EDINBURG — The Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a personal injury snowmobile crash on Sacandaga Lake in the area of Lunker Lane in the town of Edinburg at 11:35 p.m. on Jan. 28.
As a result of the crash, Garrett E. Macintosh, 20, of Florida, N.Y. was transported to Nathan Littauer Hospital by Edinburg EMS where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation is ongoing at this time.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Save the date for the 24th Annual Saratoga Chowderfest on Saturday, February 11 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saratoga’s Annual Chowderfest is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Family-friendly, fun and utterly delicious, Chowderfest features more than 80 vendors—including Saratoga County’s best restaurants and caterers—who open their doors to the public and serve 4 oz. samples of chowder for $2 to event goers. Visit participating vendors and vote for your favorite. For a list of vendors go to www.discoversaratoga.org/events/chowderfest.
This year’s Chowderfest will also feature live music at various locations, Dog Lover Rescue’s pet adoption across from the Saratoga City Center and free Death Wish Coffee samples on Caroline Street.
Kids’ activities include Balloon Gal Jenny and face painting by Miss Stacey’s Faces at the Saratoga City Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway will also be at the Saratoga Springs City Center running a model train and hosting a coloring contest for the kids to win free tickets on the train. Other kids’ activities scheduled are drop-in crafts at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, literacy-based programs at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, and Character Creations by Erin Joyce will be providing face painting at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Take a picture with Chester the Chowda-Bear at Saratoga Candy Company from 12 -2 p.m.
Avoid parking challenges and jump on the free shuttle running from the Saratoga Casino Hotel (Crescent Ave parking lot) to Congress Park. The 3 shuttles will run from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Also, remember the Saratoga Springs City Center parking garage holds over 600 vehicles!
For more information and event updates visit www.discoversaratoga.org/events/chowderfest.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — City Mayor Ron Kim announced this week he will deliver the State of City Address for Saratoga Springs at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, from the third floor Music Hall in City Hall.
Congressman Paul Tonko will join Mayor Kim to provide an update on his work in Washington for Saratogians.
The address will also be livestreamed on the city’s website at Saratoga-springs.org.
Highlights of the address will cover accomplishments of the past year and goals for the new year.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake will personally thank customers and shop partners for their support of the Holiday Match campaign by getting behind the register.
Dake was at the Stewart’s Shops at 208 Broad Street in Schuylerville on Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This location was one of the top collection shops for the Holiday Match program, collecting $9,780. He will also be at the Stewart’s on 322 Ushers Road in Ballston Lake on Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Ushers Road location grew their collection by 94% over the previous year.
The 2022 Holiday Match program has raised over $2 million for local children’s organizations. From Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, Stewart’s customers donated over $1,011,000 to the program. Each individual donation is matched penny for penny by Stewart’s Shops. There are no administrative costs, and 100% of the funds benefit local, non-profit children’s organizations.
Over 1,700 nonprofit organizations received funding from last year’s Holiday Match campaign. The program has allocated nearly $36 million since 1986. All local children’s charities are encouraged to apply for funding annually from the Holiday Match Program. A listing of all the charities that received Holiday Match funding last year is available at stewartsshops.com.
Time is running out for children’s charities to apply for Holiday Match funding. The deadline is January 31, 2023. Organizations can easily apply online at stewartsshops.com. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization.
CATSKILL — A 44-year-old man serving a prison sentence for forcibly robbing the main branch of the Adirondack Trust Company in 2017, has been sentenced to 17 years to life in prison for strangling to death his cellmate at a state prison in Greene County.
In December 2017, Anthony J. Paradise, who had been staying short term of Ballston Spa, was taken in to custody by Saratoga Springs in connection with the bank robbery in which Paradise was charged with forcibly stealing in excess of $3,000 from the bank.
As reported by the Times-Union on Jan. 31, Paradise strangled Delmus Tanner with a bedsheet in November 2018 while the two were incarcerated at Greene Correctional Facility, according to District Attorney Joe Stanzione. Tanner, who was serving a five-year sentence for attempted drug sale, died four days after the attack.
