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Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center Kicks Off Annual Mitten Tree Program

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center this week launched their annual Mitten Tree Program. 

Running through Saturday, Jan. 4, 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.

“As the holiday season approaches, we’re reminded how important it is to give back to our community,” said Karen Verrigni, director of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center. “This annual tradition provides hundreds of pieces of warm winter wear to those in need during the cold winter months. The kindness and generosity of our region is heartwarming!”

Instead of ornaments or lights, the tree is decorated with warm winter items such as hats, socks, scarves, gloves, and of course, mittens. If you’d like to donate, the Visitor Center asks that you hang new or handmade items upon the tree. 

The Visitor Center is open Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center.

Saratoga County Towns, Villages:Be Knowledgeable About Winter Parking Rules 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Seasonal parking rules have or will soon be in effect in multiple municipalities in advance of the winter season. 

Town of Wilton residents, take note: the parking of vehicles is currently prohibited on all highways and roads within the Town of Wilton, including the paved portion and shoulder, until April 1, 2025.  Any vehicle parked on a highway or road during said restricted period may be removed and stored at the owner’s expense.  

For information, visit your specific town, city or village website. 

SantaCon & Other Social Festive Events Supporting Franklin Community Center in December

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Samantha Nass Floral & Event Design at 61 Lawrence St. is hosting a special Support & Social event spotlighting Franklin Community Center. All donations will directly support FCC’s vital programs, and every shopper or donor will be entered to win a $250 gift certificate. Stop by anytime during their extended hours from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The annual SantaCon is returning to Saratoga Springs on Saturday, Dec. 14, with a fresh approach focused on family-friendly fun and community support. 

Tickets can be purchased for $15 online (via eventbrite) or $20 day-of the event from 1-3 p.m. at Soundbar Saratoga and Harvey’s Restaurant. The ticket price provides drink specials at participating bars and establishments while supporting essential programs and services for the Saratoga community, with 100% of all ticket sales going to FCC. SantaCon participants are encouraged to dress up in holiday attire and celebrate community, kindness, and holiday cheer.

Established in 1983, Franklin Community Center, the Saratoga Springs-based organization has provided vital programs and services to individuals and families in the Saratoga County area. For more information on their work: www.franklincommunitycenter.org.

Under Review: A New Home on Phila Street

Written by Thomas Dimopoulos on . Posted in News.


Plans submitted to the city in advance of the DRB meeting. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS —An Area Variance extension is sought by the new owners of a vacant lot at 81 Phila St. to permit the construction of a home. 

An original variance to build a home on the lot was obtained and approved by Design Review Board in July 2022, but the owner had since decided to sell the lot, according to city documents. The previously granted variance expired January 2024, and the current owners acquired the lot in June 2024.

There have been no changes to the lot or street which change the circumstances upon which the original variances were granted, and the applicants – Tom and Paula D’Orazio, of Loudonville – intend to build within the approved footprint and subject to the original approved variances. 

The item is listed as one of seven new items to be discussed at the next Saratoga Springs Design Review Board meeting, which will take place 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2 at City Hall.  

SSPF Presents: 150 Years of History & Preservation of City Residence on Dec. 3

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“Chestwood: 150 Years of History & Preservation” celebrates at 432 Grand Ave. Circa 1885 photo provided. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday Dec. 3, “Chestwood: 150 Years of History & Preservation,” celebrates the 150th anniversary of the storied Second Empire residence located at 432 Grand Ave. 

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation virtual program will feature an introduction by local historian Carol Godette, followed by a presentation from the current homeowners, Kristi Krulcik and Marco Anichini, sharing stories about the past residents – the Slade and Snyder families; information about the architect – Gilbert Bostwick Croff, and highlighting architectural features.  

The program will take place via Zoom, with a suggested donation of $10 or more. To register, visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030. All registrants will receive a Zoom link in advance, as well as access to the program recording. 

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.

38th Annual Saratoga Springs Victorian Streetwalk Thursday, Dec. 5 

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


Santa at the cottage on Broadway. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 38th Annual Victorian Streetwalk will take place 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 in downtown Saratoga Springs. 

The annual event, presented by the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, includes a Tree Lighting Ceremony, over 25 sites with free entertainment, and Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Cottage. 

