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SARATOGA SPRINGS – A 16-year-old student who allegedly “posted a story on snapchat about shooting up the school,” according to court documents, was charged Friday with making a terroristic threat.  

Julius Cucinella, age 16, was charged with the felony after city police were made aware Friday morning of a threat posted on the social media network, Snap Chat.

The social media post caused the school district to be alarmed and fear for the safety of its students and staff, according to court records.  

According to a statement issued by police, a school resource officer assigned to the high school initiated an investigation and was able to identify Cucinella as the source of the post. The investigation into the post did not indicate anyone else being involved in the threat.

The student was arraigned and released on $500 cash bail and is scheduled to return to court Oct. 3.

The terroristic threat charge went on the books shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, with a sentence range of 2 to 7 years in prison. The first known person to have been charged with making such a threat locally was a 42-year-old Skidmore College graduate who in May 2007 telephoned the college's Alumni Welcome Center and left a threatening message on the answering machine stating that he was coming to the campus with his M-16 rifle to cause harm.  

Who: Wade Boggs, Major League Hall-of-Famer. Boggs appeared in 12 All Star games and won five American League batting titles during an 18-year baseball career, 11 of those with the Boston Red Sox. In 1996, he won a World Series as a member of the New York Yankees.

Where: Saratoga Casino Hotel. 

What did you think of your home run performance during the All-Star Celebrity Softball game?

I look at it like this: Jose Canseco was 1-for-3 in his first three swings, and we have similar body types, so I had to make a 50-and-older softball league run here.

You retired from baseball more than 15 years ago. How do you stay in baseball shape?

I coach high school baseball in Tampa, Florida, so I take BP (batting practice) with the kids and get to hit periodically. But it’s a whole different animal with the softball and the lobbing it in.

How do you feel about the day overall?

It was great to come out here. We had a huge crowd and it was a wonderful day. We even had the jockeys out here – and I’m considered a jockey since I rode a horse in ’96.

Interacting with the fans is the main thing. Everyone’s so gracious to come out and enjoy an afternoon playing a little softball, seeing some famous people and hopefully we don’t embarrass ourselves in front of people. You look around and everyone’s having a great day. We couldn’t ask for a better day in New York

Is there a camaraderie that bonds together athletes from different sports?  

Absolutely. It gives us a different opportunity to get into their world. You sit around and talk with the guys. We hang around with hall-of-famers and do our little locker room talks, but you also get into the football guys, and we got some jockeys out here. I mean, Ron Turcotte: the guy who rode Secretariat. Does it get any better than that?

What kind of conversations do you have with the other athletes?

I asked L.T. what is it when you look through that mask, and a guy’s coming at you, that you just want to knock his brains out? Does that stick with you forever?  He said: at the end of your career it sort of leaves you. That’s when you know it’s time to get out of the game, when you don’t want to get hit. And it’s sort of that way in baseball. At the end of your career, you know it’s time and the only one who can answer that is you when you look in the mirror. Because you never lie to yourself when you look in the mirror.

Did Anyone’s performance especially surprise you?

Angel Cordero. He said he couldn’t hit and then he walks out there and hits a rope to left field. I said, ‘Dude, we could have had you leading off the whole time!’

The purpose today is that you’re out here raising money for charity.Well, that’s what we do. We’re facilitators of raising money when we can come out and lend our name and draw these crowds. And when you go home at night and put your head on the pillow, there’s a big smile on my face knowing we raised money for the Ronald McDonald House.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Super Bowl champions and World Series victors, Triple Crown winners and local kids got together at Saratoga Casino Hotel on a sun-filled Saturday afternoon to play some ball and raise some money to help keep sick children together with their families and near the care and resources they need.

“Hey Ozzie. Move around a little bit out there,” first base coach Craig Nettles – a six-time Major League Baseball All-Star – advised Ozzie Smith, a 15-time All-Star himself. Smith’s knack for impressive defensive plays earned him the nickname “The Wizard” and a reputation as one of the best shortstops to ever play the game.

Following Nettles’ instruction, Smith and Mickey “Mick the Quick” Rivers stepped up their warm-up drills, which consisted of fielding practice grounders and subsequently launching them at first baseman Lawrence Taylor.

