Saratoga Springs Politics

I sent emails out to the City Council candidates appearing on the Democratic, Republican, and independent ballot lines asking them to respond to a question on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). All of the candidates on the Republican line and two candidates running on their own line, the Saratoga Strong line, responded. Only one candidate running on the Democratic line submitted a response to my request.

Why It Was Important To Respond

I cannot overemphasize the impact that the UDO will have on our city. Its scope is breathtaking. The UDO will determine what kind of development will be allowed in the greenbelt. It will decide how tall our buildings will be downtown. It will determine the size and number of parking spaces required for residential and commercial properties. It will determine how much buffering for our streams and wetlands will be required to protect our watershed. I could go on but these provide some sense as to just how broad and important this document will be for the future of our city.

I was interested in knowing what the various candidates running for city offices thought about the proposals in the UDO.

Given the scope of the document, however, I thought I could get a sense of where the candidates were coming from if I just asked them to focus on the advisory opinion on the UDO recently issued by the Planning Board. This opinion given to the City Council is fairly brief and easily understood.

I thought this would provide some important insights into the candidates. It would show:

1. How informed they are about major city issues.
2. What their position is on some controversial questions.
3. How articulate and thoughtful they are.

Revealing Answers That Are Troubling

The answers of those who responded are brief and revealing. In some cases the responses are sufficiently bland and vague that it does not appear the authors actually read the Planning Board’s advisory opinion. In others the authors carefully avoided the most contentious recommendations from the Planning Board. There were also a number of responses that demonstrated both a grasp of what the Planning Board recommended and a refreshing willingness to address the full scope of the advisory opinion.

I plan to address the responses below in a later post but for now I leave it to my readers to do their own assessments.

It is most unfortunate that the four Democratic candidates chose not to answer at all. This continues a disturbing trend where candidates for office and elected officials refuse to engage others that differ with them and instead limit their public comments to venues that they themselves control. It makes a mockery of protestations of transparency. If your ideas are sound you should not fear directly dealing with your opponents.

The Candidates’ Responses:

Ron Kim (D) Mayor

No response

Dillon Moran (D) Commissioner of Accounts

No Response

Minita Sanghvi (D) Commissioner of Finance

No Response

James Montagnino (D) Commissioner of Public Safety

No response

Angela Rella (The Accountability Party) Commissioner of Accounts

No Response

Domenique Yermolayev (D) Commissioner of Public Works

[JK: Correction Re Ms. Yermolayev’s comments. Longfellows restaurant/hotel is not located next to Saratoga National Golf Course. The restaurant and hotel are part of a massive Planned Unit Development that was approved back in 1981 and that also includes the Interlaken and Regatta View subdivisions. Subsequent to that project a later City Council included in the regulations for the Rural Residential District (RR = Greenbelt) that PUDs would no longer be allowed in the greenbelt.]

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Heidi Owen West (R) Mayor

Since my decision to run for Mayor, I have been following the progress of the UDO and have paid close attention to the discussions of the Council during the recent workshops.

When I initially read the Planning Board’s advisory opinion, I was impressed that, except for four inconsistencies, the board determined that the UDO is compatible with the Comprehensive Plan.  In my opinion, translating the vision from the Comprehensive Plan into law via the zoning ordinance, and combining it with other key City planning documents, is an enormous undertaking.  It seems to me that the City’s staff and its consultants have generally accomplished this task, and the four issues that must be addressed for compliance seem reasonably straightforward to correct.

My general assessment is that this version of the UDO is very close to meeting the original objectives.  Based on the workshops held by the council it appears that the major concerns raised by the Planning Board and the Design Review Commission for further sustainability and protection measures will be incorporated into the final document. 

In discussions with constituents and other business owners, all of whom care about Saratoga Springs, I have heard concerns that the UDO does not go far enough to protect our Greenbelt, and I’ve also heard complaints that the new requirements and board reviews discourage development and increase costs to build in Saratoga Springs.  Based on my limited knowledge, there appears to be a balance needed here.

The following are the four specific inconsistencies identified by the Planning Board and their recommended actions:

1. Incorporating appropriate density limits in the GCR district for residential uses
2. Re-zoning two parcels on the east side of Marion Avenue to align with the Comprehensive Plan’s future land use designation;
3. Establishing design standards for the GCR zoning district in the vicinity of the State Park to better reflect the Specialty Mixed Use-Park designation in the Comprehensive Plan; and
4. Requiring a conservation analysis for all site plan and special use permit applications for development in the SR and RR zoning districts.

These changes all seem well thought out and based on the videos of the workshops they appear to enjoy a consensus at the council.  Once the final draft is adopted there will be a series of public hearings.  At this point I support the council’s deliberations but I reserve judgement until the public has been heard.

Greenbelt: 

I have been a longtime proponent of protecting the greenbelt and Saratoga Spring’s “City in the Country” character. It’s a large part of what makes our city and the surrounding area special. 

I’m in favor of the planning board recommendations and revisions that “clubhouse” not be added to the list of approved uses and that the standards for Country Club, Greenhouse/Nursery and Marina be more clearly defined to ensure their uses are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. It’s important to establish clear definitions for use to avoid any misinterpretations in the future. 

John, I am sure you recognize that land use is a complex process. After time in office, I expect to become much more aware of how to achieve the balance between improving the city’s downtown development with quality projects, while still protecting our greenspace.

Skip Scirocco (R) Commissioner of Public Works

The city’s Planning Board advisory opinion regarding the UDO made a series of recommendations, most of which would amend the UDO to better protect the rural parts of the city from the kind of development that would undermine its “green” character.  I think they have done an excellent job and I support their approach.

The Rural Gateway

The southern gateway to the city that runs along route 9 has suffered for decades from unattractive, aging structures.  The Planning Board generally supports the UDO’s effort to encourage development that would enhance the experience of entering our city.

They note that the “rural” part of the title (GDR) should be respected.  The current zoning involves strips of narrow land interspersed between sections of the state park along Route 9.  Given the extensive wetlands that are part of this zoning, in order to make any kind of development possible, the depths of strips may have to be increased.

