Month: December 2021

Saratoga Spring Water Co. Business And Products Sold To BlueTriton Of Connecticut

December 13, 2021December 13, 2021

Saratoga Spring Water Co., 11 Geyser Road, Saratoga Springs, which dates to the 19th century in the Spa City, has been sold to a Connecticut investment firm.

BlueTriton Brands, Inc. announced in late November that it has successfully completed the acquisition, a nationally recognized producer of premium domestic spring water.

Saratoga Spring Water is sold throughout the United States and delivers spring water products in premium packaging to customers in the hospitality and retail channels.

“We are thrilled to welcome Saratoga Spring Water Co.’s products into the BlueTriton family,” said Tony W. Lee, managing partner of One Rock Capital Partners, LLC and a member of the board of directors of BlueTriton. “As a leader in the premium spring water segment, the Saratoga Spring Water business enables us to expand our brand offerings and access a national, upscale beverage market that will contribute to BlueTriton’s strategic growth and success.”

BlueTriton Brands offers an extensive portfolio of highly recognizable water brands for healthy hydration, including Poland Spring brand natural spring water, Splash and Pure Life. The company also owns and operates ReadyRefresh, a customizable water and beverage delivery service.

Adam Madkour, the CEO and sole shareholder of Saratoga Spring Water Co., said “We believe BlueTriton’s leadership and resources will position Saratoga Spring Water’s products for growth while enabling the company to continue producing the high-quality, premium products we are known for. We look forward to our partnership with BlueTriton, who shares our commitment, mission and long-held philosophy of service and corporate responsibility.”

Work On Joining And Expanding Two Historic Hotels Continues In Saratoga Springs

December 13, 2021December 13, 2021

By Jill Nagy

Work is proceeding “slowly but surely” on the conversion of two of Saratoga’s grand old hotels into a resort hotel and apartments, said Helen Watson, general manager of the Adelphi Hotel.

When completed, the Adelphi and Rip Van Dam hotels at 365 Broadway and in Saratoga Springs will be one unit with a five-story addition behind the current buildings and some 100 underground parking spaces.

Real estate developers and thoroughbred racehorse owners Michael Dubb and Larry Roth recently gained the city’s approval to begin a $50 million project. They intend to renovate and expand with the goal of reviving a piece of the luxury grand hotel era that once made Saratoga a playground for the wealthy dating back to the 1870s.

Plans are for a total of 78 hotel rooms along with 84 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Both in-house restaurants will be enlarged and work is already underway on that part of the project, said Watson. Both apartment and hotel residents will have access to concierge services, a gym and spa and a ballroom. Being downtown, they will have easy access to shops and restaurants.

Renovation work is almost complete on the Salt and Char, the Rip Van Dam’s restaurant.Watson expects it to reopen next year toward the end of November. Renovation work is also underway on the other restaurant, Morrissey’s, which is in the Adelphi space. It will be doubled in size and, “hopefully,” the addition will be ready for diners by the beginning of 2022, Watson said. Outdoor seating and part of the restaurant have remained open.

Survey Shows Shoppers In New York ‘Excited’ About Holidays; Some To Spend More

December 13, 2021

Two-thirds of New Yorkers, up from 59 percent a year ago, are somewhat or very excited about the upcoming holiday season according to a new statewide survey of consumers recently released by the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI).

While a plurality, 43 percent, plan to spend as they did last year, only 17 percent plan to increase their spending compared with 37 percent that say they will spend less. Nearly half, 47 percent, plan to conduct at least 50 percent of their shopping online, down from 57 percent last year, according to the poll.

When considering the delays and shortages caused by supply chain disruptions, 70 percent of consumers have already or plan to shop earlier than usual, 52 percent will shop more in person forgoing online shopping and a majority, 56 percent intend to spend less than they had planned. Up from only 26 percent a year ago, over a third, 34 percent, now say that they believe in Santa Claus.

At the same time, 44 percent believe that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are legitimate currency. “Belief in Santa and Bitcoin is an odd combo this season but perhaps we’re seeing a changing of the guard,” according to Don Levy, SCRI director. “Belief in Bitcoin’s legitimacy is highest among younger consumers and lowest among those age 65 and above while saying I believe in Santa is most difficult for those 18-34 years of age to express.”

State Plans To Add 860 Acres To Moreau Lake State Park Along Stretch Of Hudson River

December 13, 2021

New York state is expanding Moreau Lake State Park by 860 acres. The new lands include natural habitat along an undeveloped stretch of the Hudson River that will be known as Big Bend Point.