“I wouldn’t sit there if I were you,” Nettles compassionately warned journalists who had settled down into the shadow cast by the New York Football Giant legend known as “L.T.” Taylor’s method: waving his first-baseman’s mitt at the incoming missiles with his left hand while negotiating a stogie between his right hand and his mouth.

Sensing they’d perhaps taken his call to movement a bit too seriously, Nettles finally bellowed, “You guys are going to wear each other out.”  Maybe he was right.

Wade Boggs led off the lineup for the “blue” team and promptly sent a spiraling home run over the fences. It didn’t end there.

A five-run “mercy rule” was instituted in the first inning. Another was instituted in inning two. The last anyone time anyone was keeping an accurate count in the brief softball game, the score was somewhere in the 10-3 neighborhood with the victor declared Team Otis – named after the game’s play-by-play announcer and two-time Giant’s Super Bowl champion Otis Anderson. But by that point, who was counting anyway? The day’s full slate of attendees – which also included ballplayers “Goose” Gossage and Dwight Gooden, horse racing world legends Angel Cordero, Ron Turcotte, and others – all had a good time.  

The on-field event concluded with Major League slugger Jose Canseco participating in a home run derby, with every home run hit by Canseco earning a $100 donation by Saratoga Casino Hotel to The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region.     

Following the well-attended celebrity softball game, athletes met with fans for autographs and photo opportunities, and local bands The Refrigerators and Skeeter Creek performed on an outdoor stage.

Overall, more than $10,000 was raised during the day and the irony was not lost on Skip Carlson, vice president of external affairs at Saratoga Casino Hotel. Carlson’s time at the venue pre-dates the installation of Video Lottery Terminals and goes back to the days when it was known as the Saratoga Equine Sports Center.

“I’ve been here for 40 years and it’s funny to think that when we had a celebrity harness race here, maybe in 1980, George Steinbrenner had won that race. So today, with all those Yankees playing, it’s kind of come full circle,” Carlson said.

“The Ronald McDonald House is a home away from home for families who have kids in the hospital,” explained Jeffrey Yule, executive director for Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region. We take care of those families’ needs - their housing, their food, whatever they need, free of charge.” Yule said costs are about $80 per night night to put up one family and that there are 25 families staying at a time. 

“McDonald’s is a good partner for us. They account for about 25 percent of our funds and the rest comes from the public. This is an incredible gift to be donated, this much money, and it’s through events like these that we’re able to keep our doors open and our hearts open for these families.”

Jose Canseco swinging for the fences -

POLICE

Brianna L. Clark, age 19, Salem, was charged on Sept. 22 with misdemeanor DWI, fail to comply with lawful order of the police, resisting arrest. 

Jimmy M. Cross, age 38, Queensbury, was charged on Sept. 22 with two felony counts criminal possession of controlled substance. 

Michael R. Thum, age 31, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 21 with criminal possession of marijuana misdemeanor. 

Daniel L. Miele, age 31, Troy, was charged on Sept. 21 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal possession of marijuana. 

Savannah K. Meyre, age 20, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 21 with assault in the third degree, endangering the welfare of a child, obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. 

Branden T. Younes, age 19, Ballston Spa, was charged on Sept. 21 with operating motor vehicle impaired by drugs, and unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Taylor B. Sousa, age 24, Fort Edward, was charged on Sept. 21 with failed to signal a turn, aggravated unlicensed operation, unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Sheila M. Griffin-Terrel, age 60, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 21 with petit larceny. 

Brittany L. Cashion, age 27, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 20 with aggravated unlicensed operation, and speeding. 

Andrew P. Felarca, age 31, Edmond, Oklahoma, was charged on Sept. 20 with misdemeanor DWI and misdemeanor aggravated DWI, fail to obey traffic control device, passed a red traffic signal light. 

Shannon M. Fontes-Page, age 47, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 19 with petit larceny.

Anthony M. Derose, age 22, Ballston Spa, was charged on Sept. 19 with aggravated unlicensed operation, unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal impersonation. 

Juan D. Jeanty, age 42, Schenectady, was charged on Sept. 18 with criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Azizi J. Smith, age 40, Schuylerville, was charged on Sept. 18 with speeding, failed to signal a turn, aggravated unlicensed operation, refusing a chemical test, circumvent interlock-court order, criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Glenn D. Clark, age 22, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 17 with criminal possession stolen property misdemeanor.

