Spa City recalls a 'titan'
Businessman Spencer Trask honored by book, summer benefit at Yaddo
By DENNIS YUSKO, Staff writer
Click byline for more stories by writer.
First published: Thursday, June 18, 2009
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- One hundred years after he was killed in a tragic accident on his way to saving the city's famous mineral springs, Spencer Trask's financial and philanthropic legacies remain mostly unknown.
Trask became a Gilded Age baron before coming to Saratoga Springs in 1881 and purchasing an Italianate villa on 500 acres. A tenacious Wall Street banker, Trask had invested in Thomas Edison's idea of electricity, railroads and more, and he'd intervened to rescue the New York Times when it faced bankruptcy.
But the Brooklyn native from Puritan ancestors always had an idealistic bent and was as fastidious about culture as he was about finance. In the later years of his life, Trask fought to establish this upstate community into a hub of artistic expression. The seeds he planted bloomed after his death into the Yaddo artist retreat, Saratoga Spa State Park and other city icons.
"His legacy was supporting American creativity and Yankee ingenuity," said Kevin Kimberlin, a venture capitalist who named his Manhattan equity firm after Trask. "What really inspired me was that he lost his eye, four children and his home, but he never lost his faith."
A big supporter of Yaddo, Kimberlin this year commissioned "Enigmatic Titan," a 124-page book about Trask's life, which he calls "the greatest story that's never been told."
Even in death, Trask contributed to city culture. In 1915, noted sculptor Daniel Chester French dedicated the "Spirit of Life" statue in Congress Park to Trask. The bronze sculpture has become the city's emblem.
Trask "was one of the fathers of the city," said Elaina Richardson, president of Yaddo.
This week marks the centennial anniversary of Trask being appointed head of the State Reservation Commission. The work of the mundane-sounding outfit would come to define the city.
Trask lobbied the state Legislature to form the commission in an effort to stop private gas companies from commercially mining carbonic gas from the city's natural springs. The companies extracted the gas to make carbonated drinks. But the spring water was a major area attraction because people believed it contained healing and recuperative powers. By 1908, the natural gas had been nearly depleted, threatening tourism and the health of the city.
Trask worked to preserve the springs and baths by having the state purchase lands that contained them. The effort would become the historic community's first and biggest act of preservation. By 1930, New York purchased more than 1,100 city acres, designated four state park reservations, including Congress Park, and built the Washington and Lincoln bath houses in what became Saratoga Spa State Park.
The reservation commission led to the liberation of the springs, the establishment of the Spa park, the city's Visitor Center and the Spirit of Life, said Lew Benton, city administrator of parks, open land and historic preservation.
"Absent the genius of Trask and his willingness to commit his considerable political and financial capital, the Saratoga Springs of today would be a greatly diminished place," Benton said.
Trask was a bearded, patient man who married the love of his life -- poet Katrina Trask -- but sustained several personal disappointments. His four children -- Alanson, Christina, Spencer Jr., and Katrina -- all died young between 1880 and 1889 from various illnesses.
Spencer Trask contracted a near fatal case of pneumonia in 1891 at the same time that the original Yaddo mansion burned in a fire. Within two years, he built the elaborate 55-room English manor residence that still stands. He lost his eye in a traffic accident in 1909.
With no immediate heirs, the Trasks turned Yaddo into an artist residence in 1900 to nurture the talents of writers, painters, composers and others. Visitors throughout its history include James Baldwin, Truman Capote, Langston Hughes, Sylvia Plath and Mario Puzo. Writer John Cheever once said that Yaddo had seen more distinguished art "than any other piece of ground in the English-speaking community and perhaps the world."
But Spencer Trask would never get to see the artists or his commission's achievements. While riding in a train to New York City to deliver final revisions on the commission's work on New Year's Eve, 1909, another train struck the car in which he was riding at Croton-on-Hudson. He was the only person to die. Found on Trask's body was a tattered note that he always carried with him: "For a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
Dennis Yusko can be reached at 454-5353 or by e-mail at dyusko@timesunion.com.
If you go
WHAT: Yaddo Saratoga Springs Summer Benefit, silent auction and party
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Yaddo Mansion
WHO: Television writer and producer Matt Witten challenges the audience to solve a murder
RESERVATIONS: $150. Sponsorships start at $600
INFORMATION: www.yaddo.org or 584.0746
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
800 lb. female moose loose in Saratoga. It stopped at Siro's for a drink?? and went on to the Racetrack.
Moose visits Saratoga Race Course
Staff reports
Last updated: 10:29 a.m., Monday, June 15, 2009
SARATOGA SPRINGS -- A different sort of four-legged creature is attracting a crowd to Saratoga Race Course this morning.
A large female moose is walking calmly in the executive parking area just inside the front entrance of the track on Union Avenue.
City police, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and about 50 people are looking on.
Police blocked onlookers about 25 feet from the moose.
City police officer Ed Lewis said the department is working with DEC to remove the moose. An officer is coming from Ray Brook to tranquilize the creature and move her.
Lewis said the first call came at 3:45 a.m. when a person reported seeing the moose crossing Broadway downtown.
The next call came at 6:20 a.m., saying the moose was near Siro's restaurant near the track.
Police worked with the New York Racing Association to corral the animal within the fencing of the racecourse.
Hope to save Saratoga Tree Nursery but fate still unsure.
Fate of Saratoga Tree Nursery unsure
Monday, June 15, 2009
By MARIA McBRIDE BUCCIFERRO
For The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Tree Nursery manager David Lee is feeling cautiously optimistic as the nursery’s possible closing date of July 1 looms near.
“It’s gotten very quiet. I was told my higher-ups haven’t heard anything, and they’re not sure what’s happening. They feel that things are looking better for us,” Lee said this week. “They said keep doing what we’re doing until we hear otherwise. We’re still in limbo.”
“Since the governor has come up with an agreement with the unions, it’s to our benefit. Time will tell,” Lee said. “As far as we know as of right now, we’re not closing.”
With a $14 billion state deficit looming, the Department of Environment Conservation announced in April that the state’s sole remaining tree nursery may close as early as July to cut costs.
On June 5, Gov. David Paterson and the state public employees unions announced an agreement to reduce pension benefits for future public employees, saving the state $30 billion over 30 years, though most of the savings won’t be realized for another decade. In return, the governor will shelf his plan to lay off 8,700 state workers.
Whether state officials will keep the nursery opens remains to be seen. “We don’t know if they’ve changed their minds. We haven’t heard anything positive; we haven’t heard anything negative,” Lee said. “We’ll keep running the program as we’ve always run it … until we hear otherwise.”
Lee oversees a staff of 10 full-time and up to 50 seasonal workers. The annual budget is about $750,000. The 1.2 million seedlings grown annually are used by the state for projects, sold to private landowners for conservation plantings, and given away to schools, generating about $250,000 a year in revenue.
He said he only learned recently the story of Col. William F. Fox, the Ballston Spa native who was Superintendent of Forests when the first state nursery was started in 1902. “I never knew that he was one of the founding fathers of the New York state nursery program,” Lee said. “He started what is now the forest rangers and was a leading factor in the creation of nurseries in the state.”
Saratoga Tree Nursery opened in 1911, two years after Fox’s death. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, the 100th anniversary of his death.
URL: http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/06/15/news/doc4a35b724f15d0877416394.prt
© 2009 saratogian.com, a Journal Register Property
BALLSTON SPA — As the fate of the Saratoga Tree Nursery is threatened, the Civil War soldier who oversaw the creation of the first state nursery as state Superintendent of Forests is being remembered in his hometown.
Born in Ballston Spa on Jan. 11, 1840, Colonel William F. Fox died a century ago, on June 16, 1909, after 24 years of service with the state. A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ballston Spa Village Cemetery on Ballston Avenue for Fox, who served as Superintendent of Forests for the Forest, Fish and Game Commission until his death.
“It was through Col. Fox’s foresight and efforts that the forest ranger force was created,” states the invitation from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Forest Protection, which is holding the memorial service in Fox’s honor.
Mayor John Romano and the Ballston Spa Village Board Monday night authorized Chris Morley, Saratoga County history consultant, to represent the village at the ceremony. Morley, who is 88, said he will obtain a G.A.R. marker and flag for Fox’s grave. Fox belonged to Dawson Post No. 63 of the Grand Army of the Republic.
A 1860 graduate in engineering from Union College, Fox served as a lieutenant colonel with the 107th Regiment in the Civil War. “The first regiment organized and sent to the war under the new call from the president for 300,000 volunteers was the 107th,” wrote Thomas Seaman Townsend in “The Honors of the Empire State in the War of the Rebellion,” in 1889. “The regiment fought bravely at Chancellorsville and at the battle of Dallas, Ga. Lieut.-Col. William F. Fox, a gallant officer of the 107th, has, since the close of the war, rendered the country a service by the compilation of an invaluable work entitled ‘The Chances of Being Killed in Battle.’”
Ten years later, in 1898, Fox wrote “Regimental Losses in the American Civil War, 1861-1865,” an authoritative compilation of mortuary losses in the Union regiments. He later wrote three volumes of “New York at Gettysburg,” “Slocum and His Men,” and “A Life of General Green.”
Fox’s family was in the lumbering business. Fox went to Germany to study scientific forestry techniques there, and worked for seven years as a private forester for the Blossburg Coal, Mining, and Railroad Company of Blossburg, Pa., writes Alfred Lee Donaldson in “A History of the Adirondacks.” Fox was appointed assistant secretary to the first Forest Commission in 1885, then served as assistant forest warden, from 1888 to 1891, when he became superintendent of forests upon the creation of the Adirondack Park — “a position which he held, through many political storms and changes, until his death,” Donaldson wrote in 1921.
“He was a sincere lover of the woods and an honest servant of the people. He worked for all that was best in forest methods, but had to face the handicaps of public apathy, changing administrations, and shifting policies. He was from the first an ardent advocate of forest-preserve purchases, and kept urging the state to buy land while the buying was cheap. The beginning of reforestation and the plan of selling trees to private owners — which proved so successful — were of his devising. He had keen foresight and sound judgment in forest matters, and his advice, if more frequently followed, would have often saved the state both money and trouble.”
In 1902, Fox hired the first graduate of the first forestry school in this country — Clifford R. Pettis, who established the first state nursery at Saranac Inn, “and there developed a system of nursery practice which has been adopted by the United States Forest Service and is now taught in all forestry schools,” wrote Donaldson. Pettis was named Superintendent of Forests in 1910, a year after Fox’s death.
The 250-acre Saratoga Tree Nursery has produced 1.6 billion seedlings since it opened in 1911. Once one of at least nine tree nurseries around the state, it is now the only one left, as nursery operations were consolidated to Saratoga in 1972. The tree nursery grows more than 1.2 million seedlings a year for state projects or to sell to private owners, as Fox envisioned, and it gives away more than 32,000 seedlings to state schools.
During the Depression, men and women of the Civilian Conservation Corps planted seedlings from the nurseries throughout the state. With looming state budget deficits in the current recession, the Saratoga Tree Nursery has been threatened with closure to save money. The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors last month passed a resolution in support of keeping the nursery open — a measure Col. Fox would strongly support.
Fox was a strong advocate for planting trees on city streets and along highways. “As in Washington and Paris, every city should establish nurseries supported by municipal appropriations, in which the various species best adapted to street planting can be propagated and grown,” he told the New York Times in June 1900. “Washington is known as one of the most beautiful cities in America on account of the 70,000 trees planted along its streets.”
But it will be his role as the father of the state Forest Rangers that Fox will be especially remembered for Tuesday.
In 1899, he recommended that fire wardens be supplemented with “an adequate force of forest rangers who should be assigned to districts of a suitable area, which should be patrolled constantly and thoroughly…The ranger should be required to live on the township, and a log cabin should be built for that purpose ... He should live in the woods, not in some distant village. During dry seasons, the highways should also be patrolled because more fires start at a roadside than anywhere else.”
Fox’s proposal to hire 35 forest rangers was passed by the New York State Senate, but failed to receive approval by the governor.
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of saratogian.com.
Monday, June 15, 2009
By MARIA McBRIDE BUCCIFERRO
For The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Tree Nursery manager David Lee is feeling cautiously optimistic as the nursery’s possible closing date of July 1 looms near.
“It’s gotten very quiet. I was told my higher-ups haven’t heard anything, and they’re not sure what’s happening. They feel that things are looking better for us,” Lee said this week. “They said keep doing what we’re doing until we hear otherwise. We’re still in limbo.”
“Since the governor has come up with an agreement with the unions, it’s to our benefit. Time will tell,” Lee said. “As far as we know as of right now, we’re not closing.”
With a $14 billion state deficit looming, the Department of Environment Conservation announced in April that the state’s sole remaining tree nursery may close as early as July to cut costs.
On June 5, Gov. David Paterson and the state public employees unions announced an agreement to reduce pension benefits for future public employees, saving the state $30 billion over 30 years, though most of the savings won’t be realized for another decade. In return, the governor will shelf his plan to lay off 8,700 state workers.
Whether state officials will keep the nursery opens remains to be seen. “We don’t know if they’ve changed their minds. We haven’t heard anything positive; we haven’t heard anything negative,” Lee said. “We’ll keep running the program as we’ve always run it … until we hear otherwise.”
Lee oversees a staff of 10 full-time and up to 50 seasonal workers. The annual budget is about $750,000. The 1.2 million seedlings grown annually are used by the state for projects, sold to private landowners for conservation plantings, and given away to schools, generating about $250,000 a year in revenue.
He said he only learned recently the story of Col. William F. Fox, the Ballston Spa native who was Superintendent of Forests when the first state nursery was started in 1902. “I never knew that he was one of the founding fathers of the New York state nursery program,” Lee said. “He started what is now the forest rangers and was a leading factor in the creation of nurseries in the state.”
Saratoga Tree Nursery opened in 1911, two years after Fox’s death. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, the 100th anniversary of his death.
URL: http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/06/15/news/doc4a35b724f15d0877416394.prt
© 2009 saratogian.com, a Journal Register Property
BALLSTON SPA — As the fate of the Saratoga Tree Nursery is threatened, the Civil War soldier who oversaw the creation of the first state nursery as state Superintendent of Forests is being remembered in his hometown.
Born in Ballston Spa on Jan. 11, 1840, Colonel William F. Fox died a century ago, on June 16, 1909, after 24 years of service with the state. A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ballston Spa Village Cemetery on Ballston Avenue for Fox, who served as Superintendent of Forests for the Forest, Fish and Game Commission until his death.