“The acquisition at Big Bend Point guarantees the protection of a critical habitat and pristine natural resource,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “Moreau Lake State Park is visited by hundreds of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year for camping, swimming, and exploring its popular trail network. With more people than ever visiting our parks, this acreage will expand options for outdoor recreation in the region and preserve open space in fast-growing Saratoga County.”

The $1.6 million purchase of Big Bend Point was funded by the Environmental Protection Fund. It brings the Moreau Lake State Park’s total acreage to 6,250 acres, making it one of the ten largest parks in the state park system.

With its proximity to both Lake George and Saratoga Springs, the park is attractive to visitors year-round as it offers ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other winter activities.

New York State Parks partnered with the Open Space Institute (OSI) to protect the former logging site at Big Bend Point in the town of Moreau. Bounded by two miles of the Hudson River, Big Bend Point includes wide, established logging roads that can be converted into an accessible trail network for year-round walking, bicycling, birding and wildlife viewing, equestrian riding, and non-motorized winter sports such as cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

‘First Fill Spirits’ In Saratoga Springs Sells Unusual Whiskies Fit For The Enthusiast

December 13, 2021December 13, 2021

Charles Grabitzky and Holly Seidewand co-own First Fill Spirits in Saratoga Springs.

By R.J. DeLuke

A different kind of liquor store is operating in Saratoga Springs, one that primarily is there to satisfy a growing market of people who enjoy their whiskies—bourbon, Scotch, rye or blends.

First Fill Spirits is the fulfillment of the visions of Charles Grabitzky and Holly Seidewand. Both started with a love of whiskey, the curiosity to learn more about it, and then a vision to make it a business where they can serve others who have a similar predilection for the product.

First Fill Spirits opened in August at 68 Washington St. It is not a place where people will go to buy, for example, Jim Beam bourbon, or Dewar’s Scotch. The stores does have some product that isn’t in the whiskey family. There is some single-cask rum and a few other products. “Everything has to be single cask if it’s not whiskey,” Grabitzky said. “We have a unique license that’s specific to whiskey and then any single-cask, non-whiskey. We have rum … but 95 percent of everything we have is whiskey.’

He added, “We have a few of the larger brands, but for the most part it’s distilleries or brands that are kind of under the radar. Smaller companies that we’ve discovered through our travels and whiskey careers.”

Personnel Briefs: December 2021

December 13, 2021

Saratoga Hospital has named Daniel Madden director of environmental services.

The hospital also promoted Sarah Bunzey of Hadley to director of women’s health services.

He brings extensive experience managing healthcare environmental services operations, most recently as director of environmental services at Ellis Medicine in Schenectady.

Previously, Madden served as a regional director of operations and regional manager for Crothall Healthcare, which provides environmental and other core support services to hospitals and healthcare systems. In those roles, he oversaw environmental services for 21 upstate New York healthcare institutions.

Madden has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Guilford College in North Carolina and an Associate of Applied Science in public health technology/environmental science from Hudson Valley Community College. He lives in Saratoga Springs.

Bunzey has worked at the hospital since 2004, most recently as a clinical coordinator in women’s health services.

She began her Saratoga Hospital career as a hospice nurse on a medical/surgical floor. Two years later, Bunzey joined women’s health services as a labor and delivery nurse. She has worked in perinatal nursing ever since.

Bunzey has an associate degree from SUNY Adirondack and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Governor’s University in Salt Lake City. She is certified in inpatient obstetric nursing, electronic fetal monitoring and as a lactation counselor.

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Petal + Hive In Ballston Spa Offers Skin Care Products That Are Plant Based, All Natural

December 13, 2021

By Jennifer Farnsworth

All natural, plant-based skin care, made in a lab, and tailored to a person’s skin care concerns, may sound like a luxury worthy of only celebrities. But cosmetic chemist Jillian Ehrenberg, owner of Petal + Hive in Ballston Spa, is changing that.

As an entrepreneur who is passionate about quality skin care, Ehrenberg has brought her all-natural skin care, with herbal extracts in every bottle, to downtown Ballston Spa.

“Every jar contains a unique original formula that is both clean and eco-friendly,” said Ehrenberg.

Petal + Hive carries all things skin care including moisturizers, eye creams, serums, cleansers, lotions, toners, oils and more. All Petal + Hive products are made in the on-site lab. Ehrenberg also sells other brands of all natural products that she has diligently researched herself.

“I have done all the work for you. If it is sold here you know that it is a clean high quality product. I research every ingredient, the packaging, everything that you may be concerned about,” she said.