I am agreeable to allowing for this expansion but it must be done in a manner that respects the rural factor.  Most important, we need to establish rigorous design standards for what fronts on Route 9.  The hotel recently approved and built along route 9 is entirely out of keeping with what most people would consider rural.  Without rigorous design standards the city could end up with an even uglier entrance than we have now.

Approved Uses For The GDR

The UDO lists approximately fifty-five uses for what can be constructed in the rural gateway (GDR).  The Planning Board advisory opinion recommends that all but twenty allowed uses be removed from the UDO. 

Conserving Greenspace

The city currently requires that before calculating how many structures can be built on a parcel in the greenbelt, certain wetlands, slopes, and other land features must be removed from the calculation.  So if a parcel has four acres of which two are wetland, the calculation for what can be built is based on only two acres.

Currently the requirement for this kind of calculation is limited in the greenbelt to subdivisions.  The Planning Board would like this requirement extended to all projects that require site plans and special use permits.  I think this is an important enhancement to the UDO.

Tightening Up Definitions

The Planning Board advisory opinion included the following: 

“The Planning Board recommends revisions to the definitions and standards for ‘country club’, ‘greenhouse/nursery’ and ‘marina’ to ensure that these potentially intensive existing uses are consistent with the CDD designation going forward.”

“Country Club: The proposed definition in the UDO is too broad and the last portion of the sentence – “and/or similar uses” – should be removed.”

“Greenhouse/Nursery: The proposed definition should reflect a design standard for a small-scale plant/flower propagation center similar in character to Balet Flowers and Design.”

“Marina: The standard design and layout of a typical marina may need to be modified within the RR zone (CDD area) in areas that abut public land and where nature trails and protected open space is envisioned.”

All of this has my support.

Defining A Club House

My colleague, Michele Madigan, asked the Planning Board to consider adding a “club house” as an allowed use in the greenbelt.

The Planning Board responded as follows:

“Introducing additional uses such as banquet facilities, business center, lodging for up to 100 rooms and up to 6 free standing golf lodges, containing up to 8 guest rooms with associated common space” presents a significant risk to preserving the rural character in the ‘country’ part of the city. It should be noted that ‘Clubhouse’ as a distinct use is not proposed for inclusion in the UDO and the Planning Board sees no compelling reason to establish a definition for such use.

I support the Planning Board on this issue.

JoAnne Kiernan (R) Commissioner of Finance

Thank you for your invitation to respond to the question you have posed to the candidates as follows: “The city’s Planning Board issued an advisory opinion regarding the most recent draft of the UDO.  What is your reaction to their opinion?  Please be as specific as possible.”

From my perspective, decisions involving the Comprehensive Plan and the City’s Zoning Ordinance are among the most important decisions considered by the City Council under our Charter.  The Council enacted an update to the Comprehensive Plan in June 2015 following roughly 18 months of study by a Comprehensive Plan Committee.  The Council then retained a local planning firm to assist it in the development of a Unified Development Ordinance (“UDO”). In all, it has been just over six years since the City Council embarked on the drafting of the UDO with consultants.

Working with the City’s planning staff, Camiros (the consultants) published its third (and final) draft in April 2021.  That draft is just over 275 pages in length and it includes a number of exhibits that supplement the draft. 

The Planning Board has participated in the review of all three drafts presented by Camiros during the multiple public presentations over the past two years.  Most recently, the Planning Board adopted a resolution incorporating an Advisory Opinion (April 2021 draft) as per the request of the City Council.  That resolution provided a relatively narrow scope of recommendations to the Council which were considered by the Council during the four public workshops conducted this month. 

I must give credit to the City Council members who have served over the last six years and devoted an enormous number of hours to the re-write of the Zoning Ordinance.  The Council’s work has resulted in the preparation of a document that incorporates subdivision regulations and other planning documents into a single document – the unified development ordinance.  It has been an enormous undertaking and I am grateful to the Council for getting to this point where the current draft can be circulated for public review prior to the public hearings that will be scheduled by the Council this fall. 

The City is also indebted to the Planning Board who over the past six years has received updates on all three drafts of the UDO and provided meaningful feedback to the consultants and planning staff.  I know that some members of the public are not aware of the many, many hours Planning Board members devote to the broad responsibilities under their charge.  We are fortunate to have such dedicated citizens willing to devote long hours solely in the public interest.

The Planning Board’s advisory opinion to Council recommended correcting conflicting information between the comprehensive plan and UDO and changes to ensure the rural area is protected and better energy and sustainability standards. 

The council has worked to incorporate most of the PB recommendations into the current version of the UDO.  Protection of the rural areas  is very important and that was evident from the conversations and decisions that were made. The current UDO aligns with the comprehensive plan regarding energy and sustainability. The recommendations put forward by the PB offer further steps for ensuring energy and sustainability. While all of the proposed energy and sustainability recommendations may not be incorporated into this current version, they are future opportunities for additional enhancements and should be reviewed regularly to see how and when they can be added.

I am aware that there is a long history in our City of vigorous debate before the Council on matters related to zoning.  I expect such will be the case if I am elected Commissioner of Finance.  If I were to hold that office, I would seek to obtain the most accurate information available and weigh the facts before me to balance the interests of the individual property owners against the interests of the City as a whole.   There is no magic formula that can be applied to this balancing test.  Ultimately, it is a matter of the sound exercise of judgment by those five individuals on the Council responsible for the decision. 

My background as a CPA causes me to do whatever is necessary and appropriate to gain the complete information necessary to make a fair and reasoned decision for all Saratogians. 

Tracey LaBelle (R) Commissioner of Public Safety

“First and foremost, I LOVE OUR CITY.  I truly appreciate and will forever be grateful for the beautiful city I was born in and will raise my children in. The greenbelt is extremely important in preserving our historic- wonderful city.

As a lifelong Saratogian, I am intatmatley aware of the importance of preserving our historic green spaces and landmarks. As Commissioner of Public Safety, I will do everything in my power to keep this city as beautiful and as green as possible, while taking into account the various and diverse interests that make up our community.”

Please let me know if you have any questions.

