Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area. The November 4, 2025 election offers an opportunity to raise and discuss pressing issues relating to sustainability in this region.
Our supporters are interested in knowing the candidates’ plans for addressing key sustainability issues confronting our community, and this questionnaire provides each candidate an opportunity to discuss these issues. We sent each candidate the same questions. Below you will find their responses, verbatim and without any comments. Click on the name to see the responses for that candidate. There is a link to a pdf version of each candidate’s responses at the bottom of this page.
It is important to stress that as a 501(c)(3), Sustainable Saratoga does not, and will not, endorse any particular candidate for an elected office.
CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR OF SARATOGA SPRINGS
John Safford did not submit a response to this questionnaire.
Michele Madigan did not submit a response to this questionnaire.
CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS IN SARATOGA SPRINGS
1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?
Our comprehensive plan has been in place for 10 years and I believe it is due for a review. At present my concerns relate simply to housing and affordability. I do believe we need to review policies that could help enhance affordability in the city and have ideas on how to do so. The liberty housing project being one example of use of space in the inner tax district that created 220 workforce housing units and also conserved 20 acres of land forever wild. I believe a well constituted working group of all stakeholders will continue our legacy in terms of a balance between growth and nature. In addition I have already begun work to greatly expand the use of ADUs in the city. Presently permitted under UR3 and 4, I am analyzing the areas to assess how many can be built on available land. I am planning to have their construction driven by a tax/assessment reduction. I am happy to discuss this at greater length.
2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?
Unfortunately, I believe we are past the point where our current infrastructure and systems can manage effectively the weather patterns we are now experiencing. We need to make significant investments in hardening our infrastructure: be that roads, stormwater systems, curbing, or watershed protections for our source water, we cannot simply hope that the impacts of global warming will not come to our door. That is not a reasonable approach as we have already seen it.
3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?
At this time, I do not have an understanding as to what a food scrap recycling program would cost vs the value it would provide our community. I would need to know much more about this.
4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.
5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?
I’m a long time participant in Tree Toga and in a previous runs for the DPW department, I committed to planting 1000 trees in my first term. I am aware that we’ve lost over 7000 trees in the last decade +. I believe we need to continue to try and build back the forest as much as possible, though we are having issues with invasive species that are being addressed. We have to have adequate staffing within our urban forestry group as we have a sizable inventory of trees. I will always look to make sure that department is properly staffed and funded.
6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.
Sustainability has many definitions, when I look at the City of Saratoga Springs, three areas that leap out to me are our infrastructure, our economy, and our community. We need to make sure that our infrastructure is sustainable for the long-term and that would start with securing our water source as it is currently in peril. Additional steps would Include strengthening access to affordable housing such that everyone who participates in our economy, has the ability to live here. If we do not have the ability for our workers to live here, we will no longer have them. With that, we will not have a sustainable economic model to move forward. Lastly, sustainable housing is essential to the long-term survival and sustainability of our of our community. Right now, people are being priced out of their homes, young families do not have access due to housing shortages created by a glut of short term rentals (approx 900). I am working diligently to reduce that number and to create additional units. I have a laser focus on accessibility and affordability of housing.
1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?
I strongly support the “City in the Country” vision of Saratoga Springs. Economic development should happen incrementally on existing infrastructure in the inner district. The city should support small, local, employers through grants and permitting reform that would permit ground floor commercial uses in specific areas paired with small public investments that promote walkability and streetscapes. The greenbelt could also provide tourism through a promoted trail network that would turn the greenbelt from growth constraint to economic asset.
2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?
It can be very expensive to replicate the benefits of green infrastructure with grey infrastructure, so it is both financially and environmentally important that the green infrastructure is kept intact. Street projects should include tree planting and projects that involve tree removal should also include tree replacement. The canopy cover of streets and parking lots should be examined, and efforts should be aimed at strategic plantings to increase canopy coverage in low coverage areas. The city should create an overlay to identify the areas that are of high importance in regard to climate resiliency. The overlay could then be considered during any development permitting.
3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?
I am in support of municipal food scrap collection if it can be operated efficiently and effectively. Any city investment would need to be matched with community buy in to succeed and would need a strong partner, like Sustainable Saratoga, to assist with education and outreach. If elected Commissioner of Accounts, I will work collaboratively with all the City Departments and Community Partners to support a pilot program that has collection sites. Later, a model that has the city doing curbside pick-up could be considered once viability, cost, and participation can be assessed.
