By Lisa Balschunat

National Commercial Solar Advisors Inc., with its office in Queensbury, is harnessing energy for businesses and residential properties in New York state, New Jersey and Vermont, and has its sights on Florida next, according to president and founder Brent McDevitt.

Established in 2019, the company has simplified the process of “going solar” for businesses, communities and public organizations by providing customers with a comprehensive proposal and package that makes the process seamless. With nine years of experience in the solar industry and previously aligned with Apex Solar, McDevitt said that he “knew the industry would pop” and wanted to be a part of it.

“When businesses invest in commercial solar energy they can significantly reduce their operating costs and potentially save tens of thousands of dollars over time,” McDevitt said. “This allows businesses to free up cash flow to use in other areas, and of course, utilize a green energy source that is good for the environment.”

Solar panels do not require any additional maintenance to a building or property and McDevitt stated that most systems are guaranteed for up to 25 years. 

“Businesses who invest in solar energy receive a 26 percent federal income tax credit and 100 percent bonus depreciation” he said.  The company offers customers looking to go solar with a total package of upfront services including a comprehensive proposal, site visit, design plans, state and federal application assistance through to a final contract.

Promenade Apartments, a $20 million affordable and supportive housing development located in downtown Saratoga Springs, has been completed.

Financed in part with $16.5 million in low-income tax credits through New York State Homes and Community Renewal, the development is providing 63 affordable homes, including 10 apartments reserved for homeless veterans.

Promenade Apartments consist of a four-story building with 41 apartments and three two-story townhouse-style buildings with a total of 22 units. Altogether, the development features 31 one-bedroom, 26 two-bedroom, and six three-bedroom apartments—all affordable to households earning at or below 80 percent of the area median income, state officials said.

It was developed by Norstar Development USA, LP, and the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. Supportive services will be provided by the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition.

Amenities include Energy Star appliances, a community room with laundry facility, a fitness room, storage space for tenants and an outdoor playground area. The development is also located within a half-mile of retail stores, schools, bus transportation lines, pharmacies, banks, libraries, health centers, grocery stores and restaurants.

The units are at 1 South Federal St., on he same property at Stonequist apartments.

By Jill Nagy

Roma Foods Importing Co., an Italian specialty foods company with stores in Saratoga Springs and Latham,  has a new owner and will soon have a new name, expanded menus, and enlarged facilities.

Cardona’s Market, a similar business located in Albany, bought the Roma business in June. They are building a large production kitchen at the Latham location and expanding the kitchen in Saratoga at 222 Washington St., according to Robert Cardona, one of the three brothers who own the company.  In time, the Roma locations will be renamed Cardona’s, he said.

The Cardona brothers, August, Robert Jr., and  Anthony, are the third generation to own the business which was founded in downtown Albany in 1945. Roma also traces its roots to Albany, where it was founded by Frank Bolognino in 1946. His four sons ran the business at the time of the sale. They plan to retire but Frank’s granddaughter, Nicole Bolognino, who manages the Latham store, is staying on through the transition.

The Saratoga store “cranks out sandwiches like crazy,” said Robert Cardona Jr.

Under the new ownership, the store will continue to feature sandwiches but will offer a greater variety, he said. Cardona’s catering menu will be introduced to the Saratoga Springs store, along with expanded take-out items, a steam table for hot food, more “grab and go” offerings, and a few cafe seats for customers who prefer to eat inside.

The new owners expect to move some equipment around and change the layout of the store for better customer flow and shorter waits, Cardona said.