All the best,

Tracey

Samantha Guerra (R) Commissioner of Accounts

As you may know, this is my first run for public office, and I am enjoying many aspects of being a candidate for Commissioner of Accounts.  Among the things that has presented the biggest challenge for me is the UDO process.  The document is long and very technical.  That said, I recognize the importance of the components of a new Zoning Ordinance for our City and the need for all candidates to become well versed in the basics of the document.  I pledge to do that.

​Your email asks us to provide comment on the Planning Board’s Advisory Opinion issued earlier this month.  That Opinion addresses a broad scope of issues.  This email will address several. 

1. I agree that density limitations are appropriate for residential projects along South Broadway.  For mixed use projects, I’m inclined to follow the methodology used in the transect zones.

2. I concur with the resolution discussed by the City Council at its recent workshop pertaining to the proposed change for the lands near Marion Avenue.  

3. I disagree with the conclusion reached by the Planning Board in its discussion of the Specialty Mixed Use-Park (SP).  The Board’s recommendation for the uses that are appropriate eliminates roughly 60% of the proposed uses,including nearly all of the residential uses as well as restaurants, hotels, and retail.  In support of its recommendation the Board selectively quotes the provision from the Comprehensive Plan (page 59) that “allows for a mix of commercial and residential uses…”  I concur with the recommendations of the City’s consultant and Planning Department that the uses identified in Article 8 of the UDO are appropriate and should remain.

4. I agree with the recommendation that a conservation analysis should be included for subdivisions as well as site plan and special use permit applications.  

5. I agree that the City’s Sustainability Coordinator and the Open Space Advisory Committee as well as the City’s Administrator of Planning and Economic Development should be consulted by the Planning Board when the Planning Board concludes that it is appropriate to do so. 

6. On the question on energy and sustainability, I agree that the City should encourage applicants on the four bulleted points.  The mandatory nature of the proposal in the advisory opinion, without the corresponding cost implications, is premature.

7. I would recommend that the Administrator of Planning and Economic Development be included in the list from which the Planning Board is encouraged to seek advisory opinions.  

8. The “process” recommendations set forth at the foot of page 4 and the top of page 5 are matters with which I am not currently familiar.  Additional research would be needed to provide an informed opinion on these items.

9. I am not persuaded that the “Just Cats” approval on South Broadway resolves the question of the need for zoning changes along South Broadway.  I concur with the resolution recently reached by the City Council to expand the GC-R District at the south end of South Broadway to 600 feet.  

10. I am not adequately prepared to offer an opinion on Commissioner Madigan’s request on the “clubhouse” definition issue, but I understand the Council has resolved that issue at a recent workshop.  

​Should I serve as the City’s Commissioner of Accounts, I will endeavor to provide a balanced approach to zoning and land use issues while taking into account the needs of the City as well as the rights of individual property owners.  The term “balanced approach” is difficult to define, but I am cautious in expanding zoning regulations that make it more difficult or expensive for homeowners and other citizens to seek relief from our land use boards.  

Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on your blog.

Samantha Guerra

Robin Dalton (Saratoga Strong Party) Mayor

Basically, I support the points made in the Planning Board’s advisory opinion. 

There are uses allowed by the UDO that in and of themselves could be acceptable but history has demonstrated that without clear definitions and design requirements they can become potential threats to the rural character of the greenbelt. 

The marina is a prime example.  The Planning Board offered that the definition for a marina needed more work.  A marina that is simply a well designed and modest set of docks and launches that serve local boat owners could be an asset to the outer district.  A marina that includes a restaurant and that offers a fleet of boats for hire could take on a scale and character that is entirely inconsistent with the goal of maintaining the country part of the city in the country.

Saratoga National Golf Course is an asset to this city but expanding it to include a potential hotel and condos as well as additional retail would compromise the rural low intensity usage that is at the core of the greenbelt.

I like the recommendation that a conservation analysis should be done for all projects requiring site review rather than just subdivisions.  This would better serve to protect what green space remains in the greenbelt.

The Council has a lot of work on its hands to address all of this and while the adoption of the UDO is an enormously important step, it is not an end.  The city will continue to evolve and the zoning and design standards will be ongoing well beyond the UDO’s adoption.  As mayor I think I can play an important role in realizing our community’s goal of being a city in the country.

Adam Israel (Saratoga Strong Party) Commissioner of Finance

Saratoga Springs has devoted more than 5 years and countless resources in developing its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).  Multiple experts including city employee’s and outside consultants have contributed to its formation.  I respect our sitting Planning Board and their advisory opinion.  I also respect the opinions of the various experts who have helped to form our UDO.   I understand the impact this ordinance will have on shaping our city’s future, and appreciate all the work that went into forming the current UDO.   

Warm Regards,

Adam W. Israel

Candidate for Commissioner of Finance

According to the Times Union, Scott Presler has lost yet another venue to speak at.

For those not familiar with Mr. Presler’s schtick, a commenter on this blog who signs herself as “Mulligan” offered this link to one of his speeches:

Jan 6th organizer, anti-vaxxer and Explore Talent Model, Scott Pressler has a message for @CNN
'we're coming for the school boards' in case you're wondering, this is a nationwide continuation of the insurrection. #January6thCommission pic.twitter.com/Q8Q5iR71a1

— Sandi Bachom (@sandibachom) August 30, 2021

The Upstate Conservative Union had hoped to host him at the American Tactical System which is a private shooting range open to the pubic. The TU offered no reason for the cancelation.

In an overwrought statement on its website, the Upstate Conservative Union wrote:

“Once again, the socialist country we now find ourselves living in has threatened to use their regulatory powers to attack our Freedom of Speech Rights and our Economic Rights of Free Enterprise,” the group’s website announced. “Our freedoms are under attack. Please stay vigilant and steadfast as we will find an alternate location in the near future.”

UCU

Presler was previously scheduled to speak at a building owned by the Saratoga-Wilton Elks who, upon learning about Mr. Presler, issued a press release declining to allow him the use of their facility.

As far as a I know, the Elks do not consider themselves a socialist organization.

No Cancel Culture

I sympathize with institutions that do not wish to be associated with Mr. Presler’s xenophobia. I think it is telling that the original venue for Mr. Presler was a rally put on by the Saratoga County Republican Party. In contrast to the Elks our local county party chose to claim that Presler was a COVID risk and was careful not to disassociate themselves from him.