Paradise is eligible for parole in 17 years, and could be released in 2040, provided his behavior behind bars is good, according to the Times-Union.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs will joining other cities across the United States in declaring the first week of February as National Gun Violence Survivor Week, Mayor Ron Kim announced Feb. 1.
“By early February, more people are killed with guns in the United States than are killed with guns in any other high-income country in an entire year,” the mayor said in a statement, explaining the significance of the chosen date.
The majority of American adults, or someone they care for, will experience gun violence in their lifetime. This includes gun suicides, gun homicides, domestic violence situations involving guns, shootings by law enforcement, and unintentional shootings, according to a release from the city.
Harvard Medical School researchers reported that gun violence cost Americans about $557 billion annually. National Gun Violence Survivor Week is an initiative of Mayors Against Illegal Guns.
“It’s imperative we continue pursuing all avenues available to us to keep firearms out of the hands of those who are a danger to themselves or others,” Kim said.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Changes are coming to Union Avenue. A public meeting scheduled to take place Thursday, Feb. 9 may go a long way in determining the substance of those alterations along one of the Spa City’s most notable thoroughfares.
Already decided: the NYS Department of Transportation will soon begin making improvements – including markings for a bike path – between Henning Road (by Exit 14 of the Northway) and East Avenue (where Saratoga Race Course is located).
The city meanwhile is considering making improvements along the lower portion of Union Avenue that would connect the NYSDOT’s bike path to Circular Street – the location of Congress Park.
Additionally, the city is considering the possibility of reducing vehicle lane traffic along a portion of that lower segment, between Circular Street and Nelson Avenue, and create a protected bike lane that would make that path safer.
Petitions with opposing viewpoints, each garnering hundreds of signatures, have been posted on the website change.org.
“Pump The Brakes. Do Not Rush Changes to Union Avenue!”
One group, calling themselves the Historic Union Avenue Neighborhood Association is asking the city to “not rush a major decision affecting a vital gateway to our city,” and recommends a comprehensive plan be developed that allows “stakeholders” such as NYRA, the National Museum of Racing, the Saratoga Historic Preservation Foundation, Empire State College, the business community, and area residents, to weigh in.
“Lets’ Get Bike Lanes on Union Avenue!”
A pro-bike group meanwhile is urging the City Council to build the Union Avenue bike lanes and the entire connected bike lane network. “We already decided on the city’s 2016 Complete Streets plan. It’s time to stop planning and start implementing.” The group says doing so will allow better safety for bike-riders, reduce traffic and parking needs, increase economic activity, and historically restore a 19th century bike lane on Union Avenue.
Pro-bike advocates additionally point out that that the smattering of bike lanes that currently exist within the city don’t connect to one another, making them difficult to use. More connectivity would bring increased use on those paths, the group says.
“No decisions have been made – except one,” city Mayor Ron Kim said. “A (previous) City Council passed a Complete Streets plan to implement bike paths throughout the city. Also, when we took office (in January 2022) the Department of Transportation was well underway to designing a bike path from Exit 14 (of the Northway) to East Avenue. That construction is going to start this spring.”
The Complete Streets plan was adopted in 2013. Ken Gray, of the Complete Streets Advisory Board, said he would like to see Union Avenue restored to its original beauty. “We’re looking at the opportunity of transforming 78% of asphalt into 78% of green space and useable things like bike lanes.” Reducing the lower segment roadway from four lanes to three would also allow for the addition of trees.
Mike King is a recent transplant to Saratoga Springs. He holds an extensive background in city planning and is a member of Complete Streets. In January, King delivered a presentation to the city regarding proposed enhancements on lower Union Avenue. “The State is building a bike lane between East Avenue and Henning. So, the question is: What do you do between East and Circular?
“We could go out tomorrow and stripe a five-foot bike lane that goes from East, all the way to Circular. No one would be happy, but you could do that. There is enough room. But, we could also question whether we need four lanes of cars,” King said, adding that the average speed of vehicles in the 30 mph zone was recorded at 41 miles per hour.