Christian B. Huston, age 26, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 17 with criminal contempt first degree- felony. 

James A. Wilsey, age 49, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 17 with criminal contempt second degree/disobedience. 

Devin P. Nelepovitz, age 29, Watervliet, was charged on Sept. 17 with misdemeanor DWI, misdemeanor aggravated DWI, fail to keep right, unsafe lane change. 

Izaiah Rodriguez, age 18, Cohoes, was charged on Sept. 16 with aggravated unlicensed operation. Muhammad N. Jahangir, age 22, Queensbury, was charged on Sept. 16 with fail to keep right, failed to stop at stop sign, aggravated unlicensed operation. 

Corey E. McCann, age 20, Amsterdam, was charged on Sept. 16 with resisting arrest- misdemeanor. 

Ryan W. Boyce, age 25, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 16 with aggravated unlicensed operation, following motor vehicle too closely. 

Donald V. Marsh, age 53, Waterford, was charged on Sept. 16 with carrying animal in a cruel manner, menacing, criminal possession of a weapon misdemeanor.

Russell L. Palmateer, age 40, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 16 with misdemeanor petit larceny. 

Kellsey M. Fraher, age 23, Greenwich, was charged on Sept. 15 with speeding, aggravated unlicensed operation. 

Alycia M. Andreadakis, 42, of Ballston Spa, was charged Sept. 8 with burglary, and grand larceny, and Moquisha M. Harrison, 30, of Amsterdam, with burglary, and petit larceny. They are suspected of unlawfully entering a building in the town of Ballston and stealing property from within July 28 and Aug. 28. Each was released to pre-trial services to appear in Ballston Town Court at a later date. 

COURT

According to the Saratoga County District Attorney’s office, on Sept. 22 Nikolai M. Mavashev, 19, of Mechanicville, and Joseph A. Broscko, 17, of Clifton Park, were arraigned and held without bail. 

Indictment charges are as follows:

Mavashev – felonies: murder in the first and second-degree, three counts robbery in the first-degree, assault in the first-degree, two counts criminal use of a firearm in the first-degree, criminal possession of a weapon, aggravated criminal possession of a weapon, manufacture/transport/disposition/defacement of weapons. Misdemeanors: criminal possession of stolen property, two counts petit larceny, growing of cannabis, and unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation. 

Broscko – felonies: two counts murder in the second-degree; three counts robbery in the first-degree, assault in the first-degree, two counts criminal use of a firearm in the first-degree, criminal possession of a weapon, aggravated criminal possession of a weapon. Misdemeanors: criminal possession of stolen property, two counts petit larceny. 

COURT

Robert M. Herring Jr., 52, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Sept. 8 to 3-1/2 years in state prison, after pleading to two felony counts criminal sale of a controlled substance in Saratoga Springs.

Morgan C. McKinnon-Burgess, 20, of Saratoga, pleaded Sept. 8 to felony forgery. Sentencing scheduled Nov. 2. 

Paula A. Watts, 35, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Sept. 8 to aggravated felony DWI. Sentencing scheduled Nov. 8. 

Sarah J. Wendell, 40, of Greenfield Center, pleaded Sept. 8 to felony DWAI. Sentencing scheduled Nov. 17. 

Rafael Brito, 21, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Sept. 11 to 1-3 years state prison, after pleading to failure to register as a sex offender, a felony. 

Ezekiel J. West, 24, of Schenectady, pleaded Sept. 11 to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony. Sentencing scheduled Nov. 6. 

Jennifer C. Jenkins, of Schuylerville. was sentenced Sept. 12 to five years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, in Saratoga Springs. 

Jonathan J. Cyphers, 37, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Sept. 12 to four years state prison, after pleading to felony burglary, in Greenfield. 

Ryan P. Bussey, 39, of Waterford, was sentenced Sept. 13 to time served and five years of probation, after pleading to making a terroristic threat. 

Colin R. Murphy, 27, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Sept. 12 to three years in state prison, after pleading to felony attempted criminal possession of a weapon, in Saratoga Springs.

Edward J. Jones, 37, of Saratoga, was sentenced Sept. 13 to four years in state prison, after pleading to second degree rape. 

