City Eyes New $25 Million Police Station
5 Williams St., existing building view from the front on Aug. 28,2024. A multi-space parking lot is to the rear of the building. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
City Police, photograph from Our Boys In Blue: A History of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, small pamphlet in archives of The Saratoga Room SSPL, published 2003.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The city of Saratoga Springs is exploring building a new police station to replace its current home in the basement of City Hall which has served as its headquarters for nearly 150 years.
“The discussions are preliminary but it’s clear that eventually we need to plan for a new police station, and that’s what the Capital Budget (Plan) is for,” said city Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll. “We’re looking at two possible locations at this time –one is right behind City Hall where the city employees park, and the other would be the old Senior Center.”
The city owns the land at both locations.
The 7,800 square-foot former Senior Center site at 5 Williams St. is currently in use on a short-term lease by RISE Housing and Support Services as the human services agency’s administration offices, while their own offices are under construction.
A plan eyeing 5 Williams St. would seek to demolish the building on site and construct a new three-story facility and relocating all police services and the communications center from City Hall to Williams Street. The general cost estimate – which includes demolition, construction, and the furnishing of a new 30,000-plus square foot facility lists $14 million as a Base Budget Estimate, with contingencies and allowances at a total cost of $23 million to $25 million.
The lot behind City Hall meanwhile has seen many designs that had previously proposed it as a location for a new public safety facility. At various times those plans have included a multi-parcel public-private collaboration to include a cinema, a 500-car parking garage, and other amenities. A City Center Parking garage and pocket park have since been developed along a good segment of the location, and a cinema sited a few blocks away.
The Public Safety Department’s long-range proposal specifically details $21.8 million in a Capital Plan over a five-year period beginning in 2025 to fund a police department facility, according to documents submitted by the 2025 Capital Program Committee to address priority city needs from 2025-2030.
Historically
On April 26 1887, the State Legislature approved an act that created the Saratoga Springs Police Department. The department employed 8 men to serve and protect a population of 11,500 in the days prior to fingerprinting systems, computer databases, radio communications and DNA technology, when police technology largely consisted of the gun and the nightstick. The annual salary of the men started at $500, with higher-ranking officials earning as much as $1,300 per year.
More than a century later, the department in 2024 staffs 98 men and women to serve and protect a city of about 30,000 residents year-round, with a visitors’ capacity that grows in multitudes when the temperature grows warmer and the sun hangs longer in the sky. In 2023 SSPD officers handled 27,643 calls for service, 3,606 cases, and made 851 arrests.
The growth of the department has resulted in significant operational challenges inhibiting organizational efficiency and effectiveness in the current station location, according to officials. The lack of workspace forces the sharing of desks and the usage of single spaces for multiple public safety purposes not always conducive or in concert with one another. As well, it places SSPD’s Command Staff Offices in the century-old basement of City Hall in windowless rooms.
Feasibility studies related to the development of a new public safety facility in the city date to the mid-1970s, and more than a half-dozen reports were conducted during the decades that have followed. In 2006, a committee was formed to help develop a new station and the City Council seated at the time explored multiple proposals for a new facility, but no majority approval could be secured for any of the plans. Subsequently no action was taken.
Renovations and upgrades have been made to City Hall in the time since, but the restrictive space of the current police department is less than ideal, officials say.
“It’s not a modern-functioning police station,” Commissioner Coll said.
“I take insurance company recommendations to heart, and their recommendation was that we need to have a new facility. We can’t have prisoners walking up and down Broadway – you look at modern policing, they have a sally-port,” said Coll, referring to a secure area used to load and unload prisoners. “The police department is in the basement of City Hall (and) It’s really not conducive to modern policing.”
Every year, the city prepares a six-year Capital Budget plan that includes a prioritized list of capital projects the city wishes to get done and costs associated with those projects. Even as the plan stretches over a six-year period, the council votes on the Capital Budget one year at a time and may be altered year-to-year.
Overall, the construction cost for the new police headquarters facility is estimated to range from $23 million to $25.5 million. About $1.5 million in sitework and demolition costs are anticipated to be required at the department’s existing space at City Hall.
The preliminary long-range plan for a new police station looks to set aside funds in this proposed timeline: $1.5 million (in 2025), $5 million (in 2026 and again in 2027), $10 million (in 2028), and $300,000 in 2029. The City Council is expected to host a Public Hearing and hold a discussion and potentially vote on the 2025 Capital Budget and Capital Program at its meeting on Tuesday night Sept. 3.
City Installs New Cashless Collection Boxes To Aid Homeless
The first of six new cashless collection boxes was installed on Broadway Aug. 23, 2024. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Following an effort initiated in 2016, the first of six new collection boxes encouraging the public to contribute to local agencies who help those who are homeless, was installed Aug. 23.
“Originally we had 12, but after they were installed in 2016, they got broken into because there was a slot for cash,” said city Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll, who alongside city Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi jointly unveiled the new box located in front of Roohan Realty, at 519 Broadway. “We have six (of the 12) left that got refurbished. If it’s successful, it’s a pilot program, we’re going to add more.”