As the Saratoga County Republican Party apparently does not plan to reschedule a visit by Mr. Presler, it appears to me that they have caved into the public outcry over Mr. Presler. Apparently they have set an unfortunate example of “cancel culture.”

As the readers of this blog may remember, I consider myself a socialist. It may come as a surprise to the Upstate Conservative Union but socialists like me believe that Mr. Presler should be able to speak in our county. We believe in the power of our own arguments and welcome the opportunity to challenge the dubious arguments put out by people like Mr. Presler.

I hope the Upstate Conservative Union can find a venue for him. Judging by the video excerpt above, aside from the problematic substance of his remarks, with his ultra long hair there is a rather creepy, “new age” quality to his presentation. I have every confidence in the people of our county that most will reject his hateful ideology if they have the opportunity to hear him.

In their statement the Upstate Conservative Union alleges that some unnamed group in our country has “threatened to use their regulatory powers to attack our Freedom of Speech Rights and our Economic Rights of Free Enterprise.”

I invite the Union to be a guest author on this blog to share with this blog’s readers what “regulatory powers” are being employed to deny Mr. Presler the right to speak.

A Bit of Satire

I received the following from someone who uses the nom de plume, Publius:

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Count me among those bitterly disappointed that the Scott Presler “Rally and Voter Registration Drive”, scheduled to be held on August 25, was cancelled.

According to a co-host of the event, the cancellation was necessitated by Mr. Presler’s potential exposure to the COVID 19 virus. We pray for his well being.

Now comes the sad news that a re-scheduled appearance of Mr. Presler to have been hosted by the Upstate Conservative Coalition has also been cancelled. Disappointed, I say, because I was so looking forward to meeting a true “American Patriot.” There seems to be a dearth of real Patriots these days and so when I learned that Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, along with the RISE Political Action Committee, had lent her considerable prestige to the Rally I
instinctively knew that it was not to be missed.

Perhaps, I thought, I should bring my grandchildren along so one day they could look back and share the experience with their children. Adding to the the excitement was the full on participation of the RISE Political Action Committee. All of this only added to my disconsolateness when I learned that it was not to
be.

Still, I was initially puzzled by the good congresswoman’s characterization of Mr. Presler as an “American Patriot.” Wasn’t that redundant? I assumed that Mr. Presler was an American, so why did the congresswoman, a Harvard alumna and undoubtedly an accomplished Anglicist, use the adjective
“American” to modify “Patriot”?

I became perplexed. Then the epiphany! I had sold her too short. By linking the two words Ms. Stefanik wasn’t being supererogatory but was rather giving Mr. Presler a special designation in the Stop the Steal hierarchy. A super patriot status not enjoyed by other Stop the Steal adherents.

Take, for example, Rudy Giuiiiani. All know that he is an American and a “patriot”, but is he an “American Patriot”? No, his patriotism manifests in his support of Ukraine. And what about former Gen. Michael Flynn. The former president’s first national security advisor is, of course, an American. But, as we know, his allegiance is to QAnon to which he swore an oath on July 4, 2020.
So while these and many others, while enjoying the heady political company of Congresswoman Stefanik and her Stop the Steal colleagues, do not have the elite “American Patriot” badge of honor bestowed on Scott Presler.

So I end with a modest proposal. One that may save the day for those of us hungry for the company or true “American Patriots.” There are two members of Congress who share many of Mr. Presler’s values and beliefs; i.e., fiercely anti-immigrant, pro-insurrection, QAnon devotees, Stop the Steal heroes and pro-
suppression of minority voters.

Yes, I speak of none other than Congressman Matt Gaetz of Florida and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. If Congresswoman Stefanik would entice these two superstars to come here, imagine how many new (non-minority) voters might be registered.

Let us all hope Congresswoman Stefanik can pull it off.

Publius

After right wing extremist Scott Presler’s appearance sponsored by the Saratoga County GOP and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R) was canceled, the Upstate Conservative Coalition rescheduled him to appear at the end of the month at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club. Now that appearance has also been canceled.

According to Lucas Willard ‘s report on WAMC the Elks Club issued a press release that said in part:

“Without going into specific criticisms of Mr. Presler and certain controversial beliefs espoused by him, the Saratoga-Wilton Elks hold that such beliefs advocated by Mr. Presler are contrary to one or more of the cardinal principles of our Order. Our Lodge has therefore respectfully communicated to the Upstate Conservative Coalition that Scott Presler is not welcome on our premises.”

The political rally scheduled for Wednesday featuring right wing extremist Scott Presler and sponsored by the Saratoga County Republicans and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R) has been canceled.

Saratoga County Republican Chair Carl Zeilman told the Times Union that “a case of COVID in RISE PAC, of which Presler is a member, forced the cancellation.” If, dear reader, this sounds suspicious you are correct. I am told by an impeccably reliable source that the County Republicans have been in disarray over the week end over the push back to Presler’s scheduled appearance and bowed to the political pressure. It is unfortunate that rather than discuss the real reasons for the cancellation, Zeilman chose to go with the phony COVID excuse.

In spite of this cancellation the TU reports that Presler is still expected to come to Saratoga County. David Buchyn, political director of the Upstate Conservative Coalition, has scheduled Presler to speak at the Elk’s Club in Wilton at the end of the month.

By supporting a “get out the vote rally” in Wilton featuring Scott Presler the Saratoga County Republicans have embraced the far right conspiracy theorists. Presler has a long history of involvement in extremist activities including the January 6 assault on the US Capitol. This is a link to a story about Mr. Presler. The rally was supposed to feature a joint appearance of Presler with Rep. Elise Stefanik. While Stefanik is sponsoring and promoting the rally and has heaped praise on Presler, she apparently now will not actually attend the event on Wednesday.

Make no mistake, Mr. Presler is the real thing in the “stop the steal” universe.

I was made aware of the event and of Scott Presler when I received a release from mayoral candidate, Robin Dalton.

I subsequently emailed the Republican endorsed candidates for Saratoga Springs City Council along with the city Republican chairman Chris Obstarczyk.