4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.
Housing affordability won’t be solved overnight, but that does not mean Saratoga Springs shouldn’t be a regional leader on the issue. There is a lot of pent-up demand for housing in our city, so I appreciate the question’s acknowledgement that additional housing alone will not reduce local housing costs. It will take everyone at the Commissioner’s Table working together. If elected, I will work with the other commissioners to incentivize infill in the urban core, enable zoning that allows denser housing (duplexes, townhouses, etc..) and incentivize their construction. I will work to create incentives encouraging all large-scale housing developments to contain a certain percentage of affordable units. Permits from the Accounts Department will play a large role in this. If elected Commissioner of Accounts I would pursue permit reforms to reduce barriers and prioritize affordability.
5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?
I support the funding of this program and find it important. Trees are a multi-benefit asset that reduce the cost of climate adaptation, support tourism, increase the quality of life, and increase property values. Investing in this program is a cost-effective investment that should compete strongly with other capital priorities.
6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.
My top sustainability priorities are protecting the Greenbelt, enabling affordable infill housing, embedding resilience in every project, and supporting people-first projects. Permitting is how we make these priorities real: by rewarding projects that align with Saratoga’s long-term vision and holding back those that put our future at risk.
CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE IN SARATOGA SPRINGS
1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?
Yes, I fully support the vision of Saratoga Springs as the “City in the Country.” This guiding principle in the Comprehensive Plan captures what makes our city so special: a vibrant, walkable downtown surrounded by the natural beauty, open spaces, and rural character of the Greenbelt. Preserving that balance is key to maintaining both our quality of life and our economic vitality.
I believe smart, sustainable growth means honoring this vision while planning for the future in a way that benefits everyone. That includes encouraging economic development that aligns with our values, supporting locally owned businesses, investing in infrastructure that enhances livability (like bike paths, sidewalks, and green space), and focusing on infill and mixed-use development within the urban core to prevent sprawl.
It also means being intentional about protecting the Greenbelt, not just for its environmental value, but because it supports tourism, recreation, agriculture, and the overall character that draws people to Saratoga Springs in the first place.
By prioritizing transparency, fiscal responsibility, and community input, we can promote growth that reflects who we are as a city,forward-thinking, inclusive, and deeply rooted in our connection to both people and place.
2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?
Protecting our city’s natural “green infrastructure”, including forests, wetlands, and open space, is not just about conservation, it’s about resilience, public safety, and long-term economic stability.
I support policies that preserve and strengthen our green infrastructure. These natural systems play a vital role in absorbing stormwater, reducing flood risk, moderating temperatures, and improving air quality. They are also critical assets in fighting climate change by capturing carbon and supporting biodiversity.
Climate resilience isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a financial one. Every dollar spent on proactive mitigation saves much more in avoided disaster recovery costs. By protecting our green infrastructure, we’re also protecting the health, safety, and economic well-being of everyone who lives and works in Saratoga Springs.
3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?
Yes, the Director of Parks, Open Space, and Historic Preservation recently visited a town with a successful food scraps composting program. It’s definitely something we should explore here. Getting a pilot program off the ground would take some volunteers, but I’d fully support the effort and do what’s needed to help make it happen.
4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.
Making Saratoga Springs more affordable is essential so people of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels can live here, not just visit. Affordability affects housing, jobs, and community connection.
We have over 1,800 affordable units built, in progress, or planned. The Mayor’s office has been working closely with the Planning Department on ways to support attainable homeownership, like exploring Community Land Trusts/Banks and helping property owners understand how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can play a role.
We’re also talking with CDTA about better transit options and support small businesses to create year-round jobs. As a certified pro-housing community, we’re exploring grants to help review zoning for gentle density options and housing needs assessment.
Affordability doesn’t mean lowering standards, it means making sure the people who keep Saratoga vibrant can afford to stay and thrive.
5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?
Our urban forest is a huge asset to Saratoga Springs, it improves air quality, keeps the city cooler, manages stormwater, and adds to our quality of life. Thanks to Sustainable Saratoga and the City, we’ve already made great progress.
Of course, budgets are tight, and we have to balance urban forestry with other priorities like public safety and infrastructure. But we can still support our trees in smart, cost-effective ways, by maintaining what we’ve planted, seeking grants and partnerships, and including tree work in existing projects like road or park upgrades.