The difference in the boxes this time around is the collection boxes will not accept cash. Instead, they sport QR codes – one directed to Shelters of Saratoga and the other to RISE Housing & Support Services – so the public can decide which local agency they want to support. The funds go directly to the non-profit agencies.
The purpose of the boxes is to encourage the public to contribute directly to local agencies to help people get off the street and into safe housing.
Each box sports a message that reads: “There’s a Better Way to Give…Don’t Encourage Panhandling,” a message developed with input and agreement from both local nonprofit agencies.
The Saratoga Springs City Council on Aug. 6 unanimously approved an agreement with the Downtown Special Assessment District to install the six collection boxes.
The location of the six boxes are in front of: Roohan Realty, Compton’s Restaurant, Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge, Uncommon Grounds, Saratoga Springs City Hall, and Impressions of Saratoga.
Step Into the Elegance of the Past for a Cause: Spirits of the Gilded Age Gala
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Step back into the splendor of the Gilded Age at the “Spirits of the Gilded Age Gala” Oct. 25 at Canfield Casino.
The event, benefiting H.O.P.E., invites attendees to immerse themselves in a night of spirited fun, food, and entertainment in support of rescuing orphaned pets and finding their “fur-ever” homes.
H.O.P.E. (Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist) is dedicated to rescuing animals in need, providing them with shelter, care, and the chance to find loving families.
Tickets for the event are $120 per person. In addition, Table Sponsorships are available for those who want to enhance their experience while supporting this important cause.
For more information, to purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities, or make a donation, contact www. hopeanimalrescue.org.
Saratoga County Nominated for Best Place to Visit for Fall; Voting for National Contest is Open
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Facing off against places like Asheville in North Carolina, Columbus in Ohio and Stowe in Vermont, Saratoga County has been nominated as a “Best Place to Visit for Fall” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Discover Saratoga – Saratoga County’s official tourism promotion agency, announced this week.
The list of 20 nominees, selected by a panel of travel experts, highlights destinations nationwide where vibrant autumnal charm, scenic beauty, and diverse seasonal activities attract visitors from across the country. Online voting for the awards is open to the public and is open now through noon on Sept. 9, 2024.
“We’ve been actively working to promote Saratoga County as a year-round vibrant travel destination, so we’re excited for this nomination to name Saratoga alongside other well-known autumn locations,” Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga, said in a statement. “We know fall is a great time to visit Saratoga County. We encourage all of our destination ambassadors to vote so we can share that message with potential visitors across the country.”
To vote for Saratoga County as the best place to visit for fall, readers can visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-place-to-visit-for-fall-2024/saratoga-county-new-york/ and cast their ballot once per day until polls close at noon ET on Sept. 9. Winners will be announced on Sept. 18.
For more information about the 10Best Awards and to see the full list of winners across multiple categories, visit www.10best.com.
Tie-dye for Horses
Patrol Unit.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tie-dye T-shirts are being locally sold to benefit the Saratoga Springs Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit.
Mounted Police Unit consist of two horses: Apollo, and Brady. The horses are typically visible along city streets eight or nine months of the year and skipping the colder winter season. Seven officers are trained to ride the horses.
Funds raised by the sale of the T-shirts help pay for things like the boarding, feeding, maintenance and medical care of the horses.
The shirts, which sell for $25, were created by Protect & Vest NYK9s and are available in Saratoga Springs at Celtic Treasures (456 Broadway), and at Impressions of Saratoga (368 Broadway).
Tickets on Salefor the 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes!
Tickets for the area’s premiere new home tour, the 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, are now on sale! This event is now celebrating 28 Years of exceptional homes!
Tickets are available at all Adirondack Trust branch locations, Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa & Queensbury, Saratoga National Bank on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs and Roohan Realty on Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Tickets are always conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM or can be purchased online at thewebsite at saratogashowcaseofhomes.com/tickets.
As always, each showcase ticket holder will receive a FREE shoe/tote bag at the first home visited while supplies last!
The 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being proudly presented over two fall weekends this year on October 5-6 and October 12-13. Tickets are $25 and this year’s edition has 9 locations in Saratoga County on display.
This annual community event has contributed over $1.5 MILLION DOLLARS to our local charities. Proceeds from the Saratoga Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (www.rtsaratoga.org) and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties (www.glensfallshabitat.org).
Nacre Dance Group Holds Nutcracker Auditions Sept. 14-15
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Nacre Dance Group will hold its annual Nutcracker auditions on Sep. 14 at Saratoga City Ballet Studios (4295 Rt. 50, Saratoga Springs) and Sept. 15 at Creative Dance Arts (2037 Rt. 9 in Round Lake).
Dancers from all studios in the Capital Region are invited to audition.
For more information on specific audition times for the various ages groups and to pre-register, visit www.nacredance.org.