“It was through Col. Fox’s foresight and efforts that the forest ranger force was created,” states the invitation from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Forest Protection, which is holding the memorial service in Fox’s honor.
Mayor John Romano and the Ballston Spa Village Board Monday night authorized Chris Morley, Saratoga County history consultant, to represent the village at the ceremony. Morley, who is 88, said he will obtain a G.A.R. marker and flag for Fox’s grave. Fox belonged to Dawson Post No. 63 of the Grand Army of the Republic.
A 1860 graduate in engineering from Union College, Fox served as a lieutenant colonel with the 107th Regiment in the Civil War. “The first regiment organized and sent to the war under the new call from the president for 300,000 volunteers was the 107th,” wrote Thomas Seaman Townsend in “The Honors of the Empire State in the War of the Rebellion,” in 1889. “The regiment fought bravely at Chancellorsville and at the battle of Dallas, Ga. Lieut.-Col. William F. Fox, a gallant officer of the 107th, has, since the close of the war, rendered the country a service by the compilation of an invaluable work entitled ‘The Chances of Being Killed in Battle.’”
Ten years later, in 1898, Fox wrote “Regimental Losses in the American Civil War, 1861-1865,” an authoritative compilation of mortuary losses in the Union regiments. He later wrote three volumes of “New York at Gettysburg,” “Slocum and His Men,” and “A Life of General Green.”
Fox’s family was in the lumbering business. Fox went to Germany to study scientific forestry techniques there, and worked for seven years as a private forester for the Blossburg Coal, Mining, and Railroad Company of Blossburg, Pa., writes Alfred Lee Donaldson in “A History of the Adirondacks.” Fox was appointed assistant secretary to the first Forest Commission in 1885, then served as assistant forest warden, from 1888 to 1891, when he became superintendent of forests upon the creation of the Adirondack Park — “a position which he held, through many political storms and changes, until his death,” Donaldson wrote in 1921.
“He was a sincere lover of the woods and an honest servant of the people. He worked for all that was best in forest methods, but had to face the handicaps of public apathy, changing administrations, and shifting policies. He was from the first an ardent advocate of forest-preserve purchases, and kept urging the state to buy land while the buying was cheap. The beginning of reforestation and the plan of selling trees to private owners — which proved so successful — were of his devising. He had keen foresight and sound judgment in forest matters, and his advice, if more frequently followed, would have often saved the state both money and trouble.”
In 1902, Fox hired the first graduate of the first forestry school in this country — Clifford R. Pettis, who established the first state nursery at Saranac Inn, “and there developed a system of nursery practice which has been adopted by the United States Forest Service and is now taught in all forestry schools,” wrote Donaldson. Pettis was named Superintendent of Forests in 1910, a year after Fox’s death.
The 250-acre Saratoga Tree Nursery has produced 1.6 billion seedlings since it opened in 1911. Once one of at least nine tree nurseries around the state, it is now the only one left, as nursery operations were consolidated to Saratoga in 1972. The tree nursery grows more than 1.2 million seedlings a year for state projects or to sell to private owners, as Fox envisioned, and it gives away more than 32,000 seedlings to state schools.
During the Depression, men and women of the Civilian Conservation Corps planted seedlings from the nurseries throughout the state. With looming state budget deficits in the current recession, the Saratoga Tree Nursery has been threatened with closure to save money. The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors last month passed a resolution in support of keeping the nursery open — a measure Col. Fox would strongly support.
Fox was a strong advocate for planting trees on city streets and along highways. “As in Washington and Paris, every city should establish nurseries supported by municipal appropriations, in which the various species best adapted to street planting can be propagated and grown,” he told the New York Times in June 1900. “Washington is known as one of the most beautiful cities in America on account of the 70,000 trees planted along its streets.”
But it will be his role as the father of the state Forest Rangers that Fox will be especially remembered for Tuesday.
In 1899, he recommended that fire wardens be supplemented with “an adequate force of forest rangers who should be assigned to districts of a suitable area, which should be patrolled constantly and thoroughly…The ranger should be required to live on the township, and a log cabin should be built for that purpose ... He should live in the woods, not in some distant village. During dry seasons, the highways should also be patrolled because more fires start at a roadside than anywhere else.”
Fox’s proposal to hire 35 forest rangers was passed by the New York State Senate, but failed to receive approval by the governor.
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of saratogian.com.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Saratoga Living Magazine, Summer 2009
The Summer 2009 issue of Saratoga Living Magazine has a marvelous article on the Victoria Pool.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
NYS Senate coup may not be a bad idea.
Is it time for NYS Parks to stage a coup like our esteemed state senators? Kick the high officials out of their low cost mansions and give the parks back to the people.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Check out marcia white/spac blog at timesunion.com
http://blog.timesunion.com/marciawhite/the-spac-experience/2/#comments
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Since the Riggis control the dance museum/Washington Baths at Saratoga Spa State Park we hope they will respect our history.
Riggi family behind historic Greenfield Avenue home purchase
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
By ANDREW J. BERNSTEIN, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nearly a month after neighbors first raised concerns over apparent demolition work being performed at 23 Greenfield Ave., the property’s new owners have come forward and announced their immediate plans for the building.
The two-story brick building on the corner of Greenfield and Woodlawn avenues was sold by James Taylor, owner of Taylor Made Products, manufacturer of boating accessories, to 23 Greenfield Avenue LLC on May 4.
On Monday, attorney John J. Carusone Jr., an agent of the LLC, identified Ronald Riggi as a principal in the LLC and sent a letter to the City Council indicating such. Riggi and his wife, Michele, are a high-profile couple in the Spa City social and philanthropic scene.
Carusone said the owner’s intention is to demolish the building as soon as a permit is approved by the city. A permit application was filed May 29.
“Beyond that, I don’t know,” said Carusone of plans for the property. Ron and Michele Riggi own a home on the corner of North Broadway and Greenfield Avenue, and their property abuts 23 Greenfield Ave. Reached by phone Monday evening, Michele Riggi deferred all comment on the matter to Carusone.
Following an asbestos assessment, abatement was conducted at the building in early May, which focused on removing asbestos in building materials, window frames and some roofs. This step is required by New York State law before a demolition permit can be approved. Although abatement was also conducted on the building in the early ’90s, work focused on pipe insulation in the basement, Carusone said.
23 Greenfield Ave., built in 1865, has been the subject of an outcry from some corners of the city, which culminated in a call for a moratorium on demolitions. The building is identified as a “contributing structure” to the city’s historic district, although it is not within the district itself.
The City Council is expected to vote on a moratorium at their meeting at 7 p.m. tonight, and Samantha Bosshart, executive director of the Saratoga Preservation Foundation, has called for the public to attend a public hearing at 6:40 p.m. to testify about the house.
“The built environment serves as an important link to our past that Saratoga Springs cannot afford to slowly erode with demolitions,” Bosshart stated in a press release. “The historic preservation of this building and others that are contributing buildings to a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places benefit our community and deserve protection even if not located in the local historic district. It is buildings like 23 Greenfield Avenue that make the city of Saratoga Springs the wonderful place it is to reside, work and visit.”
Carusone said the property owners might consider litigation should the city pursue a moratorium on demolition, although he added that the city may be within its rights to adopt the rule.
Since rumors first circulated that the Riggi family had bought the home, members of the community have questioned why the prominent family would demolish an historic structure.
“Everyone has a right to their opinion, but there can still be discussion between reasonable people,” he said, adding that property owners have a right, with proper permitting, to demolish a structure.
When first contacted about purchasing the home, Michele Riggi said she did not know anything about the building. Carusone said she was probably taken by surprise at the time.
NYPost, 5/31/09, NYParks Commissioner Ash mansion sweetheart deal is truly shocking.
The state Parks Department commissioner has a sweetheart deal to rent for just peanuts a Victorian mansion on bucolic parkland.
Carol Ash pays $713 a month for the mansion, which is located on an eight-acre section of Tallman Mountain State Park in Rockland County and is inaccessible to the public, The Post has learned.
The house, in Sparkill, could fetch $2.5 million on the open market or bring in $4,500 to $7,500 in monthly rent to help fill state coffers, according to a local broker.
Ash is one of about 1,250 state workers, including 69 in the Parks Department, who get cut-rate housing -- some paying less than $100 a month, according to information obtained by The Post from the Office of state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
The accommodations also include trailers used by correction officers on prison grounds and houses for college presidents.
The assistant manager of Heckscher State Park, in Long Island, rents a shingled house with a turret for $856 a month, less than half the price of rentals in the area.
The Parks Department tries to fill its homes "with people we know can take care of the properties," such as park managers, said Eileen Larrabee, a department spokeswoman.
Ash's deal goes back to 1999, when she was named director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The commission controls who rents the house, and the revenue goes to the state.
In 2005, she led a public tour of the 1850s house, known as the Hopson-Swan Estate, and described it as a mansion with high ceilings, tall windows and "spacious interiors." It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ash, commissioner since 2007, kept the mansion despite working in Albany and living outside the capital in Rensselaerville. Her husband, Joshua Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who works at Columbia University, has an 18-mile car ride from the house in the park.
Ash stays in the park mansion a few days a month, and her husband uses it as well, Larrabee said.
Larrabee also said Ash and Friedman are leaving the park, a decision made in March -- before The Post started asking about her living arrangements.
Rents for state houses are set by the Division of Budget based on the location and number of rooms.
No employee pays more than $902 a month, according to the Comptroller's Office.
melissa.klein@nypost.com
Carol Ash pays $713 a month for the mansion, which is located on an eight-acre section of Tallman Mountain State Park in Rockland County and is inaccessible to the public, The Post has learned.
The house, in Sparkill, could fetch $2.5 million on the open market or bring in $4,500 to $7,500 in monthly rent to help fill state coffers, according to a local broker.
Ash is one of about 1,250 state workers, including 69 in the Parks Department, who get cut-rate housing -- some paying less than $100 a month, according to information obtained by The Post from the Office of state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
The accommodations also include trailers used by correction officers on prison grounds and houses for college presidents.
The assistant manager of Heckscher State Park, in Long Island, rents a shingled house with a turret for $856 a month, less than half the price of rentals in the area.
The Parks Department tries to fill its homes "with people we know can take care of the properties," such as park managers, said Eileen Larrabee, a department spokeswoman.
Ash's deal goes back to 1999, when she was named director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. The commission controls who rents the house, and the revenue goes to the state.
In 2005, she led a public tour of the 1850s house, known as the Hopson-Swan Estate, and described it as a mansion with high ceilings, tall windows and "spacious interiors." It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ash, commissioner since 2007, kept the mansion despite working in Albany and living outside the capital in Rensselaerville. Her husband, Joshua Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who works at Columbia University, has an 18-mile car ride from the house in the park.
Ash stays in the park mansion a few days a month, and her husband uses it as well, Larrabee said.
Larrabee also said Ash and Friedman are leaving the park, a decision made in March -- before The Post started asking about her living arrangements.
Rents for state houses are set by the Division of Budget based on the location and number of rooms.
No employee pays more than $902 a month, according to the Comptroller's Office.
melissa.klein@nypost.com
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
yes, folks, let the peasants sweat outside the Victoria Pool while we all pay for Parks Commissioner Ash to live in a mansion.
You pay for N.Y. Parks Commissioner’s weekend placeBy student_bee_reporter ( June 1, 2009 at 5:34 pm) · Filed under NY Politics, student bee reporter
We can hope that New York State’s fiscal crisis helps flush out more news about wasteful spending such as this. The N.Y. Parks Commissioner occupies in a state-owned mansion on public land, and doesn’t even live in it full time.
Carol Ash pays $713 a month for the mansion, which is located on an eight-acre section of Tallman Mountain State Park in Rockland County and is inaccessible to the public, The Post has learned.
The house, in Sparkill, could fetch $2.5 million on the open market or bring in $4,500 to $7,500 in monthly rent to help fill state coffers, according to a local broker.
…
Ash, commissioner since 2007, kept the mansion despite working in Albany and living outside the capital in Rensselaerville. Her husband, Joshua Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who works at Columbia University, has an 18-mile car ride from the house in the park.
Ash stays in the park mansion a few days a month, and her husband uses it as well…
She is one of over 1200 state employees who receive cut-rate housing. The Comptroller’s Office says none of them pay more than $902 a month. No doubt some of them must live on-premises for their work…. but come on, let’s get real. The state is cutting back and laying off workers, so let’s reset our priorities.
ShareThis
Related posts:
We can hope that New York State’s fiscal crisis helps flush out more news about wasteful spending such as this. The N.Y. Parks Commissioner occupies in a state-owned mansion on public land, and doesn’t even live in it full time.
Carol Ash pays $713 a month for the mansion, which is located on an eight-acre section of Tallman Mountain State Park in Rockland County and is inaccessible to the public, The Post has learned.
The house, in Sparkill, could fetch $2.5 million on the open market or bring in $4,500 to $7,500 in monthly rent to help fill state coffers, according to a local broker.
…
Ash, commissioner since 2007, kept the mansion despite working in Albany and living outside the capital in Rensselaerville. Her husband, Joshua Friedman, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who works at Columbia University, has an 18-mile car ride from the house in the park.
Ash stays in the park mansion a few days a month, and her husband uses it as well…
She is one of over 1200 state employees who receive cut-rate housing. The Comptroller’s Office says none of them pay more than $902 a month. No doubt some of them must live on-premises for their work…. but come on, let’s get real. The state is cutting back and laying off workers, so let’s reset our priorities.
ShareThis
Related posts:
National Parks give 3 free weekends and Saratoga Spa State Park is jacking up the Victoria Pool fee to $8.
Fee-Free Weekends in Your National Parks
America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better this summer with three fee-free weekends at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees*.
Mark your calendars for fee-free weekends this summer:
June 20-21, 2009 (Father’s Day weekend)
July 18-19, 2009
August 15-16, 2009
And to make the fun even more affordable, many national park concessioners are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors on this summer’s fee free weekends with the their own special offers.
Here’s a tip – many national parks never charge an entrance fee, so you can plan inexpensive visits year round!
For a list of family fun activities this summer, visit National Parks: The Place to Be for Family Fun.
*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.
America’s Best Idea – the national parks – gets even better this summer with three fee-free weekends at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees*.
Mark your calendars for fee-free weekends this summer:
June 20-21, 2009 (Father’s Day weekend)
July 18-19, 2009
August 15-16, 2009
And to make the fun even more affordable, many national park concessioners are joining the National Park Service in welcoming visitors on this summer’s fee free weekends with the their own special offers.
Here’s a tip – many national parks never charge an entrance fee, so you can plan inexpensive visits year round!