Trees aren’t just “nice to have”, they’re part of our infrastructure, and they pay off in the long run. With the right approach, we can keep growing our urban forest without overburdening the city budget.
6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.
Sustainability should be woven into everything we do, from housing and transportation to economic development. By making thoughtful, forward-looking choices now, we can keep Saratoga Springs a healthy, livable, and welcoming city for generations to come.
1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?
I want to maintain the Greenbelt however without coordination with surrounding municipalities it becomes meaningless in the face of up-to-the-edge development outside of our jurisdiction. From inside our borders, spot zoning/PUDs must be avoided in the name of “fast housing” fixes.
Economic development that promotes sustainable growth includes: 1) Policies and infrastructure to encourage a more diversified economy so that the people who live in Saratoga Springs can afford to work in Saratoga Springs rather than having to commute hours every week. This is an update to the Comprehensive Plan as well as ensuring adequate water and services. 2) Partner with builders to encourage energy-efficient construction methods. This includes incentives at the local level and sourcing grants from state or higher levels.
2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?
We must continue to follow state laws and our own development ordinance with regards to protection of wetlands and continue our partnership with private organizations to promote urban tree planting. Permeability requirements must be adhered to and enforced for projects approved by the city, which requires adequately staffing both the building department and code inspection.
3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?
Yes although it was my understanding that there was already a project to stand up composting of food waste in partnership with Pitney Meadows farm. I would like to see that project continue and if successful implement a complete program.
4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.
First, affordability is not just about housing. Systems and policies that require, or cause to require, excess time or cost (such as needing to commute long distances to work or to buy goods or services) also contribute to affordability issues, along with the cost and inconsistent availability of services, utilities, and food.
However, regarding housing in particular, outside of price control, the only way to reduce housing cost is by increasing the stock of available housing. There are three ways to do this, the easiest is to build in undeveloped properties, then there is repurposing existing development (either internal conversion or demolition and rebuild), then there are implementing policies to increase stock (such as disincentivizing speculation on houses and apartments that sit idle and discouraging excessive ‘upgrades’ that price houses well above market value for their neighborhood). I do not believe that we have yet maximized our options for increasing stock without resorting to new construction. In-fill applications continue to come in and must be weighed against future affordability. The city has adopted a policy that will likely discourage external speculation on property to be used as short term rentals.
To make Saratoga Springs more affordable, besides the housing costs, we need to address the other affordability issues as well. Encouraging walkability/bikeability and continuing to partner with the CDTA to reduce reliance on automobiles will make our city more affordable, as will public-private partnerships to provide food aid, repair, and other community supports.
5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?
I believe it is critical and it is a commitment per the approved 2013 Urban and Community Forest Master Plan, as adopted by the city, and I also believe should continue to operate to the more recent recommendations of the Urban Forestry Management Plan. Tree management impacts infrastructure and energy usage and is an important investment in both sustainability and affordability.
I do also advocate for updating the Comprehensive Plan and as part of that reviewing and incorporating changes where warranted to the supporting land use and development plans adopted by the City – which would include incorporating the recommendations of the Urban Forestry Management Plan. This would necessarily commit funding as well as compel us to seek outside partnerships and assistance to maintaining our urban forest.
6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.
My sustainability priorities are also key affordability priorities – either by reducing costs on the public to maintain our infrastructure or by providing residents and workers more economic freedom.
Transportation – things that can help move residents and workers away from cars reduces their costs, reduces energy usage, and frees up space especially in more crowded commercial areas
Land Use (Permeability and water management) – development that manages runoff and can sustain through heavy rains and dry spells will reduce private repair costs, mitigate risk, and help smooth the peaks of usage on both our water and sewer infrastructure
CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY IN SARATOGA SPRINGS
1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?
Yes, I support this vision for Saratoga Springs. I welcome economic development that incorporates green building initiatives; however, each project must be carefully balanced against its actual costs, particularly when it involves public funding. The City of Saratoga Springs is facing significant financial constraints in the near future. For that reason, this type of development will need to rely heavily on grants and other outside funding sources.
2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?
I support all planning and development that incorporates protecting our green infrastructure. I believe the Planning Board does an excellent job of integrating this concept into new projects.
3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?
Potentially. Again, I agree with this concept; however, cost will ultimately be the deciding factor.
4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.