Robert H. Costanzo, 47, of Staten Island, was sentenced Sept. 13 to seven years in state prison, after pleading to felony burglary, in Saratoga Springs. 

POLICE

Chad M. Cruger, age 18, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 14 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence, obstructing governmental administration. 

Corey E. McCann, age 20, Amsterdam, was charged on Sept. 14 with criminal impersonation.

Justin N. Ware, age 25, Troy, was charged on Sept. 14 with stalking, unlawful, assault, obstruction of breathing/blood-apply pressure. 

Ashley J. Hayes, age 29, Johnstown, was charged on Sept. 13 with petit larceny. 

John T. Reid, age 27, Fort Edward, was charged on Sept. 13 with misdemeanor DWI, speeding.   

Amanda L. Hatalski, age 37, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 12 with two counts endangering the welfare of a child, obstruction of breathing/blood-apply pressure.

Amanda L. Fitzgerald, age 25, Ballston Spa, was charged on Sept. 12 with aggravated unlicensed operation, fail to obey traffic control device, operate motor vehicle by unlicensed driver, operating out of class. 

Ben S. Joseph, age 34, Brooklyn, was charged on Sept. 12 with menacing. 

Michael J. Stone, age 63, Ballston Spa, was charged on Sept. 11 with public lewdness. 

Tyler E. Smith, age 17, Salem, was charged on Sept. 11 with assault. 

Brian W. Martin, age 32, Clifton Park, was charged on Sept. 11 with criminal mischief. 

Jessica A. Mancinone, age 37, Middle Grove, was charged on Sept. 11 with fail to obey traffic control device, misdemeanor DWI, refuse pre-screen test, criminal possession of a controlled substance, aggravated misdemeanor DWI.

Zackery H. Shippee, age 21, Corinth, was charged on Sept. 10 with aggravated unlicensed operation, failed to stop at stop sign.   

Athena M. Dilorenzo-Ryan, age 35, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 10 with assault, two counts endangering the welfare of a child, petit larceny. 

Gary A. Sanders, age 53, Brant Lake, was charged on Sept. 8 with operating motor vehicle impaired by drugs, registration plate display violation, criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

David L. Maslanka, age 68, Bolton Landing, was charged on Sept. 8 with grand larceny /credit card- felony.

Erin R. Madden, age 24, Greenfield Center, was charged on Sept. 8 with misdemeanor DWI, speeding, aggravated unlicensed operation. 

William C. Cooper, age 46, Schenectady, was charged on Sept. 7 with petit larceny.

Zachary T. McCoy, age 25, Albany, was charged on Sept. 7 with harassment - physical contact. 

Annemarie Brignoni, age 38, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 6 with aggravated unlicensed operation, no/expired inspection certificate, operating unregistered motor vehicle on highway. 

Corinne M. Calkins, age 31, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 6 with aggravated unlicensed operation.

Shannon M. Fontes-Page, age 47, Saratoga Springs, was charged on Sept. 5 with petit larceny. 

Nathan A. Belanger, age 39, Charlton, was charged on Sept. 5 with assault /intent physical injury.

Tony A. Deloatch, age 25, Saratoga Springs was charged on Sept. 4 with aggravated unlicensed operation.

To maintain and promote the “City in the Country” form that includes an intensively developed urban core, an economically vibrant central business district, and residential neighborhoods with well-defined urban edges and an outlying area of rural character. - Saratoga Springs Comprehensive Plan, adopted by the City Council June 16, 2015.

Ever since Gideon Putnam began his early 19th century build-up in what would later become the downtown core, there has been an ebb and flow to the architectural terrain of Saratoga Springs.

Putnam’s original boarding house would give way to Union Hall and the Grand Union Hotel, and soon be joined in close geographic proximity by the massive structures of Congress Hall and the United States Hotel. The arrival of the steam locomotive in the 1830s made it easier for visitors to come to the then-village, and the first public street lighting with gas went up in 1853. By century’s end, Broadway boasted the Collamer and Ainsworth buildings, Town Hall, Convention Hall, and the Adelphi and Van Dam hotels; John Morrissey operated a clubhouse in Congress Park, and the racecourse dominated the summer season on the east side of town.

