Lo c a l
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I n d e p e n d e n t
Volume 8 • Issue 37 • September 20 – September 26, 2013
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F r e e saratogaTODAYnewspaper.com • (518) 581-2480
Farm Aid City Explores Land Swap To Rock For New Fire Station SPAC by Patricia Older Saratoga TODAY
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Balloon Festival Takes Off Pg. 24 WilliamCookPhotography.com
Henry Street Harvest Festival Showcase Of Homes
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Winners Inside Pg. 6
SARATOGA SPRINGS – While the proposal for a firehouse on the east side of town is not yet approved, the Saratoga Springs City Council sent out a Request for Proposals in which they are looking to sell the only remaining parking lot on Broadway in exchange for a piece of East Side real estate that would be suitable for the firehouse. Public Safety Commissioner Chris Mathieson told council members at Tuesday night’s meeting that the deputy commissioner, Eileen Finneran, had also reached out to land owners in the area and had found one individual who was possibly interested in making the deal. The RFP states the sale of the lot would not be considered unless it involves a piece of East Side property. “The person would be willing to sell the parcel at a reasonable price,” said Mathieson. “It has been appraised, so we would buy it at the appraised price, coupled would be the willingness of the city to
sell the parcel and make a significant profit.” Mathieson said the property is on Union Avenue and that it would be a winwin situation for the city. “It would be putting a parcel that is not on the tax rolls back on and as it is developed, the tax would increase significantly,” continued Mathieson. “It would also bring in sales tax dollars because it would be mixed use. The RFP described this scenario being proposed to us.” He said the city stood to also make a significant profit on the deal. “They would sell us a parcel for $200,000 or less and in exchange we would sell the parcel on Broadway for $785,000,” said Mathieson. Continuing, Mathieson said the parking shortage issue would be addressed by parking on side streets and when the City Center built their parking garage. While it has been discussed, there are no plans filed for the City Center parking garage. “Safety should take precedent over parking,” concluded Mathieson. Continued on Page 25
Farmer's Market Finds Home For The Winter
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Spa City Farmer’s Market has a new winter home—the Lincoln Bathhouse. It will make a seamless transition for customers and vendors since the market was held on the grounds of the Bathhouse since it first began last May. The winter season begins November 3. The Saratoga Farmer’s Market is reviewing locations for their new winter location and will be announcing that location in the next few weeks.
Featured Stories Playground Fundraiser Caroline Street Elementary will host it's second annual movie night to raise funds for a new playground. See Movie Night pg. 9
Zurlo Wins Election The Results are in and the votes have been counted. See Zurlo pg. 9
Inside TODAY Blotter 3 Obituaries 5 Business Families Today
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Pulse 23 Sports
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Weekend Forecast FRIDAY
81|54 SATURDAY
77|61 SUNDAY
72|46