For a list of family fun activities this summer, visit National Parks: The Place to Be for Family Fun.
*Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
It's raining Chairs, Chairs, everywhere.
Saratoga Spa State Park we understand is busy buying $200+ apiece fancy chairs for the ice cream parlor instead of opening Victoria Pool. Let's see-70 chairs times $225 each comes to over $15,000. We are predicted to have the third beautiful weather weekend in a row since Memorial Day.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Save the Victoria Pool Society went public after many years of quietly meeting with NYS Park administrators.Victoria Pool was falling apart by 2003.
Some of your comments lead us to believe you do not understand what bad shape the Victoria Pool was in by 2003. For many years Save the Victoria Pool Society members quietly met with Saratoga Spa State Park administrators alarmed at the steady deterioration and nothing was done. We went public only after our pleas were ignored year after year.
Victoria Pool may open one week earlier,keep your fingers crossed folks.
Group pushes for early pool opening at Spa State Park
Sunday, May 31, 2009
By PAUL POST
The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — State parks officials expect to open Victoria Pool on Saturday, June 27, but might opt for a week earlier if conditions permit.
However, that’s still not early enough for Save the Victoria Pool Society members, who gathered at the site recently to protest its scheduled opening.
The cash-strapped state could make money by opening the pool Memorial Day weekend or early June, society co-founder Louise Goldstein said. But parks officials say it takes at least five people to staff the pool, and if weather doesn’t cooperate, it actually loses money.
“It’s a balancing act,” said Robert Kuhn, assistant regional parks commissioner. “Monday (May 25) was a beautiful day. If people really wanted to go swimming, they could have gone to one of our beaches. We were almost turning people away at Moreau Lake State Park. At this point, the pool water is still so cold that most people don’t want to go in. You might get a few sunbathers. But if it’s cloudy and nobody shows up, you lose money.”
Moreau Lake’s beach stayed open throughout Memorial Day weekend because the park’s campgrounds were 98 percent full.
Staffing the pool requires three lifeguards, a certified pool operator and someone to take money. Pool fees are going up this year from $6 to $8 for adults. The cost for children is $4.
Several years ago, the state spent $1.5 million to upgrade Victoria Pool, located behind the Gideon Putnam Hotel & Resort. “It’s our (taxpayer) money they spent and it’s just sitting there,” Goldstein said. “People would rather go to a hotel that has a pool open.”
She said many people are taking vacations close to home this year, another reason the pool should open earlier.
“A third of our very short summer should not be denied state residents whose hard-earned money paid to save it,” Goldstein said.
The park’s Peerless Pool is also scheduled to open on Saturday, June 27. Kuhn said the pools might open a week earlier if lifeguards are trained, water quality is sufficient and the weather cooperates.
Goldstein also protested the increased pool fee, saying it’s coming at a time when people can least afford it.
Statewide, the parks department was hit hard by this year’s fiscal crisis and forced to scale back or close a variety of facilities. Both the Victoria and Peerless pools will close an hour earlier (6 p.m.) and Peerless Pool will be closed Tuesdays. Use was lightest on Tuesdays the past several years, Kuhn said.
Goldstein said Tuesday is the only day Saratoga Race Course workers can go to the pool, when the track is dark. Kuhn said most of the workers go to Victoria Pool anyway, to avoid large numbers of camp children at Peerless Pool.
To access Peerless Pool, visitors must go through one of Spa State Park’s admission booths and pay a $6 day-use fee. On top of that there’s a pool fee, $2 for adults and $1 for children.
Park visitors can get to Victoria Pool via Avenue of the Pines, which can be accessed without going through an admission booth.
Spa State Park pools
Victoria Pool
ä Fee — $8 adults, $4 children
Peerless Pool
ä Fee — $6 park day-use plus $2 adults, $1 children for pool use.
ä Opening — Saturday, June 27 (both pools). Possibly one week earlier if conditions permit.
URL: http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/05/31/news/doc4a21f47d2eeeb049132421.prt
© 2009 saratogian.com, a Journal Register Property
Monday, May 25, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
tree nursery still needs saving
Tree nursery’s fate uncertain
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors threw their support behind the Saratoga Tree Nursery earlier this week.
The reason: state officials have indicated the nursery may be shuttered as a way to help close the budget gap. The 250-acre nursery, with a staff of ten, commands a budget of around $750,000 which is offset by $250,000 in revenue.
County officials, in their resolution, said state officials should address the nursery’s business plan to “make it more self supporting.” They also said buying trees from other sources will cost the state more than they can save by shutting down the operation.
The nursery, adjacent to Saratoga Spa State Park, once produced as many as 15 million seeds a year for reforestation efforts across the state. They now produce around 1.5 million seeds a year.
David Lee, the nursery manager, told the Post Star in January that the facility was being “strongly looked at” for closure. Today, he said it remains unclear if state officials will move to shut down the facility, which opened in 1902 and is the last remaining state-run nursery.
“At this point, we’re still operating as normal,” Lee said.
Photo: Forester Michael Echnter shows a button bush seed sample while technician Mike Svoboda takes a break from sorting seeds at nursery in January.
– Drew Kerr
post star
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors threw their support behind the Saratoga Tree Nursery earlier this week.
The reason: state officials have indicated the nursery may be shuttered as a way to help close the budget gap. The 250-acre nursery, with a staff of ten, commands a budget of around $750,000 which is offset by $250,000 in revenue.
County officials, in their resolution, said state officials should address the nursery’s business plan to “make it more self supporting.” They also said buying trees from other sources will cost the state more than they can save by shutting down the operation.
The nursery, adjacent to Saratoga Spa State Park, once produced as many as 15 million seeds a year for reforestation efforts across the state. They now produce around 1.5 million seeds a year.
David Lee, the nursery manager, told the Post Star in January that the facility was being “strongly looked at” for closure. Today, he said it remains unclear if state officials will move to shut down the facility, which opened in 1902 and is the last remaining state-run nursery.
“At this point, we’re still operating as normal,” Lee said.
Photo: Forester Michael Echnter shows a button bush seed sample while technician Mike Svoboda takes a break from sorting seeds at nursery in January.
– Drew Kerr
post star
Sunday, May 17, 2009
this comment bears repeating to be sure that everyone sees it. We can only hope the powers-that-be will take a hint for the Victoria/Peerless Pools
George said...
By MARIA McBRIDE BUCCIFERRO, For the Saratogian
BALLSTON SPA —Some good news for village kids: The public swimming pool in Kelley Park will open two weeks earlier this year, weather permitting, and fees will stay the same as last summer.
The pool is scheduled to open at noon June 13, with weekend hours and a shortened schedule on weekdays, trustee Donna Thomas told the Village Board Monday night. The hours will be “weather-driven. If it’s 60 degrees and there’s not anyone in the water,” the pool will close, she said.
Sign-ups for summer swimming lessons will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 27 and 28. Information will be sent home from the schools and will be posted on village bulletin boards.
More than 500 children usually take lessons. Despite increased costs for payroll, chlorine and other pool expenses, fees won’t go up. “We‘d love to raise them,” said Thomas, but in today’s economy, rates will stay the same.
Two years ago, the board voted to increase the price for a seasonal pool pass from $25 to $35, but kept the daily pool rate of $2.
8:43 AM
By MARIA McBRIDE BUCCIFERRO, For the Saratogian
BALLSTON SPA —Some good news for village kids: The public swimming pool in Kelley Park will open two weeks earlier this year, weather permitting, and fees will stay the same as last summer.
The pool is scheduled to open at noon June 13, with weekend hours and a shortened schedule on weekdays, trustee Donna Thomas told the Village Board Monday night. The hours will be “weather-driven. If it’s 60 degrees and there’s not anyone in the water,” the pool will close, she said.
Sign-ups for summer swimming lessons will be held from 9 a.m. to noon June 27 and 28. Information will be sent home from the schools and will be posted on village bulletin boards.
More than 500 children usually take lessons. Despite increased costs for payroll, chlorine and other pool expenses, fees won’t go up. “We‘d love to raise them,” said Thomas, but in today’s economy, rates will stay the same.
Two years ago, the board voted to increase the price for a seasonal pool pass from $25 to $35, but kept the daily pool rate of $2.
8:43 AM
Friday, May 15, 2009
We do not understand why the Victoria Pool cannot be opened for Memorial Day? It is filled and ready to go.
King of the Victoria Pool and Board Member, Stanton, enjoying being poolside. The pool is filled and just needs algae cleaned up on the bottom. It should be opened as soon as possible.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
SPAC losing members ever since benefits cut out 50% ticket discounts and NYCBallet cut to two weeks.
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Byproducts of a negative economy include pent-up demand for entertainment and people taking closer-to-home vacations.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center is banking on such trends to produce positive results during a 2009 summer season that begins just nine days from now.
While touting SPAC’s relatively strong fiscal condition, officials Wednesday expressed concerned about the fate of New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra, both of which continue to suffer major attendance and financial losses.
"It’s critical that we go to these performances and get our friends to go," Treasurer Abe Lackman told the roughly 80 people gathered at SPAC’s annual membership meeting. "There is a trend here that is extremely worrisome."
Financial conditions have forced the ballet to cut its Saratoga residency from three to two weeks.
"The ballet loses over
$1 million when they’re up here," SPAC Chairman William Dake said. "It was their decision. They have such a serious financial position that they had to go ahead and cut it. I’m very concerned about the orchestra as well. They also have very severe financial difficulties."
Major banks and corporations that typically support the arts can no longer do so, at least not at past levels.
"History doesn’t mean much these days," Dake said. "We’re in a rapidly changing world."
The economy continues to impact all segments of the sports and entertainment industry almost daily. Major racetracks such as Churchill Downs and Del Mar have cut back their schedules, and empty seats at the new Yankee Stadium have been highly publicized since last month’s opening.
"NASCAR, the hottest thing in the world last year, is suffering these days," Dake said.
But he said SPAC’s location, population base and program flexibility puts it in a position to survive the current economic storm. Classical events have been expanded this year to include two modern dance companies. In the future, more such offerings or touring ballet companies might be added to complement New York City Ballet.
In addition, the annual Freihofer’s Jazz Festival along with pop and rock concerts help SPAC appeal to a variety of interest groups.
SPAC’s box office opened Sunday and preseason ticket sales, accounting for 20 percent of admissions revenue, appear strong, Chief Financial Officer Richard Geary said. "I think we’re going to be okay if we can get people to come this summer," he said.
The arts center realized its fourth straight year of finishing in the black in 2008. Signaling a mixed financial bag, however, Geary said 2009 memberships are 10 percent behind last year’s. SPAC expects to conduct a large direct-mail campaign soon to get more people on board.
"We really have to see, what does our audience want? How do we get it? And how do we get it for less?" SPAC President Marcia White said.
Four years ago, several parties made substantial multi-year gifts to SPAC, whose final installments are due this year. White said she continues to seek new private and business sponsorships. GlobalFoundries, the firm expected to build a computer chip plant in Malta, has already become a SPAC member and has expressed interest in further involvement, she said.
"On one hand we are in very, very good shape," Dake said. "On the other hand, it’s chaos out there. In these economic times you have to accept that everything’s on the table."
What SPAC did
Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s Board of Directors took action on the following items Wednesday at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Spa State Park.
ä Elected — Carol Farmer, new board member. Farmer is the wife of noted thoroughbred horse owner Tracy Farmer. The couple has a summer home in Saratoga Springs. She is a noted philanthropist and supporter of the University of Kentucky, is on the board of Kentucky Children’s Hospital and co-chairs the new Chandler Hospital’s Art Committee.
She serves on the boards of the National Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. It’s hoped that Farmer’s membership will encourage other horse owners to become involved with SPAC, President Marcia White said.
ä Officers — Made the following appointments for 2009/10 – Honorary Chair Marylou Whitney; Chairman William Dake; Vice Chairman E. Stewart Jones; Secretary Ed Lewi; Treasurer Abe Lackman; President Marcia White.
ä Re-elected — Matthew Bender, John Gilbert, George Hearst, Lawrence King, Eleanor Mullaney, John Nigro, Arthur Roth were re-elected to new three-year terms on the board.
ä Announced — New "Stay Green" recycling campaign. SPAC’s more than 300,000 visitors will be encouraged to place recyclables in bins
located at strategic points around the grounds. This includes 70 bins for beverages and cardboard bins for the thousands of boxes brought to SPAC by vendors and concessionaires.
Upcoming events
Several programs are planned this month as part of SPAC’s extended season. They are:
ä May 23 – Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni
Ensemble.
ä May 29 – Rachael Price.
ä May 30 – Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz
Orchestra.
ä For information call 584-9330 or see the Web site: www.spac.org
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of saratogian.com.
kaiser soze wrote on May 14, 2009 10:52 AM:
" SPAC HAS TIRIED EVERYTHING BUT LOWERING PRICES.
This will turn out to be SPAC’S worst season ever. Marcia J. White continues to run the organization for her own benefit. She renewed the give away contract with live nation continues to use Ticketmaster instead of her own box office there bye giving more of SPAC’S income to the corporate giant.
And when the dust is settled and SPAC is in ruins she will blame everyone one but herself.
This is a nursing shortage Marcia go do what you do best.
But then again nurses don’t make 120000 or have a Manhattan apartment or a free BMW "
Report Abuse
catdeli wrote on May 14, 2009 12:42 PM:
" I began attending SPAC in 1973 for rock concerts and it was the best place to see a show. The lawn on a nice Summer night can't be beat. I saw many memorable shows there over the years but the restrictive policies and police state mindset of the place has turned me off to ever going again. Overeager security and a "get 'em in and treat 'em like cattle" operating style has resulted in a totally unenjoyable experience. Now that I am older, I have no time for this kind of treatment after I have paid my money to have a night of entertainment. Last times I went to a show was several years ago when security walked the aisles constantly for no discernable reason other than to distract from the performers onstage. Searches at the gate included removal of hats! I was expecting to have to drop trou next. A catle pen "Beer Garden" is humiliating and a nuisance. Not being able to take even water or soda into the amphitheater seats is an outrageous policy. Contrast this senario with that of a recent visit to Proctor's in Schenectady where we were actively encouraged to enjoy our night out with little restrictive conditions and were treated like the responsible adults that we are by the courteous staff. We will certainly return THERE. SPAC is poisoning itself from within and blaming the Capital District. We stay away for good reason. "
Report Abuse
one eyed fatman wrote on May 14, 2009 1:47 PM:
" Spac just doesn’t get it. We just saw the Moscow ballet in Proctors and paid 36 dollars for a great seat with no hidden service fees or handling fees. Spac wants the Ballet to fail so there will be more dates open for Live{lice} nation along with more money for perks for Marcia.