“In the older pictures, when you look down Broadway you can see it was built-up on both sides,” says Saratoga Springs City Historian Mary Ann Fitzgerald. “We lost some to fires and some to Urban Renewal. These buildings come and go through years.” The wrecking ball also played a deconstructive role. However, even as the effects of Urban Renewal were being realized in the mid-1960s, the new Northway afforded motorists an easier passage to Saratoga Springs, just as the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was opening its doors.

Placing recent development in historical context, Fitzgerald says things today are not much different than what they were a century ago.  “To me (the current build) is reminiscent of what once was,” she says, “filling in gaps and bringing things back closer to the scale of what we once had.”

Some current projects, both proposed and those in development, are listed below. The landscape is varied and includes hotels and condominiums, rental and purchase properties, retail storefronts to business offices. Some are targeted to address the “affordable” or “workforce” housing market. 

South Broadway/ Saratoga Diner site. Located on the west side of Broadway.

Proposed: Demolition of the long-standing Saratoga Diner on South Broadway and construction of approximately 110 single and two-bedroom “affordable” apartment units, two floors of commercial space, and a new business incubator collaboratively partnered by Saratoga Economic Development Corporation and Saratoga CoWorks.

The project at the southern gateway to the city would include 46 one-bedroom units and 64 two-bedroom units, 7,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, 4,000 square feet of service establishment space and a 7,500 square-foot food beverage or brew pub, which will act as a visible anchor on South Broadway.  Streetscape improvements include street lamps, landscaping, and a total of 273 parking spaces for resident and commercial parking uses. The second floor will house 17,000 square feet of commercial space where two new tenants are expected to join SEDC’s 10,000 square foot “incubator,” a flexible co-working space to be inhabited by a rotating group of entrepreneurs and early-stage growth business teams.

The majority of the rental units would be offered to those earning between 60 and 100 percent of the AMI - a $50,400 to $84,000 range - while 14 units would be offered at a “fair-market rent” to military veterans. Construction is anticipated to begin next spring and the buildings fully operational by the summer of 2019.

146 South Broadway. Located on east side of Broadway.

Proposed: Demolition of a single-story traditional fast food space and construction of a two-story mixed-use building. Restaurant and professional office space on the ground floor, four apartment units on the second floor.

Adelphi Hotel, Broadway.

The Adelphi Hotel, first opened in 1877, is anticipated to reopen this month. Features 32 rooms, a ballroom, and three restaurants: Salt & Char (already open), Morrissey’s, and the Blue Hen.

Adelphi Hotel – New Hotel, 19-23 Washington St.

Proposed: A new six-story Hotel and Spa that will physically connect to, although be operated independently of, the Adelphi Hotel. Features: spa with an indoor swimming pool on the first floor, and 50 rooms on floors two through six. 

Rip Van Dam – New Hotel, 351 Broadway/ 7 Washington St.

Proposed: A new six-story Boutique Hotel. Features: swimming pool and restaurant on the top floor and 152 rooms in all, located behind the four-story Van Dam hotel and the Starbucks café on Broadway. Additional plans for a parking garage on Hamilton Street that will serve hotel guests and workers, as well as 40 spaces designated for Palio employees. Public parking may also be offered “as capacity allows,” according to documents submitted to the city.    

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation this week expressing concerns regarding the mass, height and design of both the proposed new structures, and has invited residents to share their thoughts with the organization at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,

“These are two large projects essentially adjacent to each other and I think people should be aware of that changing streetscape on Washington Street,” said Samantha Bosshart, executive director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation.

Universal Preservation Hall, Washington Street.  

Historic building on Washington Street constructed in 1871 will undergo renovation and re-open in early 2019 as an acoustically perfect theater-in-the-round experience with a capacity of 700-plus people. The upgraded venue will feature new heating and air conditioning systems, a kitchen, an elevator and new light and sound fixtures with acoustic treatments. New entry doors will be set on the building’s Broadway facing-side to provide theater-goers close proximity to a multi-level public parking garage on Woodlawn Avenue. Once completed, it is anticipated UPH will stage approximately 200 events annually.

Stonequist Apartments – New building, South Federal Street/ West Circular Street.

Proposed: A mixed-income, mixed-use development project to be sited behind the Stonequist Apartments to feature as many as 80 affordable housing units - projected at 40 to 100 percent of AMI. An additional 30 units proposed at the former site of the William H. Ford Community Center, at Jefferson Terrace, on the east side of Broadway. Both are under the ownership of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority.