Housing costs are incredibly high throughout the country. They are especially higher in more desirable places to live, particularly areas with low crime rates and strong schools. I believe efforts to expand affordable housing should focus on the middle class. Saratoga has increasingly become a place only for the wealthy or the poor, while the middle class has been pushed to purchase or rent in Ballston Spa or Malta. I believe that the short-term rental (STR) market has driven up the cost of our middle-class housing stock. For example, Geyser Crest, once an affordable neighborhood, has been overrun with STRs, effectively turning homes into de-facto hotels catering to weekend bachelor and bachelorette parties. The failure to address this issue in the past has directly contributed to today’s affordability crisis in Saratoga Springs, as the market value of homes is now based on their short-term rental rates. As such, the implementation of STR regulation is welcomed but has been delayed in implementation.
5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?
I support this initiative and have volunteered in the past.
6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.
CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS IN SARATOGA SPRINGS
1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?
I recently met with Sustainable staff (Kelsey) and board member (Amy) regarding a proposed project in the Greenbelt. This project would have required both comprehensive plan and zoning amendments to proceed and I told the applicant I would not be supportive of the required changes for the project to proceed and informed Sustainable the same.
After this instance, another applicant approached me with a lawful project involving an area overlayed by the Greenbelt. As I has previously promised Kelsey and Amy, if I became aware of any Greenbelt impacts I would inform them. I subsequently facilitated a meeting between Sustainable and the development team to ensure that as they further design, the concerns Sustainable expressed be incorporated.
I believe in doing what I’ve said/promised and Sustainable representatives can attest I’ve held my word in all instances.
2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?
Upon entering office one of the first titles I created was the position of Urban Forester. This position was created in compliance with the 2013 Urban Forestry plan. Urban Forestry plays an element in protecting the identified natural resources in the question.
Upon coming into office, there were four Senior Engineering Technician positions open. Additional titles include: Stormwater/GIS Specialist and Utilities Engineer. The Stormwater/GIS Specialist will specifically be tasked with addressing the increasing demands of severe weather and adherence to the NYS DEC MS4 requirements.
These positions were created to address specific needs within the Engineering Department to address climate action, the City’s ability to address instantaneous response and implementation of long-range planning.
Finally, DPW is currently with Sustainable on a signage program where DPW will design and obtains permits through NSYDOT designating entry to the Greenbelt in varying locations throughout the City.
3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?
The largest concern with inclusion of food scraps in the City’s composting program is the pickup mechanism. Currently, leaf/lawn debris is retrieved through on street pickup of yard debris and inclusion of food scraps could not be done in the same manner. A trial program would have to include voluntary drop-off of material at the Weibel Ave facility before attempting a pickup program.
4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.
As a Planning Board member, I supported a number of subdivisions with non-conforming lots; particularly in the inner district. Allowing non-conforming lots creates an in-fill mechanism preventing sprawl or attempts at it.
The second thing I’d be supportive of is an inclusionary zoning program and adoption of the NYS 485-a program. Inclusionary zoning is the process by which height bonuses would be granted to developers seeking multi-story developments. This would require modification of Section 4.4(B) of the UDO.
Currently, the City only participates in the NYS 485-B program which applies to commercial, industrial and retail projects. The adoption of the 485-A program would enable mixed-use projects inclusive of residential development to be included in the tax abatement program. This would also, primarily affect inner district developments.
5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?
Pursuant to number 2, the creation of the Urban Forester was an initial undertaking when I got into office. The position received approval of the Civil Service Commission and awaits budgetary approval for final adaptation. When the Urban Forester position is filled, we will backfill the Arborist position and bring DPW in line with the 2013 Urban Forestry plan.
6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.
As stated above, I’ve made sustainability a priority by incorporating it into the regular activities of DPW. The creation of positions including Urban Forester, GIS/Stormwater Specialist and Utilities Engineer will protect the City’s infrastructure while making us more climate resilient.
Connectivity will be the emphasis of work in the imminent future. In May, I introduced a resolution that enabled DPW to access payment in lieu of funds from the Planning Board to be utilized for Missing Link and ADA compliant projects. After a meeting with Inclusive Saratoga, we are currently
working with Saratoga County to design and permit the first project utilizing this process.Subsequently, I was able to identify unspent state funds which will further the construction of identified Greenbelt Trail projects allowing bicyclists to traverse from Geyser Road to Nelson Avenue via Crescent Ave Connector (RFP issued) and through a dangerous segment of Excelsior Spring Ave (RFP intended October). This does not include Church and Van Dam streets where a separate study identified pedestrian improvements to mitigate impacts of existing truck traffic that will likely serve as a deterrent for future truck traffic. Decreasing the reliance of vehicles or incentivizing multi-modal transport is a significant opportunity for the City and its residents.