Union Avenue currently has parking on both sides of the street with four driving lanes in between – two lanes going in each direction.
“You can’t really cross the street. It’s not very safe. According to statistics it’s three-and-a-half times more dangerous than similar type roads,” said King, discussing the prospect of going from four lanes to three. “Some people have said they can’t fathom it. The Traffic Analysis that was done during the track season says it is possible to have three lanes and the world would not end.”
The city will host a workshop and public gathering titled “Enhancing Union Avenue” regarding the proposed project at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
WILTON — The Town of Wilton is looking for volunteers to serve on the Wilton Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Wilton Planning Board meets every month on the third Wednesday except for the month of August when no meeting is held.
The Zoning Board of Appeals meets every month on the fourth Thursday except for a combined November/December meeting date which will be decided by the board.
If you are interested in serving on a board, please email resume to: Susan Baldwin, Town Clerk at sbaldwin@townofwilton.com or mail to 22 Traver Road, Wilton, New York 12831.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eight years after John Witt, president of Saratoga Springs-based Witt Construction, proposed a 111-acre conservation subdivision in the Town of Saratoga, the town’s Planning Board has granted preliminary approval of his long-imagined, 31-home community.
The property comprises 103 acres that Witt purchased from Saratoga Springs’ Bethesda Church, a three-acre parcel he also owns, and five adjoining acres for which he has an existing purchase agreement. In total, 111 acres are included in the recent preliminary approval.
“I love the location and want to make it my next home,” said Witt. “Phyllian’s Bluff is going to be a phenomenal landscape, which we’re going to beautify and protect as a thriving, healthy environment featuring custom homes.”
He said that 61-plus acres of the land will be forever-wild green space, within which no building will take place. The land already features a farmhouse and historic barn surrounded by fields of rye and flowers. The long-term plan is to create an agricultural site including a vineyard, cut-flower farm, and thoroughbred breeding.
“This will be one more enhancement to a community that already offers year-round attractions,” said Witt. “The vineyard will be a visitor’s dream and an asset to our local economy, both bolstering agritourism and as another amenity for residents.”
The vineyard is set to grow New York grapes of different varieties. Witt also said that the working vineyard and farm will create job opportunities.
“Old Tavern Farm is expanding its agricultural businesses. We have 2,000 vines on order that will be planted in May and will grow our winery operations to meet the capacity of the additional vines. This site is also home to our 24,000 cut flowers that we plant each season to supply local farmers markets and businesses in our community. In addition, we will be expanding our thoroughbred breeding operation with additional pastures and facilities,” says Nicole Borisenok, owner of Old Tavern Farm Winery. “By the time we are done, it will be a beautiful farm and agricultural site. We are proud to be good stewards of the land and preserve Saratoga County history by continuing the 160 years of farming on this site.”
The Town of Saratoga’s provisional approved includes provisions such as:
• All lots will have an on-site supply of water via wells and sanitary sewer collection. This requires a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SPPP) and a stormwater management program (SMP).
• No tree removal shall be permitted on the lots during construction of roads.
• All work that affects pruning, thinning, or felling of trees shall be supervised by a certified forester or arborist and be submitted to the Town of Saratoga for approval prior to action.
• An evaluation shall be conducted as to the archeological significance of the site.
• In his erosion prevention plan, Witt has designed “ecologically aware,” appropriate mulching, as well as two cul-de-sacs and ditches to collect rainwater. Additionally, where the land is overgrown with scrub plants, Witt said he hopes to plant fruit-bearing trees.
Additionally, Witt Construction will leave all materials from forestry activities on the steep slopes, including felled trees and brush to be “as vertical to the steep slope as possible.” The few lots that include steep slopes have additional stipulations.
Very limited crown pruning of the trees shall be permitted over a 10-year period. Witt said he will be working with the Town of Saratoga in the execution of the project.