Code Blue Emergency Homeless Shelter – New building, 14 Walworth St.

Proposed: 6,400 square foot emergency homeless shelter to be sited on Walworth Street, adjacent to the Shelters of Saratoga.

West Side Development – New buildings, adjacent to Saratoga Springs train station.  

Proposed: Two developers have submitted plans featuring up to 10 new buildings comprised of a five-story hotel, more than 400 residential units and nearly 30,000 square feet of retail space. Projects to be developed on a stretch of vacant land from the south end of the Saratoga Springs train station to Washington Street/ Route 29, just west of West Avenue.

Station Park project: built out over five phases, calls for two buildings dedicated as a mixed-use space with each building housing 36 residential units, and a total of 22,000 square feet of retail space. The 72 residential units would be for-sale condominiums. Additional development to include two buildings - each providing 57 units for senior housing and 33 units for senior assisted care, a 110-to-120 unit five-story hotel and spa, a pool and fitness center, and a free-standing building with an additional 6,200 square feet of retail space. Nearly 600 parking spaces would span across the location to cater to residents, retail workers and shoppers.

Vecino Group project: development of one three-story building and three four-story buildings to stand just east of the Station Park proposal and near the Washington Street post office. Featuring 160 apartment units presumably in the “workforce,” or “affordable” housing categories.  

According to city officials, two additional firms are also currently readying proposals for further development in the immediate vicinity of the Station Park project, although the size and scope of those two potential projects are not currently known.

Union Avenue Condominiums, 46 Union Ave., south side of the avenue. 

Planned for occupancy by March 2018: A five-building residential property with on-site parking featuring one, two and three-bedroom residences priced from $689,900 to $895,500. Occupies the site of the former Skidmore College dormitory officially called Moore Hall, and commonly referred to as the “pink palace.”

East Side Fire/ EMS station.

Status: Remains on the city’s radar,but no definitive plans at this time.

Condominium Project, 120 Henry St.

Proposal: Development of a five-story condominium building to house 30 units with 70 total bedrooms to be located at 120 Henry St., on subdivided land adjacent to the Four Seasons market.

24 Caroline Street/ 68 Putnam Street.

Proposal: New mixed-use addition and alteration to consist of six apartment units and two commercial spaces, located at site where damage and demolition occurred in the aftermath of a November 2016 fire.

City Center Parking Garage, High Rock.

Proposal: City Center Authority leasing of city-owned land to build a 480-space parking garage adjacent to High Rock Park, behind the City Center.

Status: Project remains in litigation.

Developments, both proposed and amended, are regularly addressed at City Hall meetings by the city’s Land Use Boards – the Planning Board, the Zoning Boards of Appeal, and the Design Review Commission – as well as at City Council meetings. Those meetings, and agendas regarding what each will be discussing, are available on the city’s web site at: http://www.saratoga-springs.org/. You can also subscribe to the individual boards and have the information show up in your mailbox in advance of the meetings.

What do you think? email us your thoughts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Don Armstrong & Tom Mitchell, 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22 at Caffe Lena, on Phila Street.

With 50 years of song-making behind him, and 6 & 12-string guitars and 5-string banjo in hand, Don sings songs of the Southwest and Old Mexico, tunes from the '20's & '30's and his beautiful original songs that have been hailed worldwide. His song "White Mountains Good Bye" was recorded by Bill Staines, while "Santuario" has been recorded by Woods Tea Company, and "Day After The Day Of The Dead" was covered by cowboy singer Jim Jones. Joining Don will be longtime friend and one-time musical partner Tom Mitchell. Don & Tom delighted audiences across the country, playing all the major folk clubs and being touted for their exciting vocal blend, top notch songwriting and marvelous sense of humor.

General admission $18, café members $16, students & kids $9.

Super Dark Collective Presents: Mike Gent of The Figgs with John Powhida, 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22-23 at One Caroline. One Caroline Street.

Mike Gent is a founding member of the legendary Figgs who have been making music since 1987. Gent has also played with other legends such as Graham Parker, Tommy Stinson (The Replacements), and has shared the stage with bands such as Weezer, U2, The Cranberries and many more. Also: John Powhida, who longtime Albany club goers will recall as the leader of the Staziacks. He relocated to Boston in 2000, and most recently has received positive ink for his performances with John Powhida International Airport.