Neither Chairman Obstarczyk nor any of the Republican endorsed candidates for city offices are planning to attend the event. I have included their responses to my query below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20th, 2021

‘This is not Patriotism’ – Dalton Condemns Actions of Saratoga County GOP

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY) The Saratoga County Republican Committee has announced they are hosting a ‘Rally & Voter Registration Drive’ next week in Saratoga featuring ‘American Patriot’ Scott Presler.

Scott Presler is NOT an American patriot.

Scott Presler is an extremist political activist who promotes the most insidious forms of hatred and bigotry. He has collaborated with neo-nazis, supports eradicating Muslims as a people and denigrates our democracy by continuing to rally and promote ‘Stop the Steal’ events. He denies COVID and supports Qanon conspiracy theories.

Is this how the Saratoga County GOP defines patriotism?

“In the strongest possible terms, I reject the hatred being invited into our community. Scott Presler’s alt-right facism is not welcome here, not today, not tomorrow, not in our city, not in our America” said Dalton, calling on all Saratoga Springs political candidates to reject this event and affirm that hate has no place in our home.
WWW.ONECITYONEFUTURE.COM

Commissioner Robin Dalton

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Heidi Owen West

Um, no . . . I didn’t even know about the event until Ron Kim tagged me in his post. I am out of town on a combined vacation/ work trip until Travers the 28th when I’ll need to be working at the shop. 

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JoAnne Kiernan

Hi John

I will not be attending the event

Regards

JoAnne Kiernan 

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Samantha Guerra

No, I will not be attending the event with Scott Presler. I have never even heard of him until seeing all the bashing posts on social media. 

Samantha Guerra 

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Tracey LaBelle

Hi John,

I will not be attending this event. Please let me if you have any other questions.

Happy Saturday,

Tracey

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Skip Scirocco

Definitely not.

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Chris Obstarczyk

Good morning John. I do not plan on attending

On Tuesday, August 17, 2021, the City Council held its third UDO workshop. Part of the discussion was about the Planning Board’s advisory opinion regarding the UDO.

Commissioner Madigan, formerly a Democrat and now a member of the Working Families Party, made it clear that she felt the Planning Board’s recommendations regarding specifically allowed land uses in the Greenbelt were excessively restrictive.

Following are parts of the advisory opinion sent to the Council by the Planning Board (PB) :

1. PB opposes allowing a “community center” as an approved use in the greenbelt.
2. PB opposes a “campground” as an approved use in the greenbelt.
3. The PB found that the definition of “country club” was particularly vague and subject to abuse. The advisory opinion stated: “It should be noted that “Clubhouse” as a distinct use is not proposed for inclusion in the UDO and the Planning Board sees no compelling reason to establish a definition for such use.”
4. The PB advocated that in order to protect the greenbelt the definition for a “marina” required restrictive language in order to keep such uses compatible with its rural character.

Commissioner Madigan pushed back on all these items. She expressed concern that such policies would in effect be unnecessarily restrictive for the greenbelt.

She also told the Council that she was working with Stewarts regarding its proposals for the area around Marion Avenue and Route 50. This in spite of the fact that the proposal was opposed by many of the neighbors and rejected by the Planning Board .

At one point Commissioner Madigan and Commissioner Scirocco engaged in a congenial exchange. Counter to the assumptions often made about Democrats and Republicans in this city, it was the Republican Council member Skip Scirocco who spoke strongly about the value of having restrictive regulations in order to protect what was left of the greenbelt.

The Planning Board (PB) issued their advisory opinion regarding the Unified Development Ordinance, the UDO:

They found “…that the UDO is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and not contrary to the general purposes and intent of the Zoning Ordinance” with a number of exceptions.

The GCR District: The Southern Gateway To the City

The GCR zoning district constitutes two narrow strips along South Broadway. The GCR is identified as a gateway to the city.

The two strips of land are located between Crescent Avenue and Driscoll Road running along Route 9. They are separated by Spa State Park.

The Planning Board was concerned that the proposed “.. GCR district abuts many areas defined as Rural Residential (RR) [JK: Greenbelt] within the Comprehensive Plan’s Conservation Development District (CDD) and an unlimited residential density limit is not appropriate.”

I think this represents their concern that the development in the GCR be designed so that it transitions appropriately into the greenbelt area.

They offered the following revisions to the UDO regarding the gateway land.

• Maintain residential uses only on the second floor and above
• Establish a maximum residential density limit appropriate for a rural gateway
• Remove residential uses as principal permitted uses

The Planning Board also took exception to the list of approved uses for the GCR. The following table includes the currently proposed uses for the GCR. Highlighted in green are the uses the Planning Board considers appropriate.

Marion Avenue

There are two parcels of land on the eastside of Marion Avenue near Loughberry Lake that are located within the conservation district. In the UDO these parcels are designated as UR-2. According to the Planning Board they are within the conservation district (Green Belt) and should be designated CDD.

“Both parcels should be changed from UR-2 (7 units/acre) to RR (0.5 units/acre).”

Expanded Protection For The Greenbelt

Without going too far into the weeds…

The Comprehensive Plan as regards the greenbelt requires that density not exceed an average of one unit per two acres. There is an important caveat. In determining this average, wetlands, slopes, buffers to protect water, etc. must be identified and excluded. So a parcel that has four acres but encompasses two acres of wetland would only be allowed one unit.

The advisory opinion includes this note which is a pretty good description of the issue.

The maximum density in the CDD is an average of 0.5 Units/Acre of unconstrained land. Unconstrained lands are areas of the site that do not contain severe constraints to development, such as wetlands, very steep slopes, stream corridors, and floodplains, as well as lands with legal impediments to development. Following a “conservation analysis” by the City, constrained lands, along with at least 50 percent of the site’s developable open space, shall be set aside as permanent open space through a conservation easement.

Advisory Opinion

The UDO currently only requires this analysis for subdivisions. The Planning Board would expand this to include “…all proposed development projects that require site plan and special use permit review in the SR and RR districts.“

The UDO included a list of approved uses for development in the city’s greenbelt.

The Planning Board finds that the following proposed new uses are too intense and recommends their removal from the RR zone: ‘campground’ and ‘community center’.