Note: Broadway will be completely closed from Van Dam St/Rt 50 down to Spring St from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Portions of Broadway will start to close earlier in the day.

The annual event kicks off at 6 p.m. with the traditional tree lighting ceremony – this year attended by multiple children from Make-A-Wish and their families to help light the tree. Following the lighting, children will have the opportunity to visit Santa in his Cottage. 

This year, “Friends of the Victorian Streetwalk” will be selling 8-inch ornaments to the community that will be used to decorate the downtown Christmas tree for years to come. The decorated ornaments cost $100 and those purchasing them may choose four words to include on the ornament. The ornaments will be sold via the website:  https://www.saratogaspringsdowntown.com/ as well as the evening of the Victorian Streetwalk, via a table near the Christmas tree.

Santa’s Schedule Thursday, Dec. 5: 6-9 p.m. (with tree lighting at 6); Friday, Dec. 6: 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7: 1-5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8: 1-4 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 13: 4-7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14: 1-4 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 15: 1-4 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 20: 4-7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 21: 1-4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.. 

Saratoga Springs Approves $62.6 Million Budget 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Saratoga Springs 2025 budget cost breakdown by department.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City Council on Nov. 19 voted 4-1 to approve the 2025 Proposed Budget for $62.6 million. There will be no increase in property taxes.

The 2025 budget represents a 2.12% increase from this year’s $61.29 million plan.

“The primary challenge our city faces is that rising expenses continue to outpace revenue growth. This is not unique to Saratoga Springs,” city Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi said. “Governments at both the local and state level are facing budgetary challenges. Inflation and personnel costs are key factors. I am also looking ahead to 2026, when the city will begin paying salaries for sixteen firefighters that staff our third fire station. Therefore, we approached this budget conservatively.”

The 2025 Proposed Budget includes $36.4 million for Public Safety, up approximately $340,000 increase from the 2024 Adopted Budget and a $4.1 million increase from the 2023 Adopted Budget. Public Safety made up 58% of the 2025 Proposed Budget. 

The Department of Public Works makes up 20% of the 2025 Proposed Budget, at $12.15 million, followed by the Mayor’s Department at 7.27%, the Finance Department at 7%, and then Recreation and Accounts at 5% and 3%, respectively. 

The Council also approved the use of $3.84 million in fund balance and the 2025 Proposed Capital Budget of $2.26 million – which includes the first $500,000 towards a new police department facility.  

$1.5 Billion CHIPS Award to GlobalFoundries

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WASHINGTON, DC —A massive $1.5 billion in federal funding has been awarded to GlobalFoundries to support semiconductor manufacturing. The funding — made possible by the CHIPS and Science Act that Democrats advanced two years ago — will create an estimated 10,000 construction and manufacturing jobs for the region.

Currently, there are only four companies outside of China that provide current and mature foundry capabilities at the scale of GlobalFoundries, and GlobalFoundries is the only one of those companies that is headquartered in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

“The investments in jobs, manufacturing, and innovation continue to pour into our region, thanks to the Biden-Harris Investing in America Agenda,” said Congressman Paul Tonko, who represents Saratoga in the 20th Congressional District. “I fought hard to deliver critical funding to spur our nation’s semiconductor manufacturing over the years, and I’m thrilled to see that effort paying dividends for our Capital Region communities today. This federal investment in GlobalFoundries will further strengthen our region’s leadership position in semiconductor development.” 

Parks-Bentley Nativity Exhibition Opens Nov. 30

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SOUTH GLENS FALLS— The Historical Society of Moreau and South Glens Falls opens its annual exhibition of nativity sets from around the globe on Nov. 30. 

This year’s exhibition, titled “A Chorus of Nativities” organizes the creches in each room of the historic house around song titles from favorite Christmas music. From angels as the centerpiece of the Victorian parlor, to humorous and children’s holiday songs in the front entryway, the exhibition will highlight more than 100 sets from its nativity collection. 

A Chorus of Nativities will be on display from noon to 4 p.m. on Nov. 30, as well as Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 and 27. Admission is $7; children under 12 years of age are admitted free with a paying adult. Private group tours will be made available by appointment with a $7 per person charge and a minimum fee of $50 per group. Those interested in a private tour are asked to email parksbentleyplace@gmail.com with group details.

For more information about Parks-Bentley Place, visit the Society’s website at parksbentleyplace.org.