Admission: Free. Seating limited. 

Blind Boy Paxton, 7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 24 at Caffe Lena, Phila Street.

Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton is a visually impaired, Jewish, African American multi-instrumentalist (banjo, fiddle, piano and guitar) who brings out the playful side of old-school music. From the mainstage at Newport Folk Festival to street corners and clubs across the U.S., Blind Boy Paxton carries the torch for traditional acoustic music. Although only in his 20s, Paxton has earned a reputation for transporting audiences back to the 1920s and making them wish they could stay there for good. He plays everything from ragtime, to hokum, old-time, French reels, Appalachian mountain music, blues and more.

General admission $22, café members $20, students & kids $12. 

The Design Review Commission will host a meeting 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20 at City Hall. Among the items on the Commission’s agenda:  

- A review of a new six-story Hotel and Spa at 19 Washington St. that will connect to the Adelphi Hotel. Note, this is different than the existing Adelphi hotel, which is slated to open any day now and which you can read more about here: https://saratogatodaynewspaper.com/home/item/7174-adelphi-hotel-set-to-open-in-september-additional-structure-also-proposed

- The DRC is also expected to issue an Advisory Opinion for the proposed 120 Henry Street Condominium Project. Plans for that project call for the development of a five-story condominium building to house 30 units with 70 total bedrooms to be located at 120 Henry St., on subdivided land adjacent to the Four Seasons market. 

- Finally, a Historic Review will be conducted of a proposal for an addition to the Rip Van Dam Hotel, which is located at 353 Broadway. Plans call for a six-story addition - with a swimming pool and restaurant on the top floor and 152 rooms in all - to rise to a height of 70 feet on Washington Street behind the four-story brick hotel and the Starbucks café on Broadway. (See picture above). To learn more about the proposal, visit the city's web site here: http://saratoga-springs.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/2135?fileID=8995. 

Other Meetings This Week:

The Mayor’s Seniors Advisory Committee will host a forum 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Monday at Empire State College, 2 Union Ave. Public officials will address top concerns of seniors, including healthcare, housing and transportation. Anticipated speakers include: Congressman Paul Tonko, Sen. Kathy Marchione, City Supervisors Peter Martin and Matt Veitch, Mayor Joanne Yepsen, Public Safety Commissioner Chris Mathiesen and representatives from the offices of Sen. James Tedisco, and Assembly member Carrie Woerner.

The City Council will host a pre-agenda meeting 9:30 a.m. Monday, and a full meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

The Charter Review Committee will host a meeting 7 p.m. Monday, location TBD.

POLICE

Ramiz T. Hajratalli, age 31, Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 28 with felony burglary He is suspected of illegally entering and unlawfully remaining within an occupied residence on Caroline Street during the early morning hours of July 28. He was released on $10,000 cash bail. The case was handed up to Saratoga County Court on Sept. 7 when two misdemeanor counts and one felony burglary count related to July 29 were applied, in addition to a second felony burglary count related to Aug. 11.

Deborah L. Latalladi, 55, of Wilton, was charged Sept. 3 with promoting prison contraband after allegedly possessing and attempting to pass two prescription pills to an inmate at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility.  The incident occurred during visitation and the contraband was recovered by Saratoga County Correctional Officers. 

Brianna M. Wiederhold, age 23, Fort Ann, was charged Sept. 4 with misdemeanor DWI and an unsafe lane change.

Kaprice M. Kennedy, age 26, Troy, and Naquwan J. Williamson, age 27, Cohoes, were each charged Sept. 3 with one felony count criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Reginald D. McCorkle, age 39, Wilton, was charged Sept. 3 with misdemeanor criminal possession of marijuana. 

Amanda S. Delyser, age 34, Ballston Spa, was charged Sept. 3 with aggravated unlicensed operation, and unlawful possession of marijuana. 

James R. Devoe, age 27, Greenwich, was charged Sept. 2 with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, and criminal possession of a weapon. 

Pamela J. Robak, age 47, Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 1 with operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs. 

Adam J. Rouse, age 32, Hudson Falls, was charged Sept. 1 with felony failure to register as a sex offender. 

Darrick D. Conners, age 44, Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 1 with felony burglary. 