The Planning Board recommends revisions to the definitions and standards for ‘country club’, ‘greenhouse/nursery’ and ‘marina’ to ensure that these potentially intensive existing uses are consistent with the CDD designation going forward. The Planning Board is wiling to coordinate with other stakeholders to develop appropriate definitions for these uses and offers the following high-level guidance:

Country Club: The proposed definition in the UDO is too broad and the last portion of the sentence – “and/or similar uses” – should be removed.

Greenhouse/Nursery: The proposed definition should reflect a design standard for a small-scale plant/flower propagation center similar in character to Balet Flowers and Design.

Marina: The standard design and layout of a typical marina may need to be modified within the RR zone (CDD area) in areas that abut public land and where nature trails and protected open space is envisioned.

Advisory Opinion

Strengthen the Process to Protect Open Space

The city’s Sustainability Coordinator and the Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) should be consulted on all future projects within CDD designated areas that require Planning Board review.

• It is essential to establish an appropriate definition for “rural character” that supports future development in a manner consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

• Increase the minimum required lot size in the RR zone to 5 acres. In addition, consider conducting a full build-out analysis for the remaining undeveloped lands throughout the city to inform future zoning decisions.

Advisory Opinion

Emphasize Setting Aside Open Space Rather Than Fees

The Planning Board has an opportunity to improve its ability to preserve open space. Both subdivision and site plan review include provisions to protect open space by requiring applicants to set aside space for passive and/or recreational use. To date, the Planning Board has typically focused on assessing recreational fees in lieu of requiring open space as a matter of standard practice. Going forward the default position should be focused on open space protection. The recommendations provided by Tom Denny (letter dated June 3rd, 2021) to the Planning Board regarding Section 15.8 (10% Open Space Preservation and Recreation Land Requirement) should be incorporated into the final version of the adopted UDO.

• Sketch Plan should be required before Site Plan review for all large mixed-use projects exceeding 50,000 sq. ft.

Advisory Opinion

Planning Board Response To Commissioner Madigan Re Saratoga National Golf Course and Land Owned By Bobby D’Andrea

Commissioner Michele Madigan asked the Planning Board to advise regarding two issues:

1) the split zoned parcels (RR and GCR) on South Broadway near Kaydeross Avenue West and

2) the definition of “Clubhouse” w/r/t a potential Saratoga National Golf Course project.

Question 1

“Provide a recommendation on making these parcels whole in terms of their zoning and development use”.

Ans: The split zoned parcels are zoned GCR adjacent to South Broadway and RR to the “rear” towards Spa State Park. Making the parcels “whole” could mean one of two things, expansion of the GCR or expansion of the RR designation for the entirety of each parcel. It is assumed that the question is referring to potential expansion of the GCR.

Pros

• Provide more flexibility and encourage commercial development along the gateway.

Cons

• Reduction in open space and elimination of a conservation analysis for new development.

• Substantial increase in the number/types of uses allowed in what is now an RR zone.

The approval of the “Just Cats” project suggests this zoning change may be unnecessary to promote commercial activity along the gateway

Question 2

“I would like to see a definition for a Clubhouse more clearly defined by the Planning Board and the City Council”.

Ans: As previously stated, the Planning Board recognizes the need for continued/periodic review to improve the clarity of the definitions for many of the proposed uses in the RR district and is specifically concerned with the definition of the term “Clubhouse” as included in Commissioner Madigan’s letter. Introducing additional uses such as banquet facilities, business center, lodging for up to 100 rooms and up to 6 free standing golf lodges, containing up to 8 guest rooms with associated common space” presents a significant risk to preserving the rural character in the “country” part of the city. It should be noted that “Clubhouse” as a distinct use is not proposed for inclusion in the UDO and the Planning Board sees no compelling reason to establish a definition for such use.