And just like George Bush who said You’re doing a hell of a job, Brownie in Hurricane Katrina's aftermath
Dake will come out and say You're doing a hell of a job,Marcia.
Too bad about the ballet leaving, "
Report Abuse
CP12345 wrote on May 14, 2009 2:16 PM:
" why is attendence down?
#1 - ridiculous prices for concert tickets and fees (considerably more than at the Syracuse NYS Fair or Darian Lake / Buffalo Outdoor Amplitheater)
#2- adults wanting to drink a beer are coralled like cattle into this fenced area to spend $10 a drink. Aside from ridiculous prices, you have no view of the stage while in here.
#3- the lawn area is just too crowded. The mall like food court and restrooms should have been built further back leaving more viewing / seating area on the lawn.
#4 - the food is bad- years ago there was a grill to buy from, or you just brought in a cooler with your own.
I grew up in Saratoga and SPAC was a blast. Not anymore. Lawn seats were under $30 and you were allowed to bring in coolers with drinks / food.
But lets not worry- the board of directors will spend countless hours and I am sure excess money on meetings / lunches / etc to try to figure out these common sense issues. "
Report Abuse
kaiser soze wrote on May 14, 2009 4:11 PM:
" When the Yankees seats went unsold they cut price is that a concept you can understand Dake? "
Report Abuse
Login To Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Byproducts of a negative economy include pent-up demand for entertainment and people taking closer-to-home vacations.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center is banking on such trends to produce positive results during a 2009 summer season that begins just nine days from now.
While touting SPAC’s relatively strong fiscal condition, officials Wednesday expressed concerned about the fate of New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra, both of which continue to suffer major attendance and financial losses.
"It’s critical that we go to these performances and get our friends to go," Treasurer Abe Lackman told the roughly 80 people gathered at SPAC’s annual membership meeting. "There is a trend here that is extremely worrisome."
Financial conditions have forced the ballet to cut its Saratoga residency from three to two weeks.
"The ballet loses over
$1 million when they’re up here," SPAC Chairman William Dake said. "It was their decision. They have such a serious financial position that they had to go ahead and cut it. I’m very concerned about the orchestra as well. They also have very severe financial difficulties."
Major banks and corporations that typically support the arts can no longer do so, at least not at past levels.
"History doesn’t mean much these days," Dake said. "We’re in a rapidly changing world."
The economy continues to impact all segments of the sports and entertainment industry almost daily. Major racetracks such as Churchill Downs and Del Mar have cut back their schedules, and empty seats at the new Yankee Stadium have been highly publicized since last month’s opening.
"NASCAR, the hottest thing in the world last year, is suffering these days," Dake said.
But he said SPAC’s location, population base and program flexibility puts it in a position to survive the current economic storm. Classical events have been expanded this year to include two modern dance companies. In the future, more such offerings or touring ballet companies might be added to complement New York City Ballet.
In addition, the annual Freihofer’s Jazz Festival along with pop and rock concerts help SPAC appeal to a variety of interest groups.
SPAC’s box office opened Sunday and preseason ticket sales, accounting for 20 percent of admissions revenue, appear strong, Chief Financial Officer Richard Geary said. "I think we’re going to be okay if we can get people to come this summer," he said.
The arts center realized its fourth straight year of finishing in the black in 2008. Signaling a mixed financial bag, however, Geary said 2009 memberships are 10 percent behind last year’s. SPAC expects to conduct a large direct-mail campaign soon to get more people on board.
"We really have to see, what does our audience want? How do we get it? And how do we get it for less?" SPAC President Marcia White said.
Four years ago, several parties made substantial multi-year gifts to SPAC, whose final installments are due this year. White said she continues to seek new private and business sponsorships. GlobalFoundries, the firm expected to build a computer chip plant in Malta, has already become a SPAC member and has expressed interest in further involvement, she said.
"On one hand we are in very, very good shape," Dake said. "On the other hand, it’s chaos out there. In these economic times you have to accept that everything’s on the table."
What SPAC did
Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s Board of Directors took action on the following items Wednesday at the Hall of Springs in Saratoga Spa State Park.
ä Elected — Carol Farmer, new board member. Farmer is the wife of noted thoroughbred horse owner Tracy Farmer. The couple has a summer home in Saratoga Springs. She is a noted philanthropist and supporter of the University of Kentucky, is on the board of Kentucky Children’s Hospital and co-chairs the new Chandler Hospital’s Art Committee.
She serves on the boards of the National Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. It’s hoped that Farmer’s membership will encourage other horse owners to become involved with SPAC, President Marcia White said.
ä Officers — Made the following appointments for 2009/10 – Honorary Chair Marylou Whitney; Chairman William Dake; Vice Chairman E. Stewart Jones; Secretary Ed Lewi; Treasurer Abe Lackman; President Marcia White.
ä Re-elected — Matthew Bender, John Gilbert, George Hearst, Lawrence King, Eleanor Mullaney, John Nigro, Arthur Roth were re-elected to new three-year terms on the board.
ä Announced — New "Stay Green" recycling campaign. SPAC’s more than 300,000 visitors will be encouraged to place recyclables in bins
located at strategic points around the grounds. This includes 70 bins for beverages and cardboard bins for the thousands of boxes brought to SPAC by vendors and concessionaires.
Upcoming events
Several programs are planned this month as part of SPAC’s extended season. They are:
ä May 23 – Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem Alumni
Ensemble.
ä May 29 – Rachael Price.
ä May 30 – Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz
Orchestra.
ä For information call 584-9330 or see the Web site: www.spac.org
Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of saratogian.com.
kaiser soze wrote on May 14, 2009 10:52 AM:
" SPAC HAS TIRIED EVERYTHING BUT LOWERING PRICES.
This will turn out to be SPAC’S worst season ever. Marcia J. White continues to run the organization for her own benefit. She renewed the give away contract with live nation continues to use Ticketmaster instead of her own box office there bye giving more of SPAC’S income to the corporate giant.
And when the dust is settled and SPAC is in ruins she will blame everyone one but herself.
This is a nursing shortage Marcia go do what you do best.
But then again nurses don’t make 120000 or have a Manhattan apartment or a free BMW "
Report Abuse
catdeli wrote on May 14, 2009 12:42 PM:
" I began attending SPAC in 1973 for rock concerts and it was the best place to see a show. The lawn on a nice Summer night can't be beat. I saw many memorable shows there over the years but the restrictive policies and police state mindset of the place has turned me off to ever going again. Overeager security and a "get 'em in and treat 'em like cattle" operating style has resulted in a totally unenjoyable experience. Now that I am older, I have no time for this kind of treatment after I have paid my money to have a night of entertainment. Last times I went to a show was several years ago when security walked the aisles constantly for no discernable reason other than to distract from the performers onstage. Searches at the gate included removal of hats! I was expecting to have to drop trou next. A catle pen "Beer Garden" is humiliating and a nuisance. Not being able to take even water or soda into the amphitheater seats is an outrageous policy. Contrast this senario with that of a recent visit to Proctor's in Schenectady where we were actively encouraged to enjoy our night out with little restrictive conditions and were treated like the responsible adults that we are by the courteous staff. We will certainly return THERE. SPAC is poisoning itself from within and blaming the Capital District. We stay away for good reason. "
Report Abuse
one eyed fatman wrote on May 14, 2009 1:47 PM:
" Spac just doesn’t get it. We just saw the Moscow ballet in Proctors and paid 36 dollars for a great seat with no hidden service fees or handling fees. Spac wants the Ballet to fail so there will be more dates open for Live{lice} nation along with more money for perks for Marcia.
And just like George Bush who said You’re doing a hell of a job, Brownie in Hurricane Katrina's aftermath
Dake will come out and say You're doing a hell of a job,Marcia.
Too bad about the ballet leaving, "
Report Abuse
CP12345 wrote on May 14, 2009 2:16 PM:
" why is attendence down?
#1 - ridiculous prices for concert tickets and fees (considerably more than at the Syracuse NYS Fair or Darian Lake / Buffalo Outdoor Amplitheater)
#2- adults wanting to drink a beer are coralled like cattle into this fenced area to spend $10 a drink. Aside from ridiculous prices, you have no view of the stage while in here.
#3- the lawn area is just too crowded. The mall like food court and restrooms should have been built further back leaving more viewing / seating area on the lawn.
#4 - the food is bad- years ago there was a grill to buy from, or you just brought in a cooler with your own.
I grew up in Saratoga and SPAC was a blast. Not anymore. Lawn seats were under $30 and you were allowed to bring in coolers with drinks / food.
But lets not worry- the board of directors will spend countless hours and I am sure excess money on meetings / lunches / etc to try to figure out these common sense issues. "
Report Abuse
kaiser soze wrote on May 14, 2009 4:11 PM:
" When the Yankees seats went unsold they cut price is that a concept you can understand Dake? "
Report Abuse
Login To Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Victoria Pool to cost $8 and parking fees going up at Saratoga Spa State Park.
Spa State Park pool, parking fees to change
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Pool and parking fees at the Spa State Park are set to change this year, according to the 2009 operation schedule released by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Changes to the fees and operating schedule at Saratoga Spa State Park are part of a region-wide plan to adjust services to meet patron demand, promote underutilized facilities and implement cost-saving measures during a period of state budget reductions.
The contact stations opened for weekends May 2 and will be open everyday starting May 23 to collect a $6 vehicle use fee (VUF) for entrance into the southern end of the park through Oct. 12. The southern end of the park includes the Peerless Pool complex, Geyser Creek picnic area and all of the park’s eight picnic pavilions, which are available for rental.
The Victoria Pool and the Peerless Pool complex will open Saturday, June 27, and will close for the season Monday, Sept. 7. The Victoria Pool will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. The Peerless Pool complex will be open six days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The complex will be closed Tuesdays throughout the summer.
The pool fee at the Victoria Pool will be $8 per adult and $4 per child. The pool fee at the Peerless Pool will be $2 per adult and $1 per child. The park has raised the entrance fee at the Victoria Pool and lowered the entrance fee at the Peerless Pool in an effort to encourage families and other pool-goers to patronize the Peerless Pool complex. In prior years, the Victoria Pool has suffered from overcrowding and intermittent closure because of its limited capacity of 344 patrons. The Peerless Pool complex can accommodate more than 1,000 patrons and has amenities like water slides, a kiddie pool, a zero-entry pool, a new playground and picnic areas nearby that are not available at the Victoria Pool.
The park is also increasing parking fees this year for Live Nation rock concert events to encourage carpooling and mass transportation to the event; reduce negative impacts to the park; and to offset the extra security, life safety and clean-up costs associated with the rock concert series. On nights when there is a rock concert at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), the fee for parking in Saratoga Spa State Park will be increased to $10. The VUF for concert patrons entering the park will be raised from $6 to $10 when the SPAC Route 50 parking lots are opened for the event. Typically, the Route 50 lots open two hours before showtime, or three hours before showtime for the larger events. Parking at the Route 50 parking lots will continue to be free of charge. The $10 parking fee will only apply to concert-goers parking in the park. The fee will be applied in both the southern end of the park, where it has traditionally been collected at the contact stations, and in the northern end of the park when and where lawn parking is required within the main campus or mall.
A parking fee will not be charged for SPAC’s classical programming.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
House at Saratoga Spa State Park being leased by Private Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs
We assume the private Waldorf School is paying for the renovations to 45 Kadeross Ave. part of Saratoga Spa State Park(road behind pj's bar-b-q). They have leased the property for a year round "forest kindergarten" for their students.
The public is very upset that several cutbacks to Saratoga Spa State Park are affecting both public pools this summer.
Fiscal difficulties will close the Peerless Pool on Tuesdays in 2009 and close both the Victoria and Peerless Pools one hour early. Rumor also has it that the Victoria Pool fee is being raised to $8. It is already the most expensive State pool admission at $6.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Forest kindergarten hosted by Saratoga spa State Park
Forest kindergartenMay 4, 2009 at 11:47 am by Dennis Yusko, Staff writer
Up to 40 area kindergarten students will attend class outdoors all year long under a new agreement between the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Spa State Park.
The school’s new “Forest Kindergarten” program will launch in September on state park land off Kaydeross Avenue. The school and park are doing minor renovations to a farmhouse at the site and will build a garden on a half-acre of mowed land. Students will use the 300 acres of State Park forest land as their classroom.
“They will spend the vast majority of their days outdoors, even in the winter,” Gina Michelin, the school’s development director said. The students would be brought in the farmhouse’s two traditional classrooms on prohibitively cold or wet days, she said.
The program is unique to the U.S., though countries like Denmark have tried nature-based approaches to education since the 1950s, said Michelin, whose 4-year-old son Sam is one of 20 children already enrolled in the program. The program can accept up to 40 students, she said.
The outdoor classroom aims to battle “nature deficit disorder,” or a lack of free, outdoor play in the lives of today’s children and how it is negatively impacting their physical, emotional and intellectual health, the school says.
Up to 40 area kindergarten students will attend class outdoors all year long under a new agreement between the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs and the Saratoga Spa State Park.
The school’s new “Forest Kindergarten” program will launch in September on state park land off Kaydeross Avenue. The school and park are doing minor renovations to a farmhouse at the site and will build a garden on a half-acre of mowed land. Students will use the 300 acres of State Park forest land as their classroom.
“They will spend the vast majority of their days outdoors, even in the winter,” Gina Michelin, the school’s development director said. The students would be brought in the farmhouse’s two traditional classrooms on prohibitively cold or wet days, she said.
The program is unique to the U.S., though countries like Denmark have tried nature-based approaches to education since the 1950s, said Michelin, whose 4-year-old son Sam is one of 20 children already enrolled in the program. The program can accept up to 40 students, she said.
The outdoor classroom aims to battle “nature deficit disorder,” or a lack of free, outdoor play in the lives of today’s children and how it is negatively impacting their physical, emotional and intellectual health, the school says.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Our neighbors at Saratoga Tree Nursery need our support.
The Saratoga Tree Nursery is being targeted for closure by the Department of Environmental Conservation in order to meet mandated budget and personnel cuts as set by Governor Paterson. This decision to close the Nursery is not set in stone, but is a grave possibility if a consensus is not reached between the Governor and the Unions regarding a raise freeze and the enactment of a proposed one week lag pay for the state work force.
The Saratoga Tree Nursery Program was started in 1902. The State Nursery in Saratoga began in 1911. The Nursery Program survived the Great Depression, and created many jobs for Civilian Conservation Corps men and women in the 30's who were instrumental in re- planting the barren areas in New York with seedlings grown at NY State operated nurseries.