1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?
A) Yes, I support the “City in the Country” vision.
B) In my opinion, the most critical issue facing Saratoga Springs is the maintenance of our water and sewer infrastructure (pipes, pumps, valves, hydrants, etc.) in addition to the health of Loughberry Lake. Saratoga Springs cannot keep growing without taxing this infrastructure beyond its capacity. Increasing this capacity would be expensive, but is probably necessary since Loughberry’s long-term health is seriously threatened. Saratoga Springs does not need to promote economic development; what it needs is to be a better steward of its water and related infrastructure resources.
2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?
My plan is to protect the “City in the Country” plan and limit developments to within the core area of the city where walking and biking can be encouraged and facilitated. We need to make it easier for folks to build Auxiliary Dwelling Units where possible to support affordable housing needs for grandparents, in-law, or young families. There are still significant opportunities for single-family and multiple-family units in the city core. We should, by all means, protect “the Greenbelt”. Not only is this an environmentally sound approach, it also enhances the enjoyment of the city for all residents and businesses.
3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?
Yes! I support composting at the city level, starting with a voluntary plan similar to the Pitney Meadows composting campaign. The city should learn from the PM experience and from other cities around NY State who have such programs. This would be a wonderful expansion of the current composting facility.
4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.
As mentioned earlier, I support easing restrictions on ADU’s. Furthermore, my understanding is that there are over 1000 homes in Saratoga Springs that are being used as short-term rentals (Air B&B’s). More regulations are needed to either convert some of these units to permanent housing, or to establish a fee structure to develop funding for affordable housing units within the city core.
I would also support learning from other cities that have been more successful in encouraging the development of affordable housing.
5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?
Trees are a vital part of Saratoga Springs. Recently, DPW has paid more attention to having the needed manpower, leadership, and training to plant and
nurture. I would continue to promote working with volunteer organizations but we need to make sure that the city is providing enough leadership in this interaction.
6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.
The very top issue for Saratoga Springs is the health of our water supply (currently the threatened Loughberry Lake), our aging and degrading water
infrastructure, and the inadequate storm sewer system in parts of the city. The city needs to clearly identify other sources of water since reversing the downward quality and quantity trend of Loughberry Lake is an unrealistic environmental and regulatory challenge.
CANDIDATES FOR SARATOGA COUNTY SUPERVISOR IN SARATOGA SPRINGS
Minita Sanghvi did not submit a response to this questionnaire.
Sarah Burger did not submit a response to this questionnaire.
1. In the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga Springs is defined as the “City in the Country,” meaning an intensively developed urban core and vibrant downtown surrounded by “the Greenbelt,” an outlying area of rural character and natural resources, with low-density residential development. Do you support this vision of Saratoga Springs or do you think it should change? What are your ideas for economic development that promote smart, sustainable growth for our community?
Interesting that I was talking about the history and importance of the Greenbelt just this morning.
I am in favor of maintaining the greenbelt to protect our city in the country.
I believe that strong downtowns surrounded by places for recreation and connecting to nature ensure long term viability of a community and are therefore critical to economic development and to drawing businesses and a workforce to Saratoga Springs.
Saratoga Springs has done the right thing over the years by creating a Zoning plan that concentrates development within the urban core and has less dense development in the Greenbelt. It has made our City a desirable place to live. I do not believe that the City should change overall zoning to increase or decrease allowable density in the Greenbelt
2. The Saratoga Springs Hazard Mitigation Plan ranks severe storms, flooding, and extreme temperatures as the top hazards for the city. The city’s natural “green infrastructure,” including forests and wetlands, helps protect against flooding, reduces urban heat, and absorbs carbon from the atmosphere. What is your plan for keeping the city’s “green infrastructure” intact and for protecting city residents and our local economy from intensifying climate hazards?
I am a strong believer in green infrastructure and open space, as my past service on the Saratoga Plan Board and current service on the SoBro Conservancy board will attest. I will be fierce advocate for open space as an important way to mitigate intensifying climate hazards.