Michael A. Coonradt, age 20, Granville, was charged Aug. 31 with two misdemeanor counts petit larceny.

Steven W. Harris, age 46, Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 31 with misdemeanor petit larceny. 

John J. Guerin, age 38, Ballston Spa, was charged Aug. 31 with misdemeanor DWI, starting a parked vehicle, failed to signal a turn, registration plate display violation criminal possession of a controlled substance misdemeanor, and aggravated unlicensed operation.

Christopher Mora, age 25, Amsterdam, was charged Aug. 31 with misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

James E. Pennefeather, age 64, Johnson City, was charged Aug. 31 with misdemeanor DWI.

Lee J. Schmitt, age 67, Chatham, Massachusetts, was charged Aug. 30 with misdemeanor DWI.    

Helena F. Mchale, age 59, Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 30 with misdemeanor petit larceny.    

William C. Navatto, age 54, Bloomfield, New Jersey, was charged Aug. 30 with misdemeanor DWI, speeding, and aggravated unlicensed operation. 

Patrick A. Baird, age 26, Ballston Spa, was charged Aug. 30 with aggravated unlicensed operation. 

Anika D. Powell, age 26, Saratoga Springs was charged Aug. 29 with misdemeanor attempted assault and criminal mischief. 

Christian B. Huston, age 26, Saratoga Springs was charged Aug. 29 with misdemeanor criminal contempt. 

Courtney A. Butler, age 23, Greenfield Center was charged Aug. 29 with misdemeanor DWI, fail to keep right and failure to notify DMV of change of address. 

Carson J. Davis, age 24, Corinth, was charged Aug. 29 with aggravated unlicensed operation, speeding, and operating motor vehicle suspended registration.

Carleah A. Herbert, age 38, Ballston Spa, was charged Aug. 29 with misapplication of property- a misdemeanor. 

Christopher J. Hughes, age 45, Boston, Massachusetts was charged Aug. 28 with criminal mischief and obstructing governmental administration. 

Matias Ezequiel-Rojas, age 27, Saratoga Springs was charged Aug. 28 with misdemeanor DWI, failed to signal a turn, failed to stop at stop sign, fail to keep right, operate motor vehicle by unlicensed driver. 

James S. Sluti, age 33, Saratoga Springs was charged Aug. 27 with misdemeanor criminal mischief.

Bryan D. Webb, age 55, Queensbury, was charged Aug. 26 with criminal possession of controlled substance felony. 

Andrew C. Drellos, age 29, Clifton Park, was charged Aug. 26 with criminal possession of a controlled substance misdemeanor.

Kyle D. C. Shuhart, age 30, Stillwater, was charged Aug. 26 with aggravated unlicensed operation.

Jesse R. Coleman, age 33, Ballston Spa, was charged Aug. 26 with misdemeanor DWI, leaving the scene of an auto accident, aggravated unlicensed operation, and felony criminal possession of a weapon. 

Norman P. Fuller, age 47, Saratoga Springs was charged Aug. 25 with unlawful imprisonment, assault, and criminal mischief. all offenses are misdemeanors. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – A number of fake Confederate States of America bills were discovered at the Saratoga Springs Public Library recently.  An unknown quantity were found wedged inside of books shelved in the library’s section of literature related to the Holocaust, according to a library employee.   

  The “bills” share a general similarity with the original 500-dollar notes in style and imaging - including a profile of Confederate Gen. Stonewall Jackson. The new “bills” were amended to include passages from the Bible and multiple images of the Star of David.

“It’s disheartening to see this going on in our community,” said city Police Lt. Bob Jillson.

The materials were reported to police on Aug. 16 and the incident logged as “unknown subject placed anti-Semitic literature into books at library.” 

The local incident immediately followed a weekend during which some white nationalists converged on Charlottesville, Virginia and chanted Nazi slogans to protest the removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. That weekend concluded with one alleged Nazi sympathizer being accused of driving his car into a crowd of counter-protesters, killing one person and injuring several others who opposed the rally.

Local authorities said there aren’t any leads regarding the placement of the phony bills into the books, and that the event seems to be an isolated incident. 

“This is one more message of hate that is very unfortunate,” said Mayor Joanne Yepsen. “Our city is an inclusive and welcoming city and there is no place for any anti-Semitic action or words in Saratoga Springs.”