At one time NY had as many as 9 state operated nurseries. All nursery operations were consolidated to Saratoga in 1972.
Today the Saratoga Tree Nursery produces and supplies over 1.2 million seedlings a year to New York residents at cost for various conservation plantings such as soil erosion control, wildlife habitat improvement, and the creation of riparian buffer zones. The Nursery produces NY seed source seedlings from seed collected by its staff from orchards they maintain throughout NY. The seedlings produced at Saratoga preserves the qualities of New York natives which have shown superb characteristics.
The Tree Nursery also supplies over 32,000 seedlings to NY state schools through the "School Seedling Program". This program is open to all NY public and private schools and offers 50 free seedlings to each school that applies to be used within their curriculum. Tree awareness and respect for our environment needs to start with NY's youth
If the State Tree Nursery closes the cost of the many ongoing conservation projects in NY will increase significantly. Many would no longer be cost effective to pursue. Those projects which continue will not have the benefit of using local NY seed source material. The integrity of NY's forests could be at stake. The State Nursery also gives away tens of thousands of seedlings to NY residents during special events (Arbor Day, fairs, Environmental events) in order to promote tree planting and preservation. The Saratoga Nursery also produces 40,000 flowers a year for use at DEC campgrounds and facilities. The Nursery also supplies seedlings used to replant state land and for other special projects throughout NY.
If you agree that the NYS DEC Saratoga Tree Nursery is still a vital part of the preservation of the New York State environment please contact your local state legislative representatives, Commissioner Grannis of DEC, and even the Governor's Office and tell them NY still needs its Nursery and that the vital role it plays can not be replaced.
Thank you for your support,
Friends of Saratoga Tree nursery
The Saratoga Tree Nursery Program was started in 1902. The State Nursery in Saratoga began in 1911. The Nursery Program survived the Great Depression, and created many jobs for Civilian Conservation Corps men and women in the 30's who were instrumental in re- planting the barren areas in New York with seedlings grown at NY State operated nurseries.
At one time NY had as many as 9 state operated nurseries. All nursery operations were consolidated to Saratoga in 1972.
Today the Saratoga Tree Nursery produces and supplies over 1.2 million seedlings a year to New York residents at cost for various conservation plantings such as soil erosion control, wildlife habitat improvement, and the creation of riparian buffer zones. The Nursery produces NY seed source seedlings from seed collected by its staff from orchards they maintain throughout NY. The seedlings produced at Saratoga preserves the qualities of New York natives which have shown superb characteristics.
The Tree Nursery also supplies over 32,000 seedlings to NY state schools through the "School Seedling Program". This program is open to all NY public and private schools and offers 50 free seedlings to each school that applies to be used within their curriculum. Tree awareness and respect for our environment needs to start with NY's youth
If the State Tree Nursery closes the cost of the many ongoing conservation projects in NY will increase significantly. Many would no longer be cost effective to pursue. Those projects which continue will not have the benefit of using local NY seed source material. The integrity of NY's forests could be at stake. The State Nursery also gives away tens of thousands of seedlings to NY residents during special events (Arbor Day, fairs, Environmental events) in order to promote tree planting and preservation. The Saratoga Nursery also produces 40,000 flowers a year for use at DEC campgrounds and facilities. The Nursery also supplies seedlings used to replant state land and for other special projects throughout NY.
If you agree that the NYS DEC Saratoga Tree Nursery is still a vital part of the preservation of the New York State environment please contact your local state legislative representatives, Commissioner Grannis of DEC, and even the Governor's Office and tell them NY still needs its Nursery and that the vital role it plays can not be replaced.
Thank you for your support,
Friends of Saratoga Tree nursery
saratoga spa busy putting in lots of toilets everywhere and cutting down many healthy looking trees.
In these very tough economic times, NYS Parks apparently decided being able to swim for a reasonable fee in upstate New Yorks very short summer of June, July and August is not their priority. They never consult the public whose taxes pay for the Parks.
Possible raise of Victoria Pool fee from $6-$8 with no season pass and closing Peerless Pool on Tuesdays.
Swimmers at state parks to feel heat from budget cuts
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park will be closed on Tuesdays this summer as a result of state budget cuts, officials announced today.
Alane Ball Chinian, the regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said that date was selected because it is the day the facility sees the least number of visitors.
Several other swimming outlets in the region, including the beaches at Cherry Plain State Park, Thompson’s Lake State Park and Grafton Lakes State Park, will also be closed for two days each week as a result of budget cuts.
"When you reduce the days down to five or six here or there, that helps us quite a bit overall," Chinian said.
Overall, 100 parks and historic sites in the state are seeing reductions in hours or a shortening of their seasons. None will be closed in full, however.
But the Victoria Pool, also located in Saratoga Spa State Park, will remain open seven days a week. Both pools at Saratoga Spa State Park will be open from June 27 through Labor Day as usual.
The beach at Moreau Lake State Park will also remain open as normal.
All swimming outlets in the region will close an hour earlier, however, leaving them open eight hours a day instead of nine hours a day, officials said.
Fees for pool admissions and other park services such as pavilion rentals are also likely to be changed as a result of budget cuts, but specifics have not yet been released.
A draft proposal that was circulated earlier this year showed entrance fees for the Victoria Pool going from $3 to $4 for children and from $6 to $8 for adults.
The parks themselves, though, will keep their admission rates at $6, officials said.
This story originally appeared on PostStar.
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park will be closed on Tuesdays this summer as a result of state budget cuts, officials announced today.
Alane Ball Chinian, the regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said that date was selected because it is the day the facility sees the least number of visitors.
Several other swimming outlets in the region, including the beaches at Cherry Plain State Park, Thompson’s Lake State Park and Grafton Lakes State Park, will also be closed for two days each week as a result of budget cuts.
"When you reduce the days down to five or six here or there, that helps us quite a bit overall," Chinian said.
Overall, 100 parks and historic sites in the state are seeing reductions in hours or a shortening of their seasons. None will be closed in full, however.
But the Victoria Pool, also located in Saratoga Spa State Park, will remain open seven days a week. Both pools at Saratoga Spa State Park will be open from June 27 through Labor Day as usual.
The beach at Moreau Lake State Park will also remain open as normal.
All swimming outlets in the region will close an hour earlier, however, leaving them open eight hours a day instead of nine hours a day, officials said.
Fees for pool admissions and other park services such as pavilion rentals are also likely to be changed as a result of budget cuts, but specifics have not yet been released.
A draft proposal that was circulated earlier this year showed entrance fees for the Victoria Pool going from $3 to $4 for children and from $6 to $8 for adults.
The parks themselves, though, will keep their admission rates at $6, officials said.
This story originally appeared on PostStar.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
our trees nursery neighbor is definitely worth saving.
Last New York tree nursery’s fate uncertain
Friday, April 17, 2009
By PAUL POST
The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Tree Nursery survived the Great Depression when its seedlings gave Civilian Conservation Corps workers jobs to help stimulate the economy.
Today, however, the 250-acre facility is on the state’s chopping block and faces possible closure as soon as July 1.
Founded 98 years ago, it’s the only state tree nursery left in New York, distributing 1.2 million seedlings annually that are used for a variety of important purposes — erosion prevention, habitat improvement, wildlife food, wetland mitigation.
“It’s ironic that this is one of the first programs they’re looking to end when we helped the economy back in the ’30s,” nursery Manager David Lee said. “This is one of the few DEC programs left that isn’t regulatory. We’re providing a service to New York state that benefits the environment. It isn’t ‘Big Brother’ watching you. Unfortunately these are the programs being hit.
“DEC’s going to be left as a law enforcement and regulatory agency.”
A state Department of Environmental Conservation press officer was not immediately available for comment. The tree nursery is part of the DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests, one of several along with the divisions of water, air quality and fish and wildlife.
“There’s nothing that has been etched in stone,” Lands and Forests Director Robert Davies said. “All the agencies have been asked by the governor’s office to put together a plan. It’s no secret that the nursery has been looked at for potential cost savings in the past.”
This year, however, with a $14 billion deficit looming, it’s facing the glare of budget-conscious state officials. The nursery’s fate could rest with the outcome of negotiations between Gov. David Paterson and state employees’ unions. The governor has asked union leaders to accept a wage hike freeze, which they’ve rejected to date. Without it, programs and services including the tree nursery would have to be cut.
“That’s what we’ve been asked to begin exploring,” Davies said.
Lee, who oversees a staff of 10 full-time and up to 60 seasonal workers, is urging residents to contact elected officials and DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, asking them to save the facility.
Workers are currently in the process of harvesting, grading and distributing seedlings, primarily to private landowners for conservation plantings. Once seedlings are distributed, the nursery’s 80 acres of production beds will be prepared for a new round of plantings. Such work could be for naught, at considerable expense, if the facility is forced to close this summer.
“We’ll still have 5 million to 6 million seedlings in the ground,” Lee said. “We have 50 species of shrubs, hardwoods and conifers.”
The nursery is the only place in New York that collects native seed, helping perpetuate native species such as red pine, white pine, red oak and sugar maple. If the nursery closes, people could still buy such trees, but not as seedlings in bulk numbers at affordable prices.
“It’s going to be a lot more expensive,” Lee said.
In addition, a red pine grown from New York seed may be heartier than one from Southern states, such as Georgia, whose trees are used to milder climates.
For the time being, nursery workers are carrying on with normal operations, hoping their livelihoods won’t be uprooted.
“Until I’m officially told to stop our production, we’ll continue business as usual,” Lee said.
Friday, April 17, 2009
By PAUL POST
The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Tree Nursery survived the Great Depression when its seedlings gave Civilian Conservation Corps workers jobs to help stimulate the economy.
Today, however, the 250-acre facility is on the state’s chopping block and faces possible closure as soon as July 1.
Founded 98 years ago, it’s the only state tree nursery left in New York, distributing 1.2 million seedlings annually that are used for a variety of important purposes — erosion prevention, habitat improvement, wildlife food, wetland mitigation.
“It’s ironic that this is one of the first programs they’re looking to end when we helped the economy back in the ’30s,” nursery Manager David Lee said. “This is one of the few DEC programs left that isn’t regulatory. We’re providing a service to New York state that benefits the environment. It isn’t ‘Big Brother’ watching you. Unfortunately these are the programs being hit.
“DEC’s going to be left as a law enforcement and regulatory agency.”
A state Department of Environmental Conservation press officer was not immediately available for comment. The tree nursery is part of the DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests, one of several along with the divisions of water, air quality and fish and wildlife.
“There’s nothing that has been etched in stone,” Lands and Forests Director Robert Davies said. “All the agencies have been asked by the governor’s office to put together a plan. It’s no secret that the nursery has been looked at for potential cost savings in the past.”
This year, however, with a $14 billion deficit looming, it’s facing the glare of budget-conscious state officials. The nursery’s fate could rest with the outcome of negotiations between Gov. David Paterson and state employees’ unions. The governor has asked union leaders to accept a wage hike freeze, which they’ve rejected to date. Without it, programs and services including the tree nursery would have to be cut.
“That’s what we’ve been asked to begin exploring,” Davies said.
Lee, who oversees a staff of 10 full-time and up to 60 seasonal workers, is urging residents to contact elected officials and DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, asking them to save the facility.
Workers are currently in the process of harvesting, grading and distributing seedlings, primarily to private landowners for conservation plantings. Once seedlings are distributed, the nursery’s 80 acres of production beds will be prepared for a new round of plantings. Such work could be for naught, at considerable expense, if the facility is forced to close this summer.
“We’ll still have 5 million to 6 million seedlings in the ground,” Lee said. “We have 50 species of shrubs, hardwoods and conifers.”
The nursery is the only place in New York that collects native seed, helping perpetuate native species such as red pine, white pine, red oak and sugar maple. If the nursery closes, people could still buy such trees, but not as seedlings in bulk numbers at affordable prices.
“It’s going to be a lot more expensive,” Lee said.
In addition, a red pine grown from New York seed may be heartier than one from Southern states, such as Georgia, whose trees are used to milder climates.
For the time being, nursery workers are carrying on with normal operations, hoping their livelihoods won’t be uprooted.
“Until I’m officially told to stop our production, we’ll continue business as usual,” Lee said.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
nothing to do with the park but copy/paste this into your browser and enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmbJzH93NU
Monday, April 13, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
pools to close an hr. earlier and fees being questioned? Victoria Pool may be raised to $8?!!
Swimmers at state parks to feel heat from budget cuts
By DREW KERR
dkerr@poststar.com
Updated: Thursday, April 9, 2009 10:34 AM EDT
Larger Text
Smaller Text
Print
Email
Share
RSS
The Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park will be closed on Tuesdays this summer as a result of state budget cuts, officials announced today.
Alane Ball Chinian, the regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said that date was selected because it is the day the facility sees the least number of visitors.
Several other swimming outlets in the region, including the beaches at Cherry Plain State Park, Thompson’s Lake State Park and Grafton Lakes State Park, will also be closed for two days each week as a result of budget cuts.
"When you reduce the days down to five or six here or there, that helps us quite a bit overall," Chinian said.
Overall, 100 parks and historic sites in the state are seeing reductions in hours or a shortening of their seasons. None will be closed in full, however.
But the Victoria Pool, also located in Saratoga Spa State Park, will remain open seven days a week. Both pools at Saratoga Spa State Park will be open from June 27 through Labor Day as usual.
The beach at Moreau Lake State Park will also remain open as normal.
All swimming outlets in the region will close an hour earlier, however, leaving them open eight hours a day instead of nine hours a day, officials said.
Fees for pool admissions and other park services such as pavilion rentals are also likely to be changed as a result of budget cuts, but specifics have not yet been released.
A draft proposal that was circulated earlier this year showed entrance fees for the Victoria Pool going from $3 to $4 for children and from $6 to $8 for adults.
The parks themselves, though, will keep their admission rates at $6, officials said.
Read more on the cutbacks in Friday's Post-Star and on poststar.com.
» Subscribe to The Post-Star and save! Click here to find out how
» Subscribe to email and cell phone alerts and breaking news
Print
Email
Share
RSS
By DREW KERR
dkerr@poststar.com
Updated: Thursday, April 9, 2009 10:34 AM EDT
Larger Text
Smaller Text
Share
RSS
The Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park will be closed on Tuesdays this summer as a result of state budget cuts, officials announced today.
Alane Ball Chinian, the regional director for the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said that date was selected because it is the day the facility sees the least number of visitors.