The Nutcracker will be performed at the Egg in Albany, on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. There is a $20 audition fee made payable to the audition studio the day of the audition.
SSPD, County Sheriff’s Office: Several Arrests Regarding Suspected Illegal Narcotics Possession, Sales
SARATOGA COUNTY —The Sheriff’s Office’s Special Operations Team and Narcotics Unit in cooperation with the Saratoga Springs Police Department executed two search warrants on Arapaho Path in the city of Saratoga Springs and on Rowland Street in the town of Milton. The warrants were the culmination of a lengthy investigation into illegal narcotics possession and sales in and throughout Saratoga County:
Jesse T. Spencer (age 30) of Saratoga Springs, was charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance (CPCS) in the 3rd degree (class B felonies) and CPCS in the 5th degree (class D felony). He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and of knowingly and unlawfully possessing methamphetamine of an aggregate weight of 1/8 ounce or more. Additionally, Mr. Spencer is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing 500 mg or more of cocaine.
Harold D. Kuchler III (age 25) of Saratoga Springs, was charged with 2 counts of CPCS in the 3rd degree (class B felonies). He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and of knowingly and unlawfully possessing methamphetamine of an aggregate weight of 1/8 ounce or more.
Stephanie A. Fitzgerald (age 37) of Saratoga Springs, was charged with CPCS in the 3rd degree (class B felony) and criminal nuisance in the 1st degree (class E felony). She is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it. Additionally, she is accused of knowingly and unlawfully conducting or maintaining a premise where persons come or gather for purposes of engaging in the unlawful sale of controlled substances, and deriving a benefit from that conduct.
Jason E. Horn (age 51) of Milton, was charged with 2 counts of CPCS in the 3rd degree (class B felonies) and criminal nuisance in the 1st degree (class E felony). He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and of knowingly and unlawfully possessing methamphetamine of an aggregate weight of 1/8 ounce or more. Mr. Horn is further accused of knowingly and unlawfully conducting or maintaining a premise where persons come or gather for purposes of engaging in the unlawful sale of controlled substances, and deriving a benefit from that conduct.
Keella M. Weaver (age 40) of Milton, was charged with 2 counts of CPCS in the 3rd degree (class B felonies). She is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and of knowingly and unlawfully possessing methamphetamine of an aggregate weight of 1/8 ounce or more.
Mr. Spencer, Ms. Weaver, Mr. Kuchler, and Mr. Horn were arraigned before the Honorable Timothy M. Brown in the Milton Town Court. Mr. Spencer was released to pretrial services; the other 3 defendants were remanded to the Saratoga County Jail pending further proceedings. Ms. Fitzgerald was arraigned before the Honorable Francine R. Vero in Saratoga Springs City Court where she was released to pretrial services pending further proceedings.
Saratoga Springs Public Library Launches Spanish Language Book Collection
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Access and Outreach department on Aug. 22 launched a new Spanish Book Collection featuring 130 pieces of fiction and non-fiction consisting of popular contemporary books as well as classics, Spanish language authors and translated works.
“This is a tremendous resource not only in Saratoga Springs but in the county as a whole,” said Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, who was present for the unveiling of the collection alongside The Immigrant Services resource coordinators from Lifeworks Community Action, members of the public and library staff.
Spanish is the most common non-English language spoken in U.S. homes – 12 times greater than the next four most common languages, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Organizers at the library said the collection will serve to benefit to both – those who are fluent in Spanish, as well as those learning the language.
“The Access and Outreach department of the library looks forward to continuing to support our Spanish-speaking population’s needs for engagement, entertainment, and education, as well as supporting the empowerment of the Saratoga immigrant community,” said literacy Librarian Mary Ann Rockwell.
The launch featured shelved titles penned by Gabriel Garcia Marquez to John Grisham, Isabel Allende to Pedro Almodovar, and included an inviting decorated table with an assortment of cookies, Tres Leches Cake, and Jarritos pineapple soda.
“One hundred and thirty items are already in the collection, which is going to grow – and it’s impossible to imagine the kind of educational or entertainment experiences that are coming out of each of the items in the collection,” said Terry Diggory, Library Board member and Co-Coordinator, Saratoga Immigration Coalition. “Even for people who may never take anything from the collection, the fact that it exists in this library says something educational about the whole community – that we are diverse, there are Spanish speaking people, or people who are trying to learn Spanish, and that’s a benefit to us all.”
Through its website and in person, the library accepts requests for book titles that will increase the collection, Rockwell pointed out.
“Our county is changing, and we are becoming an increasingly more multi-cultural county,” said Assemblywoman Woerner. “It’s wonderful to see our great institutions are making sure that everyone feels that they have a place here and can enjoy the love of reading. The richness that other cultures bring to our community is really enhancing the quality of life here, so, congratulations and… I don’t know how to say ‘Good luck, best wishes’ in Spanish…” said Woerner.
“Buena suerte!” one of the people present interjected.
“Buena suerte! OK,” Woerner said, “there you have it!”