Advisory Opinion

On August 11, 2021, the Daily Gazette reported that a startling 43.4% of new Covid infections recorded in Saratoga County in the last seven days are breakthrough infections –infections afflicting fully vaccinated people. Statewide the Covid infection rate has risen from 566 in June to 3,222 on August 9. With great fanfare on July 29, 2021, Saratoga County issued a press release announcing the establishment of the Saratoga Health and Readiness Planning Task Force in light of the emerging resurgence of Covid . With an eye to branding (and spin), its acronym is SHARP. As noted in an earlier blog this committee did not emerge from a public process involving the Board of Supervisors’ Health and Social Services Committee. In fact the Health and Social Services Committee had met the day before the announcement so it was especially noteworthy that the Task Force was not mentioned let alone discussed at that committee meeting. SHARP was established by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Todd Kusnierz (R-Moreau). The mission of SHARP is a bit nebulous. The release states, “The SHARP Task Force will be reviewing guidance issued by other governmental entities, reviewing relevant local data, and providing recommendations and guidance to the Saratoga County community.” When you consider the makeup of this committee this seems especially odd. The committee is made up of Chairman Todd Kusnierz Clifton Park Supervisor Jonathan Schopf, Vice Chairman of the Board Malta Town Supervisor Darren O’Connor, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee County Administrator Steve Bulger Dr. Dan Kuhles, Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Public Health Services Scot Chamberlain, Saratoga County Director of Human Resources Pete Bardunias, Senior Vice President of Community Advancement with the Capital Region Chamber Anita Murphy, Capital Region BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Kuhles is the only person on the Task Force who would have any expertise regarding the virus. It would seem this advice would be less political and more science based if it were provided through the county Health Department. I’m not sure why a new task force is required to provide guidance to “the Saratoga County Community”. In order to better understand what is going on with this Task Force I submitted a FOIL regarding any documents associated with SHARP. The response by the county was one document, the original press release. I went to the County’s website to find out when the Task Force would be meeting, but there was nothing on their calendar regarding SHARP. I then wrote twice to the clerk of the County Board of Supervisors asking why a meeting of the Task Force was not on their calendar and when they would be meeting. Neither email was answered. Most troubling to me were two quotes in the release by Supervisor John Schopf: “Saratoga County takes the health and well-being of its residents and employees seriously. At the same time the right of individual thought, decision making, and ultimate choice cannot be overcome by government mandate.” Supervisor John Schopf “With our high vaccine rate, we must be strategic and thoughtful in our approach when recommending any new public safety guidance to our communities, schools, businesses and non-profits. We believe in individual responsibility, and we want to keep Saratoga County open for business and continue to be a safe and friendly place to live and visit.” Supervisor John Schopf So apparently this Task Force that has not met and has not given the public an opportunity for the input it said it would seek, has somehow already decided against the use of mandates as a tool to mitigate the rise in Covid cases in the county. The need for a healthy public debate on suppressing the virus It will not surprise the readers of this blog that I have a strong opinion on the issue of mandates and personal responsibility. At a press conference held at the county on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, Saratoga County Health Department director Dr. Kuhles told those present: “Masking is known to be an effective layer of prevention in schools and other locations,” Kuhles said. “It prevents the wearer from being exposed when being worn consistently and correctly and it can also act as a type of source control if the wearer of the mask is infected and prevent exposure to others.” Dr. Dan Kuhles So the county’s own Commissioner of Health establishes the scientific basis for the need to wear masks. In light of the threat posed by this virus, I take very strong exception to Mr. Schopf’s assertion that, “…the right of individual thought, decision making, and ultimate choice cannot be overcome by government mandate.” In fact there are copious examples of mandates in our country regulating an individual’s choice when it may endanger other members of the public. You cannot drink alcohol in excess and drive. You cannot drive as fast as you want on our highways. Municipal noise ordinances restrict the liberty of individuals to annoy their neighbors. The CDC has made it absolutely clear that wearing a mask is primarily meant to suppress the spread of the disease to others. In other words an individual infected with the virus, even if asymptomatic, who is not wearing a mask and interacts with others has the potential to infect them. Besides the health affects of this disease, the more people infected the greater the risk that the virus will mutate and become even more dangerous. Most frustrating to me is that if our government had expeditiously required vaccinations, required masks, and required quarantining for persons identified as infected, we could have crushed this disease and gone back to something approaching normality. Below is the press release my FOIL produced. Press Release With Kafka Logic County Announces It Will Not Require Masking At Its Facilities The following is an email issued by the County Administrator to all county employees on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, and the memorandum attached to it. I cannot find any record of any Board of Supervisors meeting or committee addressing whether masks should be mandated for the county’s facilities. So much for transparency and democratic procedure. The attached memorandum contains the following: “While CDC recommends that fully vaccinated individuals wear a mask indoors in public during periods of substantial or high COVID transmission to reduce the risk of being infected with the Delta variant and possibly spreading it to others, at this time no mandate is in place for employees in most county buildings.” One might foolishly expect that there would be some reason given to explain why they have decided to ignore the CDC recommendation. County Administrator’s Email And Accompanying Memorandum From: Steve Bulger <SBulger@saratogacountyny.gov> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 12:33:52 PM Subject: Covid-19 Employee Update County Employees: Please review the attached information regarding the current Covid-19 situation.   If anything changes we will be sure to keep you informed promptly. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication on behalf of our Saratoga County residents. Steve Bulger Saratoga County Administrator 518-884-4742 sbulger@saratogacountyny.gov From: Steve Bulger <SBulger@saratogacountyny.gov> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 12:33:52 PM Subject: Covid-19 Employee Update County Employees: Please review the attached information regarding the current Covid-19 situation.   If anything changes we will be sure to keep you informed promptly. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication on behalf of our Saratoga County residents. Steve Bulger Saratoga County Administrator 518-884-4742 sbulger@saratogacountyny.gov Supervisor Tara Gaston Calls For Masking Of County Employees And Is Unceremoniously Ignored Back on August 7, 2021, Supervisor Tara Gaston wrote to the members of the Board of Supervisors urging them to require masking. No one responded to her memorandum. I guess you can characterize the county’s press release that rejects a mask mandate as their response. From: Tara N Gaston <TNGaston@saratogacountyny.gov> Subject: Re: RELEASE: SARATOGA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES ISSUES COVID-19 HEALTH ADVISORY Date: August 7, 2021 at 18:00:39 EDT To: Therese Connolly <TConnolly@saratogacountyny.gov>, “supervisorwright@townofhadley.org” <supervisorwright@townofhadley.org>, “twood71098@aol.com” <twood71098@aol.com>, Matthew Veitch <mveitch@saratogacountyny.gov>, “ktollisen@townofhalfmoon.org” <ktollisen@townofhalfmoon.org>, “tjr51550@gmail.com” <tjr51550@gmail.com>, “edinburg@roadrunner.com” <edinburg@roadrunner.com>, “billpeckwelcomestockfarm@outlook.com” <billpeckwelcomestockfarm@outlook.com>, “rlucia@townofcorinthny.com” <rlucia@townofcorinthny.com>, “lawlerj@town.waterford.ny.us” <lawlerj@town.waterford.ny.us>, “ekinowski@stillwaterny.org” <ekinowski@stillwaterny.org>, “supervisor@townofcharlton.org” <supervisor@townofcharlton.org>, Jonathan Schopf <jschopf@saratogacountyny.gov>, “providencesupervisor@nycap.rr.com” <providencesupervisor@nycap.rr.com>, Phil Barrett <pbarrett@cliftonpark.org>, “dpemrick@greenfieldny.org” <dpemrick@greenfieldny.org>, “tbrown@stillwaterny.org” <tbrown@stillwaterny.org>, “trussell@townofhalfmoon.org” <trussell@townofhalfmoon.org>, “Theodore T. Kusnierz” <TKusnierz@saratogacountyny.gov>, Thomas Wood <TWood@saratogacountyny.gov>, Darren O’Connor <doconnor@malta-town.org>, Benny Zlotnick <BZlotnick@saratogacountyny.gov>, “Econnolly@townofballstonny.org” <Econnolly@townofballstonny.org>, “jlant@townofwilton.com” <jlant@townofwilton.com>, Dan Pemrick <dpemrick60@gmail.com>, Preston Allen <daysupervisor@townofday.com>, Mike Smith <msmith@townofgalwayny.org>, Robin Renaud <ssec@townofmoreau.org> Cc: Bridget Rider <BRider@saratogacountyny.gov> Based on the continued increase, and the guidance from this advisory, is there at least an intention to require (not simply recommend) masks in county buildings?  While I know a mandate county-wide is unlikely to occur and would be of dubious effectiveness for a number of reasons, a requirement in county buildings would both help protect county staff that interact with the public and serve as a model for the public more broadly (which is I assume why several county municipalities already have such a requirement in effect).  Tara N. Gaston | she/her Supervisor, City of Saratoga Springs tngaston@saratogacountyny.gov

The Saratoga Springs City Council voted unanimously to request that the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors seek approval from the New York State Liquor Authority to require bars in the city to close by 2 AM rather than the current closing time of 4 AM.