Several other swimming outlets in the region, including the beaches at Cherry Plain State Park, Thompson’s Lake State Park and Grafton Lakes State Park, will also be closed for two days each week as a result of budget cuts.
"When you reduce the days down to five or six here or there, that helps us quite a bit overall," Chinian said.
Overall, 100 parks and historic sites in the state are seeing reductions in hours or a shortening of their seasons. None will be closed in full, however.
But the Victoria Pool, also located in Saratoga Spa State Park, will remain open seven days a week. Both pools at Saratoga Spa State Park will be open from June 27 through Labor Day as usual.
The beach at Moreau Lake State Park will also remain open as normal.
All swimming outlets in the region will close an hour earlier, however, leaving them open eight hours a day instead of nine hours a day, officials said.
Fees for pool admissions and other park services such as pavilion rentals are also likely to be changed as a result of budget cuts, but specifics have not yet been released.
A draft proposal that was circulated earlier this year showed entrance fees for the Victoria Pool going from $3 to $4 for children and from $6 to $8 for adults.
The parks themselves, though, will keep their admission rates at $6, officials said.
Read more on the cutbacks in Friday's Post-Star and on poststar.com.
» Subscribe to The Post-Star and save! Click here to find out how
» Subscribe to email and cell phone alerts and breaking news
Share
RSS
Friday, April 10, 2009
Closing Peerless Pool on Tuesdays when the track is "dark" and it is the most crowded makes no sense unless Parks doesn't need the money.
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spa State Park’s Peerless Pool will be closed Tuesdays this summer, one of many cutbacks announced Thursday in the face of the state’s fiscal crisis.The Victoria Pool will remain open seven days per week.Elsewhere in Saratoga County, Peebles Island State Park’s visitor center will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays. It was previously open six days per week.Throughout the Saratoga-Capital Region, impacts include partial beach closings, shortened camping seasons and reduced historic site operations."State parks, like all state agencies, are responding to the current economic realities," Commissioner Carol Ash said. "We have been charged with making many difficult decisions. By concentrating the changes to the shoulder seasons, off-peak hours or facilities where similar services are available nearby, we hope to minimize the impact on our patrons."Statewide, about 100 parks and historic sites will be affected, but no parks will be closed outright and daily entrance fees are not going up.In addition to Spa State Park and Peebles Island, several other sites are impacted inthe Saratoga-Capital Region.They are:ä Cherry Plain State Park — Swimming beach closed Monday and Tuesday. Campground will open late (July 4) and close early (Sept. 7).ä Grafton Lakes State Park — Swimming beach closed Wednesday and Thursday.ä Max V. Shaul State Park — Shortened campground season. Open Memorial Weekend only, reopening July 4 through Labor Day.ä Thompson Lake State Park — Swimming beach closed Tuesday and Wednesday.ä Historic sites — Shortened seasons, reduced hours and/or reduced programming at Crown Point, Johnson Hall, Schuyler Mansion and Bennington Battlefield Historic Sites.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spa State Park’s Peerless Pool will be closed Tuesdays this summer, one of many cutbacks announced Thursday in the face of the state’s fiscal crisis.The Victoria Pool will remain open seven days per week.Elsewhere in Saratoga County, Peebles Island State Park’s visitor center will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays. It was previously open six days per week.Throughout the Saratoga-Capital Region, impacts include partial beach closings, shortened camping seasons and reduced historic site operations."State parks, like all state agencies, are responding to the current economic realities," Commissioner Carol Ash said. "We have been charged with making many difficult decisions. By concentrating the changes to the shoulder seasons, off-peak hours or facilities where similar services are available nearby, we hope to minimize the impact on our patrons."Statewide, about 100 parks and historic sites will be affected, but no parks will be closed outright and daily entrance fees are not going up.In addition to Spa State Park and Peebles Island, several other sites are impacted inthe Saratoga-Capital Region.They are:ä Cherry Plain State Park — Swimming beach closed Monday and Tuesday. Campground will open late (July 4) and close early (Sept. 7).ä Grafton Lakes State Park — Swimming beach closed Wednesday and Thursday.ä Max V. Shaul State Park — Shortened campground season. Open Memorial Weekend only, reopening July 4 through Labor Day.ä Thompson Lake State Park — Swimming beach closed Tuesday and Wednesday.ä Historic sites — Shortened seasons, reduced hours and/or reduced programming at Crown Point, Johnson Hall, Schuyler Mansion and Bennington Battlefield Historic Sites.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Reason for massacre of trees in Park revealed!
Publication:Schenectady Daily Gazette;
Date:Mar 25, 2009;
Section:Saratoga;
Page:29
SARATOGA SPRINGS
Cutting preps for tee time
Firm removes vegetation on park golf course
BY LEE COLEMAN Gazette Reporter More than $100,000 in tree and vegetation removal work has been done this winter on the championship 18-hole golf course at the Saratoga Spa State Park. But the money isn’t coming from state coffers. Tree removals on the 10th, 15th, 16th and 17th fairways on the state park course were done in February and earlier this month to open up heavily shaded areas and improve turf quality, according to Alane Ball Chinian, administrator of the Saratoga-Capital District Region of the state Offi ce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Chinian stressed that the money is not coming from the state parks office but from Professional Golf Services Inc. of Saratoga Springs. The principal of this firm is golf professional William Richardson of Loudonville, who was awarded a 20-year contract to operate the two Saratoga Spa State Park golf courses in 2002. The tree removal work is the first phase of a multi-year, $3 million-plus investment Professional Golf Services is making on the well-regarded state park courses. “The trees had gotten too big,” Chinian said about what were mainly pine trees. She said the state parks offi ce had a natural resource manager check the trees earmarked to be removed to make sure that they did not have any special importance to the state park. The goal of the project is to increase sunlight and air movement in a number of densely-vegetated areas of the course. A statement about the project says that the tree and vegetation removals will “improve turf quality, playing conditions and the visual appearance of the course.” Professional Golf Services Inc. hired Scott Lawn Yard of Sanborn to complete the $100,600 project. The contract includes complete restoration of the areas where the trees and other vegetation were removed. This work will be done in April and May. “Vegetation removal took place in late February and March in an effort to limit the amount of disturbance to the frozen ground and cause the least disruption to the normal use of the park,” according to a joint statement from Professional Golf Services Inc. and the state parks office. Future projects being planned by Professional Golf Services include upgrades to the course irrigation systems, bunker restoration, drainage work and cart path work. “We hope and expect that the next phase of investment will began this fall,” said Richardson, president of Professional Golf Services. Richardson said that the tree and vegetation removal project follows the recommendations of a March 2006 report from the United States Golf Association after representatives of the USGA visited the state park to assess the course and how it could be improved. In March 2002, Professional Golf Services Inc. and the state Offi ce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation signed a 20-year agreement that has Richardson’s company running the park’s two golf courses — the 18-hole championship course and the nine-hole executive course — as well as operating the golf pro shop and associated concessions. In return, Richardson’s firm is investing more than $3 million in course improvements and pays the state a percentage of gross receipts from the golf courses. “This course is unique, affordable and a historic part of the Spa experience,” Chinian said. “We are grateful that our private partner can continue to invest in the maintenance of this great golf course.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
print story back
The piper comes calling for our great parks system
By FRED LEBRUN Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Of all the recreational services and venues the state provides, the one that touches more of us than any other is our terrific park system.
Last year, our 178 state parks and 35 historic sites had 55.7 million visitors. Most of those visitors were New Yorkers loving New York.
And according to a study by the University of Massachusetts commissioned by advocacy group Parks and Trails New York, all that traffic generated $1.94 billion spent right here at home, mostly going to private businesses close to the parks, and supported 20,000 jobs. For every dollar we spent on the park system, we got $5.50 back. That's a pretty good return.
Just think of the quality-of-life assets we have locally in Thacher up in the Helderbergs, Grafton on the Rensselaer plateau and, of course, the queen of them all, Saratoga Spa.
And also think the unthinkable, of what it would be like without them, because our state parks are in trouble.
Not imperiled, or about to close. But troubled, badly in need of continued capital improvements to stave off disaster over time. Some parks have outdated and inadequate electrical systems, or out-of-compliance septic and sewer systems, or approach roads that are crumbling, or landfills that need closing, or unsafe dams that need replacing. The list of needs is as long as the state.
One prime example of how badly out of whack the parks system is relates to the extremely popular Harriman State Park in Rockland and Orange counties. This park is one of the great breaths of fresh air for millions of downstaters and serves as a summer camp experience for many New York City kids.
Drinking water for the group camps at Harriman has to be brought in by tank car because there isn't enough money to fix and upgrade the existing piping system.
During the 12 years of the Pataki administration, great gains were made in acquiring new parks, but funding for capital improvements and maintenance costs did not keep up with acquisitions. Now the piper is at the door and he's tapping his foot.
When Carol Ash became commissioner of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with the arrival of the Spitzer administration, an astounding $650 million to $750 million in needed capital repairs were identified. Parks got a good start last year with an infusion of $132 million to begin addressing the worst of it, notes Timothy Sweeney of Parks and Trails. More than $75 million of that came courtesy of state-issued bonds approved by the Legislature, an appropriate use of long term financing.
Which brings us to the uncomfortable place we're at this year.
Governor Paterson's proposed budget included $19 million each for Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation for capital improvements, with the funds coming from the Environmental Protection Fund. But the Legislature is disinclined to use the embattled EPF for this purpose, having other uses for those revenues. There's a battle royale, in fact, shaping up over attempts to extract all manner of stewardship funds from the EPF. But that's another story.
Still, this leaves critically needed funding for capital improvements in our park system in limbo.
Not that the Legislature is about to leave our beloved parks system high and dry, but the alarm needs to be sounded anyway. A figure being buzzed by some in the Legislature is $40 million in state bonding for parks in the budget.
Bonding is the way to go, more reliable than depending on plummeting state revenues.
Commissioner Ash says she has $100 million in shovel-ready projects, so the $40 million will be put to immediate use.
You'd think the $26.1 billion federal stimulus package for New York would be just the perfect bank for parks rehab money.
But Ash says there isn't a dime for state parks in the stimulus package.
Capital improvements are one thing, the operating budget another entirely. There isn't enough money there, either, but that's the economic reality of the moment. We got a taste of where that's going with the partial closure of the Schodack park for the winter and the use of volunteers to keep it limping along.
"We are not going to close any park completely," says the commissioner.
Instead, the length of upcoming season may be shortened, and so may operating hours. And yes, some fees are bound to go up. Not the entrance fees, but camping permits will rise from $13 to $15, for example.
"We trying to limit the impact as much as we can. We realize the huge amount of happiness our parks bring," says Ash.
Right she is, and this is no time to pull the plug on that.
Fred LeBrun can be reached at 454-5453 or by e-mail at flebrun@timesunion.com.
Date:Mar 25, 2009;
Section:Saratoga;
Page:29
SARATOGA SPRINGS
Cutting preps for tee time
Firm removes vegetation on park golf course
BY LEE COLEMAN Gazette Reporter More than $100,000 in tree and vegetation removal work has been done this winter on the championship 18-hole golf course at the Saratoga Spa State Park. But the money isn’t coming from state coffers. Tree removals on the 10th, 15th, 16th and 17th fairways on the state park course were done in February and earlier this month to open up heavily shaded areas and improve turf quality, according to Alane Ball Chinian, administrator of the Saratoga-Capital District Region of the state Offi ce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Chinian stressed that the money is not coming from the state parks office but from Professional Golf Services Inc. of Saratoga Springs. The principal of this firm is golf professional William Richardson of Loudonville, who was awarded a 20-year contract to operate the two Saratoga Spa State Park golf courses in 2002. The tree removal work is the first phase of a multi-year, $3 million-plus investment Professional Golf Services is making on the well-regarded state park courses. “The trees had gotten too big,” Chinian said about what were mainly pine trees. She said the state parks offi ce had a natural resource manager check the trees earmarked to be removed to make sure that they did not have any special importance to the state park. The goal of the project is to increase sunlight and air movement in a number of densely-vegetated areas of the course. A statement about the project says that the tree and vegetation removals will “improve turf quality, playing conditions and the visual appearance of the course.” Professional Golf Services Inc. hired Scott Lawn Yard of Sanborn to complete the $100,600 project. The contract includes complete restoration of the areas where the trees and other vegetation were removed. This work will be done in April and May. “Vegetation removal took place in late February and March in an effort to limit the amount of disturbance to the frozen ground and cause the least disruption to the normal use of the park,” according to a joint statement from Professional Golf Services Inc. and the state parks office. Future projects being planned by Professional Golf Services include upgrades to the course irrigation systems, bunker restoration, drainage work and cart path work. “We hope and expect that the next phase of investment will began this fall,” said Richardson, president of Professional Golf Services. Richardson said that the tree and vegetation removal project follows the recommendations of a March 2006 report from the United States Golf Association after representatives of the USGA visited the state park to assess the course and how it could be improved. In March 2002, Professional Golf Services Inc. and the state Offi ce of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation signed a 20-year agreement that has Richardson’s company running the park’s two golf courses — the 18-hole championship course and the nine-hole executive course — as well as operating the golf pro shop and associated concessions. In return, Richardson’s firm is investing more than $3 million in course improvements and pays the state a percentage of gross receipts from the golf courses. “This course is unique, affordable and a historic part of the Spa experience,” Chinian said. “We are grateful that our private partner can continue to invest in the maintenance of this great golf course.” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
print story back
The piper comes calling for our great parks system
By FRED LEBRUN Click byline for more stories by writer. First published: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Of all the recreational services and venues the state provides, the one that touches more of us than any other is our terrific park system.
Last year, our 178 state parks and 35 historic sites had 55.7 million visitors. Most of those visitors were New Yorkers loving New York.
And according to a study by the University of Massachusetts commissioned by advocacy group Parks and Trails New York, all that traffic generated $1.94 billion spent right here at home, mostly going to private businesses close to the parks, and supported 20,000 jobs. For every dollar we spent on the park system, we got $5.50 back. That's a pretty good return.
Just think of the quality-of-life assets we have locally in Thacher up in the Helderbergs, Grafton on the Rensselaer plateau and, of course, the queen of them all, Saratoga Spa.
And also think the unthinkable, of what it would be like without them, because our state parks are in trouble.
Not imperiled, or about to close. But troubled, badly in need of continued capital improvements to stave off disaster over time. Some parks have outdated and inadequate electrical systems, or out-of-compliance septic and sewer systems, or approach roads that are crumbling, or landfills that need closing, or unsafe dams that need replacing. The list of needs is as long as the state.