Homes are planned to be clustered in three areas; only one plot is on less than one acre, but it abuts forever-wild land. The clusters of custom homes will be in cul-de-sacs and each will be designed to fit well within the natural landscape and reflect the lifestyle and ideals of the owner.
Witt says clients have already expressed interest in locating their homes on Phyllian’s Bluff.
BALLSTON SPA — A Public Health Advisory was issued Jan. 20 by the Saratoga County Department of Health reporting an increase in drug-related overdoses – 10 in all including one fatality – during a 7-day period between Jan. 13-18. Six of the 10 cases involved males and the overall ages ranged from 17 to 41.
The local advisory coincides with the New York State Department of Health’s County Opioid Quarterly Report for January 2023 – released this week, noting a statewide 14% increase in 2021 overdose deaths involving opioids, compared to 2020. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported a 30% increase in overdose deaths nationally.
The state report, published quarterly, provides information about county-level health impacts related to heroin and opioid use and enables local communities to better respond to the opioid crisis.
Findings comparing state totals for 2021 to 2020 data:
-14% increase in overdose deaths involving opioids, with 4,766 deaths in 2021.
-12.6% increase in outpatient Emergency Department visits due to opioid overdoses, with 10,430 visits in 2021.
-30.2% increase in outpatient Emergency Department visits due to opioid overdoses other than heroin, including illicitly produced opioids such as fentanyl, with 5,137 visits in 2021.
-11.8% increase in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) naloxone administration encounters, with 19,139 in 2021.
Fentanyl is involved in the majority of overdose deaths in New York State and is 50 to 100 times stronger than heroin, according to the state DOH.
Saratoga County says it has targeted responding to the opioid epidemic a priority. The County previously announced it will utilize Opioid Settlement Funds to expand efforts to mitigate the growing influence of drugs and addiction in local communities, through a variety of programs and investments.
“The County has multiple efforts underway to raise awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, to provide preventative and treatment measures to residents, and to provide law enforcement the tools and resources needed to combat the growing influence of drugs and alcohol in Saratoga County,” according to a statement released Jan. 21.
Last Sunday, the county DOH partnered with the Clifton Park and Halfmoon Emergency Corps to distribute free Naloxone Overdose Rescue Kits and provide Naloxone training in Clifton Park. Approximately 105 two-pack kits were distributed during the event. More than three dozen more kits have been requested since the event via the county’s website, according to a county spokesperson.
Naloxone – which works on opioids such as heroin, prescription pain medications and fentanyl – is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. Anyone interested in obtaining a Narcan kit can fill out a request form at: saratogacountyny.gov/narcan/.
Saratoga County also notes the existence of New York State’s 911 “Good Samaritan Law,” which allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.
Everyone — regardless of age — who seeks medical help for themselves or someone else during an overdose is protected by the 911 Good Samaritan Law. Specifically, that law protects: Possessing controlled substances up to and including A2 felony off¬enses (anything under 8 ounces); Possessing alcohol, where underage drinking is involved; Possessing marijuana (any quantity); Possessing drug paraphernalia; and Sharing drugs. The law does not protect: A1 felony possession of a controlled substance (8 ounces or more); Sale or intent to sell controlled substances; Open warrants for your arrest; and Violation of probation or parole.
The State also continues to advance 25 Syringe Exchange Programs (SEPs) with over 81 sites statewide. SEPs address the needs of New Yorkers who use drugs and lead in the distribution of naloxone to New Yorkers vulnerable to overdose. The State’s 14 Drug User Health Hubs have been built upon the foundations of the SEPs. These centers focus on reducing overdose by providing easy access to buprenorphine, building safety plans with people who have experienced a non-fatal overdose and equipping participants with naloxone.
SCDOH and Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services have developed a Substance Use and Mental Health Resource Directory that individuals and families can use to find area recovery and support resources. The 35-page directory is available via the county website at: saratogacountyny.gov.
Local residents requesting more information or seeking answers to questions regarding help with opioids/substance abuse may send their inquiries to: opioids@saratogacountyny,gov.