Saratoga Springs City Council asks to restrict alcohol sales in bars after 2 a.m.

The County and the NYS Liquor Authority, rather than the city, decide the hours that alcohol can be served, and the city’s two representatives to county government do not appear to be supportive of the city’s request.

Fueled by alcohol and an increasingly aggressive and volatile party culture, the late night, downtown bar scene has become difficult to police. Public Safety Commissioner Robin Dalton told the council, “It’s become clear to us through analytics and arrests that the hours of 2-to-4 a.m. are unquestionably posing a public safety risk to the community at large. We cannot let this public safety threat go on.”

Police Chief Shane Crooks told the council, “We have seen a large increase in calls for service and the number of people. The people we end up dealing with that late at night are highly intoxicated.”

According to the Daily Gazette story, Saratoga Springs’ representatives to the County Board of Supervisors, Tara Gaston(D) and Matthew Veitch(R) were less than enthusiastic about the county acting to address this problem. They cautioned that the process would be protracted. The Gazette reported that “…they [Gaston and Veitch] wanted to hear from bar owners and other stakeholders in what could be a lengthy committee process before forming an opinion of whether the county should approve the city’s request.”

Veitch noted that both the county and state Liquor Authority would have to hold public hearings on a potential change – if the proposal gets that far.

“You are talking several months at a minimum, if it even passes the county,” he said. “We have bars downtown that serve patrons and police and sheriff; there are multiple factors at issue. I’ll keep an open mind and let the process run its course.”

Daily Gazette August 3

The Caroline Street scene has long been problematic, and there have been other appeals from the city to the county over the years to restrict bar hours. All have been rejected by the County Board of Supervisors.

It is troubling that our two Supervisors are apparently unwilling to be advocates on behalf of the city regarding a solution to this ongoing problem.

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Gazette Article Gives Excellent Brief History Of Efforts To Change City’s Closing Time For Bars

As crowds return to Saratoga Springs’ Caroline Street, so does an old idea

Democratic mayoral candidate Ron Kim has sent out a fundraising email (see full text below) that contains some disturbing inaccuracies delivered in a problematic tone.

The email bases its appeal for donations on the alleged threat to Saratoga Springs that his opponent, Heidi Owen West, supposedly poses to the city.

It begins with this ominous warning:

“The January 6 insurrection was 410 miles away in Washington DC but the danger it presented exists right here in Saratoga Springs.”

It continues:

“Did you know that members of the Saratoga County GOP organized buses of rioters to travel to the January 6 insurrection?“

“Did you know that tonight the same group is holding a fundraiser for my opponent, the GOP candidate for mayor Heidi [Owen] West?”

This was simply not true.

First of all, let’s put aside the question of whether the travelers went to Washington with the intent of rioting in the capital. While there were buses that went to Washington in January from this area, they were organized by a group called the Upstate Conservative Coalition (UCC).

I am sure that there were registered Republicans among the travelers, but the group that organized the trip was not the city or county GOP.

Most importantly the UCC had nothing to do with Ms. Owen West’s fundraiser. In fact, while the county Republican Party promoted the event on their Facebook page, Ms. Owen West organized the fundraiser herself, independent of any group. While she is the Republican endorsed candidate for mayor, she is a registered independent voter.

Mr. Kim’s letter then claims the following:

“The GOP is spreading its anti-democracy misinformation and lies -all to the detriment of our city and our way of life here in Saratoga Springs.“

Without indicating exactly what misinformation and lies he thinks the GOP is spreading here, he is clearly trying to have the reader associate Ms. Owen West with this alleged threat to “our way of life here in Saratoga Springs”.

While I understand that Mr. Kim’s email is meant to motivate people to send him money, I find his intemperate appeal to fear quite disturbing. In fact, this appeal for money seems to me to mirror the very tactics of spreading misinformation that he attributes to the GOP.

This approach also seems seems politically foolish. The number of enrolled Democrats now exceeds the number of enrolled Republicans in this city. That means Mr. Kim is not the underdog in this race. Why send out a message so clearly based on inaccuracies? It not only damages his credibility but also provides fodder to his opponents.

This city is fortunate to have a highly involved citizenry that I suspect will not react favorably to this kind of over the top campaign tactic.

I reached out to Ms. Owen West. Here is her response:

I am not being funded by any political party. I’m a political independent who is solely being funded by a groundswell of people of all political persuasions.

I’m incredibly humbled by the Saratogians who joined me at my kickoff fundraiser earlier this week because they believe in my ability to deliver on the issues that matter the most to our community.

Heidi Owen West

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This is the full text of Mr. Kim’s fundraising appeal.

The January 6 insurrection was 410 miles away in Washington DC but the danger it presented exists right here in Saratoga Springs.

Did you know that members of the Saratoga County GOP organized buses of rioters to travel to the January 6insurrection?

Did you know that tonight the same group is holding a fundraiser for my opponent, the GOP candidate for mayor Heidi West?

The GOP is spreading its anti-democracy misinformation and lies -all to the detriment of our city and our way of life here in Saratoga Springs.

Before midnight tomorrow, we must raise $15,000 because we cannot allow the GOP to out-raise us and out-spend us.

Click here to help me MATCH THE OPPOSITION (to democracy)

I am Ron Kim, an experienced and proven leader with the ability to tackle the tough issues facing our City. As the mayor of Saratoga Springs, on day one, I will work to bring transparency, accountability, and accessibility back to City Hall.