One prime example of how badly out of whack the parks system is relates to the extremely popular Harriman State Park in Rockland and Orange counties. This park is one of the great breaths of fresh air for millions of downstaters and serves as a summer camp experience for many New York City kids.
Drinking water for the group camps at Harriman has to be brought in by tank car because there isn't enough money to fix and upgrade the existing piping system.
During the 12 years of the Pataki administration, great gains were made in acquiring new parks, but funding for capital improvements and maintenance costs did not keep up with acquisitions. Now the piper is at the door and he's tapping his foot.
When Carol Ash became commissioner of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with the arrival of the Spitzer administration, an astounding $650 million to $750 million in needed capital repairs were identified. Parks got a good start last year with an infusion of $132 million to begin addressing the worst of it, notes Timothy Sweeney of Parks and Trails. More than $75 million of that came courtesy of state-issued bonds approved by the Legislature, an appropriate use of long term financing.
Which brings us to the uncomfortable place we're at this year.
Governor Paterson's proposed budget included $19 million each for Parks and the Department of Environmental Conservation for capital improvements, with the funds coming from the Environmental Protection Fund. But the Legislature is disinclined to use the embattled EPF for this purpose, having other uses for those revenues. There's a battle royale, in fact, shaping up over attempts to extract all manner of stewardship funds from the EPF. But that's another story.
Still, this leaves critically needed funding for capital improvements in our park system in limbo.
Not that the Legislature is about to leave our beloved parks system high and dry, but the alarm needs to be sounded anyway. A figure being buzzed by some in the Legislature is $40 million in state bonding for parks in the budget.
Bonding is the way to go, more reliable than depending on plummeting state revenues.
Commissioner Ash says she has $100 million in shovel-ready projects, so the $40 million will be put to immediate use.
You'd think the $26.1 billion federal stimulus package for New York would be just the perfect bank for parks rehab money.
But Ash says there isn't a dime for state parks in the stimulus package.
Capital improvements are one thing, the operating budget another entirely. There isn't enough money there, either, but that's the economic reality of the moment. We got a taste of where that's going with the partial closure of the Schodack park for the winter and the use of volunteers to keep it limping along.
"We are not going to close any park completely," says the commissioner.
Instead, the length of upcoming season may be shortened, and so may operating hours. And yes, some fees are bound to go up. Not the entrance fees, but camping permits will rise from $13 to $15, for example.
"We trying to limit the impact as much as we can. We realize the huge amount of happiness our parks bring," says Ash.
Right she is, and this is no time to pull the plug on that.
Fred LeBrun can be reached at 454-5453 or by e-mail at flebrun@timesunion.com.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
State planning layoffs of 8,900 jobs, times union,3/24/09
print story back
State planning layoffs: 8,900 jobs to be trimmed from payroll
Letter cites failure to secure givebacks from unions
By RICK KARLIN, Capitol bureau Click byline for more stories by writer. Last updated: 4:56 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2009
ALBANY — Citing a $16.2 billion budget deficit that appears to be growing larger by the day, Gov. David Paterson this afternoon said his administration will eliminate 8,900 jobs, starting this summer.
"This is not a decision that has been reached lightly," said a letter that went out minutes ago from Paterson's state operations director Dennis Whalen.
"However, given the fact that savings through labor concessions were not achieved, Governor Paterson was forced to make this difficult decision for the good of the entire state."
Budget Division spokesman Jeffrey Gordon said the job cuts will probably start in July and they apply to "full-time equivalents," which means some of the target might be reached by attrition.
In his message to agency heads, Whalen said they will be providing updates and bulletins over the next few weeks.
Still unknown was where most of the cuts may fall, by geography and by agency.
State planning layoffs: 8,900 jobs to be trimmed from payroll
Letter cites failure to secure givebacks from unions
By RICK KARLIN, Capitol bureau Click byline for more stories by writer. Last updated: 4:56 p.m., Tuesday, March 24, 2009
ALBANY — Citing a $16.2 billion budget deficit that appears to be growing larger by the day, Gov. David Paterson this afternoon said his administration will eliminate 8,900 jobs, starting this summer.
"This is not a decision that has been reached lightly," said a letter that went out minutes ago from Paterson's state operations director Dennis Whalen.
"However, given the fact that savings through labor concessions were not achieved, Governor Paterson was forced to make this difficult decision for the good of the entire state."
Budget Division spokesman Jeffrey Gordon said the job cuts will probably start in July and they apply to "full-time equivalents," which means some of the target might be reached by attrition.
In his message to agency heads, Whalen said they will be providing updates and bulletins over the next few weeks.
Still unknown was where most of the cuts may fall, by geography and by agency.
Gideon Putnam Hotel renovation project underway by Delaware North, Post Star, 3/24/09
With all the fancy renovations going on to the Gideon Putnam Hotel we're sure their guests would enjoy swimming at the Victoria Pool on the many hot days in June as well as July and August.
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The New Deal has a fresh coat of paint.The first phase of a multi-million dollar renovation project in the Saratoga Spa State Park is nearing completion, with the Gideon Putnam Hotel getting ready to celebrate its 75th birthday with a number of improvements."Basically, the work will be done in four phases," said Tim Smith, general manager of the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center.The first phase of renovations includes improvements to the hotel lobby, guest rooms, the spa, the gift shop and the Georgian Room Restaurant -- which has been renamed "Putnam's" in honor of the 18th century Saratoga Springs town planner.
The first phase of improvements cost about $1 million and is part of a 20-year plan that will see nearly $20 million spent on refurbishing the 120-room hotel, conference center and Roosevelt Bath.Delaware North Companies was awarded a 20-year lease to operate the buildings on the state-owned 2,300-acre Saratoga Spa State Park in January 2008.
The park buildings were constructed in the 1930s and signified one of the first major projects completed under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.Roosevelt, who served four years as governor of New York prior to his 12 years in The White House, targeted the park as a location to create a European-style spa in America.The Roosevelt Spa received national notoriety in 2007 when New York Post reporter Fred Dicker reported the baths, which were thought to be drawn from pure mineral water, were actually being diluted with city tap water.Due to the corrosive nature of the mineral water, the heating units were unable to function properly, and it was revealed the bathhouse was using heated tap water to bring the mineral water up to bath temperatures.
After then-Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno called the dilution of the mineral water "a serious fraud," a $55,000 engineering study was performed, and two of the 42 baths are now served by a $98,000 customized heating system.Water for the remaining tubs is still warmed to 97 degrees with tap water, but Smith said there are discussions under way to try and provide more tubs with warm, pure mineral water."We haven't made any long-term decisions yet, but we are working with the state," Smith said. "My understanding is we're looking at two more (tubs) that I believe will be installed within the next couple of months," he said.
The next phase of improvements will begin in late 2009 or early 2010 and will focus on the Gideon Putnam Hotel infrastructure, including boiler systems and plumbing."Typically, with a historical hotel, you have to go back in and replace the inner workings of the property," Smith said.
SARATOGA SPRINGS - The New Deal has a fresh coat of paint.The first phase of a multi-million dollar renovation project in the Saratoga Spa State Park is nearing completion, with the Gideon Putnam Hotel getting ready to celebrate its 75th birthday with a number of improvements."Basically, the work will be done in four phases," said Tim Smith, general manager of the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center.The first phase of renovations includes improvements to the hotel lobby, guest rooms, the spa, the gift shop and the Georgian Room Restaurant -- which has been renamed "Putnam's" in honor of the 18th century Saratoga Springs town planner.
The first phase of improvements cost about $1 million and is part of a 20-year plan that will see nearly $20 million spent on refurbishing the 120-room hotel, conference center and Roosevelt Bath.Delaware North Companies was awarded a 20-year lease to operate the buildings on the state-owned 2,300-acre Saratoga Spa State Park in January 2008.
The park buildings were constructed in the 1930s and signified one of the first major projects completed under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.Roosevelt, who served four years as governor of New York prior to his 12 years in The White House, targeted the park as a location to create a European-style spa in America.The Roosevelt Spa received national notoriety in 2007 when New York Post reporter Fred Dicker reported the baths, which were thought to be drawn from pure mineral water, were actually being diluted with city tap water.Due to the corrosive nature of the mineral water, the heating units were unable to function properly, and it was revealed the bathhouse was using heated tap water to bring the mineral water up to bath temperatures.
After then-Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno called the dilution of the mineral water "a serious fraud," a $55,000 engineering study was performed, and two of the 42 baths are now served by a $98,000 customized heating system.Water for the remaining tubs is still warmed to 97 degrees with tap water, but Smith said there are discussions under way to try and provide more tubs with warm, pure mineral water."We haven't made any long-term decisions yet, but we are working with the state," Smith said. "My understanding is we're looking at two more (tubs) that I believe will be installed within the next couple of months," he said.
The next phase of improvements will begin in late 2009 or early 2010 and will focus on the Gideon Putnam Hotel infrastructure, including boiler systems and plumbing."Typically, with a historical hotel, you have to go back in and replace the inner workings of the property," Smith said.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
SPAC Board meets and more on ceiling paint fiasco, Saratogian,3/21/09
SPAC board talks finance
Saturday, March 21, 2009 5:15 AM EDT
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Performing Arts Center investments have dropped 26 percent, but its financial picture remains strong considering the economy, officials said Friday.SPAC has not dipped into investments — totaling $3.1 million — for operations since deciding to pay its debts off three years ago.The center has an $885,000 operating surplus and current assets of $1.5 million versus liabilities of just under $500,000. SPAC posted a modest year-end surplus for the fourth straight year in 2008.“We will be the last man standing in many respects in the area arts community,” board chairman William Dake said. “We started being pretty hard-nosed on this issue six months ago.”Among other things, SPAC has instituted a salary and hiring freeze and is relying heavily on interns who possess electronic, technology and contemporary media skills. “To get an intern who knows more than you do is quite an asset,” Dake said.SPAC announced a new cross-promotional marketing effort with The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls and Saratoga ArtsFest. However, there was no discussion at Friday’s board meeting about negotiations with Live Nation, which books and promotes SPAC’s popular music events. Live Nation’s contract expires at the end of the 2009 summer season.Under the current pact, Live Nation pays SPAC $1 million per year plus a share of ticket revenue once attendance hits a certain threshold. SPAC President Marcia White has said it’s important to get as close to those terms as possible in the next contract.Citing different reports, Dake said the economy has taken its toll on arts groups nationwide. Donations have dropped off significantly and 10 percent of the 10,000 arts organizations in America might go out of business this year, he said.“It’s not just affecting the arts,” board member Heather Mabee said. She said attendance is off significantly at this month’s basketball tournaments around the country.Marketing Committee Chairman Ed Lewi said NASCAR has been hit hard, too, and is lowering ticket prices to bring crowds back. Among this year’s promotions, SPAC will again have an American Girl Night and Girls Night out along with Date Nights and Family Nights every Thursday and Friday, respectively.The main new initiative is a partnership with The Hyde that is planning an upcoming summer exhibit, “Degas & Music,” based on the work of French Impressionist painter Edgar Degas (1834-1917).“Instead of being at cross purposes, we’re cross-promoting,” said David Setford, The Hyde’s executive director. “This is certainly the way for the future. Instead of being isolated in our attempt to reach audiences, we’re joining forces.“Music rather than painting was the underpinning of Degas’ artistic life.”The cross between those art forms will be emphasized in several scheduled events. They are:- Friday, Aug. 7 — Young chamber musicians will play at The Hyde, including featured pianist Jean-Frederic Neuberger of Paris. This fundraiser will have pre- and post-performance receptions.- Monday, Aug. 10 — A full-length chamber music program at Spa Little Theater also featuring Neuberger.- Saturday, Aug. 15 — A special Philadelphia Orchestra performance called “An Evening with Degas.” The concert will be accompanied by images of Degas’ works on SPAC’s large cinema screens.Chief Operating Officer Richard Geary said memberships are currently down 10 to 12 percent versus 2008. But 2009 season programs are just being mailed out. Typically, this boosts memberships when people get to see the program first-hand.SPAC’s annual meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 at Saratoga Spa State Park’s Hall of Springs.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPAC Paint-job repairs to beat season opening
Saturday, March 21, 2009 5:15 AM EDT
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A peeling paint problem is only cosmetic and will be resolved before Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s season begins, officials said Friday.The amphitheater’s ceiling was painted three years ago as part of a major interior renovation that included the installation of 5,200 new padded seats.Working within budget constraints, crews scraped off and painted over old paint rather than sand-blasting the entire ceiling down to its plaster surface. Now, sections of old paint have started to peel.“You have so much to spend,” SPAC Facilities Committee Chairman John Nigro said. “Instead of sandblasting, which was probably costlier, they sanded. It’ll be repaired.“It’s purely cosmetic.”The amphitheater, which SPAC leases, is owned by the state that maintains and pays for its upkeep. But the state is facing a more than $14 billion budget deficit. For the time being, at least, the ceiling will be touched up with new paint instead of removing all the old layers.The amphitheater was originally targeted for a three-phase renovation — heating and mechanical, followed by interior work and finally the exterior. The first and second phases totaling roughly $4 million have already been done.Last year, a new façade was supposed to be built along with redesigned lighting, exterior balcony ramps and rest room improvements. Those projects, however, have been put on hold because state funding simply isn’t available.SPAC has asked state parks officials if rest rooms, at least, could be upgraded for the current season.“We haven’t heard back,” Nigro said.He said the parks system has assured him that SPAC’s exterior renovations will be done once money becomes available, but not this year.
