.org.

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Purchases Pair ofClinton Street Cottages 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation on Clinton Street. Photo provided. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation has purchased 128-130 Clinton Street, two small cottages on one property that have been on the Foundation’s endangered property list for more than a decade. 

Based on preliminary research, it appears that the house at 130 Clinton St., built circa 1877, was constructed on the property by Dennis O’Brien, who was listed as a laborer residing at 108 Clinton St.  It is particularly unique because it is the only example of a shotgun style residence in Saratoga Springs.  O’Brien built the second house, a one-and-a-half- story vernacular front gable house with a full-width front porch, at 128 Clinton St. in 1883.  Both houses were built as rental properties. 

According to the directories, the residents of the two houses were laborers, coachmen, teamsters, farmers, maids, gardeners, firemen, and employees of various businesses.  In 1965, Nettie B. Dekalb and her son Ronald Dekalb acquired the property.  The DeKalbs moved into 128 Clinton and rented 130 Clinton to others.

 It was during the DeKalb family ownership that the houses fell into disrepair and became vacant.  Earlier this year, the Foundation attempted to contact the owner to provide assistance to preserve the buildings or to offer to purchase the property.  Their attempts went unanswered.  Neighbors expressed concern that the buildings would be lost when they saw the red X’s appear on the buildings, indicating that the buildings were unsafe for first responders to enter. 

In September, local builder, Dave Trojanski acquired the property with the intention of redeveloping it. The Foundation subsequently purchased it from Trojanski.

The Foundation is in the early stages of evaluating the structures and determining next steps for the project. To donate to the Clinton Street Comeback Campaign and to get updates on the project, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030.

Harris Topped TrumpAmong Saratoga County Voters inPresidential Election: BOE Canvassers 

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — Vote tallies reported on Election Day remain “unofficial” until official election results are reported, and the election certified, which typically takes place in December.  

On Nov. 30, the County Board of Canvassers of Saratoga County Board of Elections met to canvass the votes given in the several Election Districts of Saratoga County regarding the General Election held on Nov. 5. 

The Board reported a total of 132,817 were given for candidates for President and Vice President, and that among the leaders Harris/Walz (D, WF) received 66,321 votes, compared to Trump/ Vance (R,C) receiving 63.940.     

There are 181,203 active registered voters in Saratoga County, according to Nov. 1, 2024 enrollment statistics from the NY State Board of Elections. 

Among the ballots cast in Saratoga County in 2024, just over 40,000 came via Early Voting, and just over 80,000 on Election Day. 

Official results previously in Saratoga County:  2016 – Donald Trump over Hillary Clinton (54,575-50,913). 2020 – Joe Biden over Donald Trump (68,471-61,305).   

City Names McTygue Neighborhood Park in Historic Square 

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


Cherub atop fountain in Franklin Square.
Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos. 

Current signage at Franklin Square. The park will soon include new signage indicating the name of the McTygue Memorial Neighborhood Park.
Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A west side park that served as the center square of Saratoga Springs social life in the mid-19th century has been named the McTygue Memorial Neighborhood Park, in recognition of the McTygue Family’s public service to the city.

In acting to approve resolution on Dec. 3, Mayor John Safford specifically cited Michael E. McTygue (City Court Judge, 1918-1924); Charles A. McTygue (Commissioner of Public Works, 1947-1965); Thomas G. McTygue (Commissioner of Public Works, 1972-1978, 1982-2008), and William J. McTygue (Public Works Deputy Commissioner and Director, 1999-2010).

“When you talk about the depth and length of service to our community, it’s astonishing,” Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran added during the Dec. 3 meeting. 

Among the achievements noted were the restoration of the historic Canfield Casino and Congress Park, acquisition and preservation of the historic Congress Park Carousel and the creation of the Franklin Square neighborhood park. 

The park sits just west of Broadway where Division and Franklin streets meet, flanked by nearby columns and porticos of ornate 19th century design tied to Greek Revival and Victorian style of historical architectural significance. 

It is where the town’s former railroad station stood nearby and Franklin Square – “one of Saratoga Springs’ oldest and most distinguished neighborhoods,” was “a center of Saratoga Springs social life,” according to historical documents sourced at The Saratoga Room of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. 

Following an era of Victorian extravagance, a decades-long preservation effort was initiated in the 20th century, largely due to the effort of local lawyer and developer Bob Israel, a native of Newburgh who came to Saratoga Springs in 1977. Israel took to renovating multiple buildings around Franklin Square , itself created in the 1840s, according to the Glens Falls Business Journal in an article published June 1990. 

Israel subsequently approached then-DPW Commissioner Tom McTygue when the two worked out a plan to create new curbing, benches and a fence on the city-owned land, to include as its centerpiece the installation of a 100-year-old cast-iron fountain topped with a concrete replica of a Grecian cherub statue which was purchased at an auction downstate.       

The Bonacio and Robert Israel families donated just over $650 for a park plaque dedicated to the McTygue family and recognizing their service to the community.  

Note: an earlier version of this article mistakenly referred to the park’s location as being on the east side. The park is located west of Broadway, on the west side of Saratoga Springs.