Although this is Ehernberg’s first storefront as a small business owner, she is not new to the industry. She first began in 2015, selling her skin care products at places like farmer’s markets and the former Clinton Street Mercantile, where she rented several shelves. She said people really took to her products and she soon realized she needed her own space.

Business Briefs: December 2021

December 13, 2021

The 35th Annual Stewart’s Holiday Match campaign kicked off on Thanksgiving Day and runs through Christmas Day at all shop locations.

The program supports nonprofit organizations impacting children.

Last year, customers donated an incredible $895,000 to the program, doubling to more than $1.88 million with the Stewart’s match. The funds were able to support 1,715 local children’s organizations across the 32 counties where Stewart’s Shops are located, company officials said.

Local organizations impacting children are encouraged to apply for funding online at www.stewartsshops.com/holiday-match/holiday-match-overview. The deadline for submission is Jan. 31. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization. A listing of all the local organizations that received funds last season is available online.

Stewart’s Holiday Match is a 501c3 foundation; all donations are tax-deductible. Stewart’s gladly accepts funds from groups or businesses, but only matches individual donations.

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The Village of Ballston Spa is looking to update its Comprehensive Plan to best define the needs of this evolving community and articulate a vision that will guide decisions affecting physical development and redevelopment within the village.

The Comprehensive Plan is expected to focus most significantly on effects of IT and climate change, buildings and village character, non-conforming land uses, village infrastructure, quality of life and local and regional economics.

A steering committee has been formed to work in conjunction with a professional planning consultant to identify and study several topics over the course of the next year in order to create a final plan for approval by the village board of trustees.

The committee is currently looking for additional members from the Ballston Spa community who would be interested in contributing their knowledge, skills and ideas. Meetings will be held twice a month, on the first and third Thursdays, at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga County Office building at 50 West High St. All meetings are open to the public and are Zoom accessible. Interested persons can contact steering committee chairperson Karen Martell at karenmartell27@gmail.com or the Village Office at 518 885-5711, villageclerk@villageofballstonspa.org.

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State Starts Construction Of $21 Million Affordable Housing Project In Ballston

December 13, 2021

Construction has started on Dominic Hollow Apartments, a $21 million affordable and supporting housing development in the town of Ballston that will create 60 homes, including 30 reserved for adults in need of supportive services.

Dominic Hollow Apartments will be affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the Area Median Income. Thirty apartments will be reserved for adults who will receive on-site services provided by RISE Housing and Support Services. RISE is also the project’s developer with CSD Housing in a consulting role.

“Saratoga County is one of the fastest-growing counties in New York, and the Dominic Hollow Apartments will help fulfill the rising need for affordable housing,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in announcing the start of the work. “As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, my administration will continue to prioritize investments that allow New Yorkers to find safe, secure, and sustainable housing so they can live healthy and successful lives in the communities they love.”

Services and rental subsidies for 18 supportive units will be funded by the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and 12 supportive units will be funded by the state Office of Mental Health. OMH is providing $416,000 annually in operating expenses for the 18 ESSHI units, as well as $477,000 annually for the 12 supportive units.

Officials said Dominic Hollow Apartments is designed to meet the energy efficiency requirements of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Low-Rise New Construction program and EPA’s ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Program Version 3.1. Sustainable features will include Energy Star or equivalent heating and cooling equipment, appliances, and light fixtures; water-conserving plumbing fixtures; and low- or no-VOC paints, primers, adhesives, and sealants.

Four Projects In Saratoga County Get Funds From Regional Economic Development Unit

December 13, 2021

New York state has awarded over $81 million through its Regional Economic Development Council initiative to support 97 priority projects across the state.

This year, $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development was made available on a continuous and competitive basis to support the immediate needs of applicants. Additionally, projects within each region are eligible for a share of $75 million in Excelsior Jobs Program Tax Credits to help attract and grow business in their region.

In Saratoga County, four projects received funding.

“The pandemic toll touched every corner of the state and every sector of New York’s economy, and as a result we must ensure that our recovery does the same,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “As we move forward from the pandemic we are using the rolling grant process to build New York state back better by supporting shovel-ready projects with the potential to accelerate new investments and catalyze economic growth in every community.”

“Through a collaborative, bottom up, and regional approach to economic development, these projects were chosen for their innovation, impact on their communities and potential for positive change coming out of the pandemic,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin. “Whether it is workforce development, tourism, green investments or domestic manufacturing, we are moving forward to foster a strong and prosperous economy in New York state.”