Over the past 10 years the County has committed over $250,000 and up to $500,000 in its anuual budget for Open Space in large part because of my predecessor and Matt Vietch. Matt and I have discussed this very issue at length and he has promised to help me navigate this issue with the County.
If elected supervisor I would want to continue to advocate this level of support or even increase the amounts.
3. Approximately 40% of the food produced in the U.S. for human consumption is wasted, with much of it ending up in landfills and resulting in further environmental problems. Should municipal food scraps collection be added to the City’s existing composting operations?
I am in strong agreement that reducing food waste and keeping it out of landfills is an excellent goal.
The City of Saratoga Springs was very forward-thinking when they implemented the composting program for yard waste. In my opinion it has been an unqualified success and one of the programs that is truly taken advantage of by our residents. They feel as though they are contributing to something positive when they put their yard waste out on the curb each year. I would absolutely support adding food waste to this program, and would work with the City DPW in providing any County funding or support to this initiative. While the Supervisor does not directly have involvement with these types of City initiatives, the County has a great resource with its partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension and Saratoga County Soil and Water to help with recommendations or support of the program.
4. The cost of housing in Saratoga Springs continues to rise. In other resort communities such as ours, simply building more housing has not reduced housing costs. Please discuss your ideas for making Saratoga Springs more affordable.
I was pleased to see Governor Hochuls “move-in NY” initiative announced and I will be watching closely the impact it has on the initial targeted cities. Affordable housing is the foundation for much economic development, and much housing is needed to support the workers, medical professionals, first responders and others.
Our ‘City in the Country’ concept for Saratoga Springs, keeping the inner district more densely developed than the outer areas of the City is a big factor in what makes Saratoga Springs so attractive to so many home buyers. Unfortunately, while sustainable for the long term, this concept has perhaps unintentionally caused real estate values to rise to a level that has made it difficult for those of modest means to either rent or own in Saratoga Springs.
I support the Comprehensive Plan’s goals and ideals. While the County Supervisor does not have any direct input into the City’s planning, I would be supportive of any affordable housing initiatives, such as the recent developments near West Avenue, which give those of moderate incomes the ability to reside within the City limits.
One concept that has been used to some success in Essex County has been their land bank program which leverages government involvement to rehabilitate aging homes and substandard properties, and then sell them back to qualified owners in order to achieve sustainable and long-term affordability for residents. Approaches that revitalize existing homes and create affordable housing are true win-wins
5. Sustainable Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs have worked hard for years to increase the presence of trees in the city—the “urban forest”—which provides environmental, social, and economic benefits for Saratoga Springs. This ongoing program requires investment in trained professional staff, tree planting, and maintenance. How important is funding for the urban forest among other city priorities?
Tree Toga is a low cost, high impact program that should continue to be funded. I had the opportunity to participate in Tree Toga with my daughter and we still drive by the trees we helped plant and reflect on what was a great day meeting neighbors and adding to the vibrancy of this city. Tree Toga not only supplies and replaces trees that deliver valuable environmental benefits to the city it provides a connection to the community that will last for generations.
6. Please feel free to address your top sustainability priorities for Saratoga Springs or any other sustainability topics.
Politics aside, sustainability and mitigating the causes and impacts of climate change are among my most personal passions. As a boy scout I was taught not just the value of our natural world but that only humans can protect it. As an adult I regularly study how to mitigate the effects of human activities on our environment. One of my favorite recent reads was “ The Year of No Garbage” By Eve Schwartz. A fascinating tale that really uncovers so many myths about the effect of plastic on our planet. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle are a great mantra but they need to be focused in that order—first REDUCE, then REUSE, last RECYCLE. Too much attention over the years has been focused on the least impactful of those 3—recycle. As a community we need to do our best to educate people that the #1 way to drive sustainability is to REDUCE consumption.
As green as Saratoga is relative to other communities, I believe a lot more can be done. I will fight for the appropriate funding and resources to secure that countywide we are doing as much as possible to make Saratoga Springs and County as sustainable as possible.
Click on the links below to view the candidates questionnaires as a pdf.
MAYOR
- John Safford (survey not returned)
- Michele Madigan (survey not returned)
COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS
COMMISSIONER OF FINANCE
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS
SARATOGA COUNTY SUPERVISOR
- Minita Sanghvi (survey not returned)
- Sarah Burger (survey not returned)
- George Ehinger