Saturday, March 21, 2009 5:15 AM EDT
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Performing Arts Center investments have dropped 26 percent, but its financial picture remains strong considering the economy, officials said Friday.SPAC has not dipped into investments — totaling $3.1 million — for operations since deciding to pay its debts off three years ago.The center has an $885,000 operating surplus and current assets of $1.5 million versus liabilities of just under $500,000. SPAC posted a modest year-end surplus for the fourth straight year in 2008.“We will be the last man standing in many respects in the area arts community,” board chairman William Dake said. “We started being pretty hard-nosed on this issue six months ago.”Among other things, SPAC has instituted a salary and hiring freeze and is relying heavily on interns who possess electronic, technology and contemporary media skills. “To get an intern who knows more than you do is quite an asset,” Dake said.SPAC announced a new cross-promotional marketing effort with The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls and Saratoga ArtsFest. However, there was no discussion at Friday’s board meeting about negotiations with Live Nation, which books and promotes SPAC’s popular music events. Live Nation’s contract expires at the end of the 2009 summer season.Under the current pact, Live Nation pays SPAC $1 million per year plus a share of ticket revenue once attendance hits a certain threshold. SPAC President Marcia White has said it’s important to get as close to those terms as possible in the next contract.Citing different reports, Dake said the economy has taken its toll on arts groups nationwide. Donations have dropped off significantly and 10 percent of the 10,000 arts organizations in America might go out of business this year, he said.“It’s not just affecting the arts,” board member Heather Mabee said. She said attendance is off significantly at this month’s basketball tournaments around the country.Marketing Committee Chairman Ed Lewi said NASCAR has been hit hard, too, and is lowering ticket prices to bring crowds back. Among this year’s promotions, SPAC will again have an American Girl Night and Girls Night out along with Date Nights and Family Nights every Thursday and Friday, respectively.The main new initiative is a partnership with The Hyde that is planning an upcoming summer exhibit, “Degas & Music,” based on the work of French Impressionist painter Edgar Degas (1834-1917).“Instead of being at cross purposes, we’re cross-promoting,” said David Setford, The Hyde’s executive director. “This is certainly the way for the future. Instead of being isolated in our attempt to reach audiences, we’re joining forces.“Music rather than painting was the underpinning of Degas’ artistic life.”The cross between those art forms will be emphasized in several scheduled events. They are:- Friday, Aug. 7 — Young chamber musicians will play at The Hyde, including featured pianist Jean-Frederic Neuberger of Paris. This fundraiser will have pre- and post-performance receptions.- Monday, Aug. 10 — A full-length chamber music program at Spa Little Theater also featuring Neuberger.- Saturday, Aug. 15 — A special Philadelphia Orchestra performance called “An Evening with Degas.” The concert will be accompanied by images of Degas’ works on SPAC’s large cinema screens.Chief Operating Officer Richard Geary said memberships are currently down 10 to 12 percent versus 2008. But 2009 season programs are just being mailed out. Typically, this boosts memberships when people get to see the program first-hand.SPAC’s annual meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 13 at Saratoga Spa State Park’s Hall of Springs.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPAC Paint-job repairs to beat season opening
Saturday, March 21, 2009 5:15 AM EDT
By PAUL POST, The Saratogian
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A peeling paint problem is only cosmetic and will be resolved before Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s season begins, officials said Friday.The amphitheater’s ceiling was painted three years ago as part of a major interior renovation that included the installation of 5,200 new padded seats.Working within budget constraints, crews scraped off and painted over old paint rather than sand-blasting the entire ceiling down to its plaster surface. Now, sections of old paint have started to peel.“You have so much to spend,” SPAC Facilities Committee Chairman John Nigro said. “Instead of sandblasting, which was probably costlier, they sanded. It’ll be repaired.“It’s purely cosmetic.”The amphitheater, which SPAC leases, is owned by the state that maintains and pays for its upkeep. But the state is facing a more than $14 billion budget deficit. For the time being, at least, the ceiling will be touched up with new paint instead of removing all the old layers.The amphitheater was originally targeted for a three-phase renovation — heating and mechanical, followed by interior work and finally the exterior. The first and second phases totaling roughly $4 million have already been done.Last year, a new façade was supposed to be built along with redesigned lighting, exterior balcony ramps and rest room improvements. Those projects, however, have been put on hold because state funding simply isn’t available.SPAC has asked state parks officials if rest rooms, at least, could be upgraded for the current season.“We haven’t heard back,” Nigro said.He said the parks system has assured him that SPAC’s exterior renovations will be done once money becomes available, but not this year.
Friday, March 20, 2009
oh, my, SPAC needs a paint job already?
SPAC’s 2006 coat of paint already peeling
Friday, March 20, 2009
By Tatiana Zarnowski (Contact)
Gazette Reporter
Photographer: Marc Schultz
Paint work done in 2006 has begun to peel at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.Text Size: A A A
SARATOGA SPRINGS — It was just three years ago that the interior of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was repainted as part of a $1.6 million upgrade.
But visit the empty amphitheater now and you’ll notice big chunks of peeling cream-colored paint hanging from the underside of the balcony.
The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is working with the Mechanicville painter that did the 2006 project to spruce it up for this season.
Paint applied before W.W. Patenaude and Sons arrived on the scene in 2006 is the culprit, said Alane Ball Chinian, regional parks director.
“It’s not his paint that’s failing. It’s the previous paint,” Chinian said.
The area will have to be scraped and retouched each year unless the state gets enough money to sandblast the whole ceiling and start over, said Andrew Patenaude, one of the owners of the painting company.
“They would have to fully remove that paint, and probably by the time they fully removed it, the plaster would be disturbed,” Patenaude said.
As part of the $270,000 painting contract in 2006, the state asked Patenaude and Sons to scrape off loose paint and paint over the old paint rather than sandblast the plaster ceiling above the floor seats.
Patenaude said his paint stuck to the plaster where the old paint was scraped off.
The state office, which is responsible for facility upkeep for nonprofit tenant SPAC, can’t afford to get the area sandblasted and repainted now.
With its budget next year a big question mark, the parks office will spend its money on more important projects, such as a fire alarm system at the Hall of Springs and replacing portions of the Lincoln Baths roof, Chinian said.
“We have situations where something is presenting a health hazard or truly a dangerous situation,” she said.
That means that other work that was slated to happen at SPAC this year is still on hold as well, Chinian said.
A $2.5 million renovation planned for last fall and this year would have updated the look of the exterior and added new lighting, a new sound system and new bathrooms.
“No contracts are being advanced right now,” Chinian said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share story: print email +digg
+fark +reddit
Friday, March 20, 2009
By Tatiana Zarnowski (Contact)
Gazette Reporter
Photographer: Marc Schultz
Paint work done in 2006 has begun to peel at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.Text Size: A A A
SARATOGA SPRINGS — It was just three years ago that the interior of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was repainted as part of a $1.6 million upgrade.
But visit the empty amphitheater now and you’ll notice big chunks of peeling cream-colored paint hanging from the underside of the balcony.
The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is working with the Mechanicville painter that did the 2006 project to spruce it up for this season.
Paint applied before W.W. Patenaude and Sons arrived on the scene in 2006 is the culprit, said Alane Ball Chinian, regional parks director.
“It’s not his paint that’s failing. It’s the previous paint,” Chinian said.
The area will have to be scraped and retouched each year unless the state gets enough money to sandblast the whole ceiling and start over, said Andrew Patenaude, one of the owners of the painting company.
“They would have to fully remove that paint, and probably by the time they fully removed it, the plaster would be disturbed,” Patenaude said.
As part of the $270,000 painting contract in 2006, the state asked Patenaude and Sons to scrape off loose paint and paint over the old paint rather than sandblast the plaster ceiling above the floor seats.
Patenaude said his paint stuck to the plaster where the old paint was scraped off.
The state office, which is responsible for facility upkeep for nonprofit tenant SPAC, can’t afford to get the area sandblasted and repainted now.
With its budget next year a big question mark, the parks office will spend its money on more important projects, such as a fire alarm system at the Hall of Springs and replacing portions of the Lincoln Baths roof, Chinian said.
“We have situations where something is presenting a health hazard or truly a dangerous situation,” she said.
That means that other work that was slated to happen at SPAC this year is still on hold as well, Chinian said.
A $2.5 million renovation planned for last fall and this year would have updated the look of the exterior and added new lighting, a new sound system and new bathrooms.
“No contracts are being advanced right now,” Chinian said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share story: print email +digg
+fark +reddit
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
SPAC executive salary is questioned, Daily Gazette, 3/18/09
SPAC exec's salary leads pack for arts
Ballet supporters unhappy with season
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
By Wendy Liberatore (Contact)
Gazette Reporter
Text Size: A | A | A
SARATOGA SPRINGS — When it comes to compensation for directors of performing arts venues, Marcia White’s salary at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center is well ahead of the pack.
White’s salary is coming under criticism following the winter decision to trim the ballet season to two weeks, though she has the vocal support of the SPAC chairman.
White, who replaced Herb Chesbrough as SPAC’s president and executive director in March 2005, received a salary of $205,170 in her first year and $244,865 in 2006. More recent figures are not yet available, SPAC salaries have been frozen since the end of last summer.
By comparison, executive directors of other area arts venues have not topped the $200,000 mark. For example, Philip Morris, who runs the year-round Proctors in Schenectady, was paid $140,000 in 2007. At The Egg in Albany, another year-round venue, Executive Director Peter Lesser is paid $94,000 annually.
Patricia DiBenedetto Snyder, the founder and producing director of the New York State Theatre Institute in Troy, is paid $125,792 annually. And Ella Baff, the executive director of Jacob’s Pillow, a 10-week summer dance venue in Becket, Mass., was paid $159,713 in 2006. All of these directors have had many years, often several decades, of experience working in arts management. The salary levels are reported on federal tax filings for nonprofit organizations.
White, a former nurse and then spokeswoman for retired state senator and majority leader Joseph Bruno, had never worked in the arts before being tapped to head SPAC.
“We are an $8 million business,” said William Dake, chairman of the SPAC board of directors. “We interface with national organizations and it’s complicated. We have to deal with five different groups who we have to beat to death to get them to focus on the programming. And she started in a complex time. We didn’t have a lot of staff. She works her tail off.”
Dake also mentioned that SPAC has a $10 million contract with Live Nation, the group that books and manages the pop music concerts.
However, other area arts groups have large budgets as well. Proctors stands at $14.8 million; the New York State Theatre Institute’s budget is $3.6 million a year while The Egg works on a $2.1 million annual budget.
Louise Goldstein, a former member of the Save the Ballet committee, which worked to keep the New York City Ballet dancing at SPAC, said she felt White’s salary was “totally shocking and an outrage.” That organization disbanded after White was appointed.
“We fought so hard to keep the ballet, and now we have a high-paid executive, who had no experience in the arts, making this kind of money. I think SPAC should cut her salary in half and use the money to hire someone with an arts background.”
In hiring White, then-board chairman Dr. Stephen Serlin said the board was impressed with her marketing and fundraising potential. In her first year at SPAC, the then-financially ailing venue ended the year with a small surplus. It has operated without a deficit since.
“Fifty percent of the job is fundraising and Marcia has done incredibly well with fundraising,” said Dake.
However, SPAC has been struggling with attendance, particularly at the ballet, which has continued to decline since White began. And this summer, the ballet, the amphitheater’s flagship company, has reduced its stay from three weeks to two.
“Marcia did a good job getting SPAC in the black,” said John DeMarco, owner of Lyrical Ballad bookstore and a member of SPAC. “But there hasn’t been growth in promoting the ballet, getting a capital campaign going and attendance. We are going backwards. It doesn’t bode well for the arts.”
Goldstein agreed, lamenting, “We have a week less of the ballet.”
Chesbrough resigned in 2005 in the wake of a controversy swirling around New York City Ballet. He announced he made plans to cancel the ballet, saying it was too expensive. That led to a state audit, which criticized Chesbrough’s $317,301 salary. When White has hired, the SPAC board reported that her salary would range from $150,000 to $175,000. Dake said SPAC settled on $205,170 instead after “doing an extensive survey” on what others are paid.
Ballet supporters unhappy with season
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
By Wendy Liberatore (Contact)
Gazette Reporter
Text Size: A | A | A
SARATOGA SPRINGS — When it comes to compensation for directors of performing arts venues, Marcia White’s salary at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center is well ahead of the pack.
White’s salary is coming under criticism following the winter decision to trim the ballet season to two weeks, though she has the vocal support of the SPAC chairman.
White, who replaced Herb Chesbrough as SPAC’s president and executive director in March 2005, received a salary of $205,170 in her first year and $244,865 in 2006. More recent figures are not yet available, SPAC salaries have been frozen since the end of last summer.
By comparison, executive directors of other area arts venues have not topped the $200,000 mark. For example, Philip Morris, who runs the year-round Proctors in Schenectady, was paid $140,000 in 2007. At The Egg in Albany, another year-round venue, Executive Director Peter Lesser is paid $94,000 annually.
Patricia DiBenedetto Snyder, the founder and producing director of the New York State Theatre Institute in Troy, is paid $125,792 annually. And Ella Baff, the executive director of Jacob’s Pillow, a 10-week summer dance venue in Becket, Mass., was paid $159,713 in 2006. All of these directors have had many years, often several decades, of experience working in arts management. The salary levels are reported on federal tax filings for nonprofit organizations.
White, a former nurse and then spokeswoman for retired state senator and majority leader Joseph Bruno, had never worked in the arts before being tapped to head SPAC.
“We are an $8 million business,” said William Dake, chairman of the SPAC board of directors. “We interface with national organizations and it’s complicated. We have to deal with five different groups who we have to beat to death to get them to focus on the programming. And she started in a complex time. We didn’t have a lot of staff. She works her tail off.”
Dake also mentioned that SPAC has a $10 million contract with Live Nation, the group that books and manages the pop music concerts.
However, other area arts groups have large budgets as well. Proctors stands at $14.8 million; the New York State Theatre Institute’s budget is $3.6 million a year while The Egg works on a $2.1 million annual budget.
Louise Goldstein, a former member of the Save the Ballet committee, which worked to keep the New York City Ballet dancing at SPAC, said she felt White’s salary was “totally shocking and an outrage.” That organization disbanded after White was appointed.
“We fought so hard to keep the ballet, and now we have a high-paid executive, who had no experience in the arts, making this kind of money. I think SPAC should cut her salary in half and use the money to hire someone with an arts background.”
In hiring White, then-board chairman Dr. Stephen Serlin said the board was impressed with her marketing and fundraising potential. In her first year at SPAC, the then-financially ailing venue ended the year with a small surplus. It has operated without a deficit since.
“Fifty percent of the job is fundraising and Marcia has done incredibly well with fundraising,” said Dake.
However, SPAC has been struggling with attendance, particularly at the ballet, which has continued to decline since White began. And this summer, the ballet, the amphitheater’s flagship company, has reduced its stay from three weeks to two.
“Marcia did a good job getting SPAC in the black,” said John DeMarco, owner of Lyrical Ballad bookstore and a member of SPAC. “But there hasn’t been growth in promoting the ballet, getting a capital campaign going and attendance. We are going backwards. It doesn’t bode well for the arts.”
Goldstein agreed, lamenting, “We have a week less of the ballet.”
Chesbrough resigned in 2005 in the wake of a controversy swirling around New York City Ballet. He announced he made plans to cancel the ballet, saying it was too expensive. That led to a state audit, which criticized Chesbrough’s $317,301 salary. When White has hired, the SPAC board reported that her salary would range from $150,000 to $175,000. Dake said SPAC settled on $205,170 instead after “doing an extensive survey” on what others are paid.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)