Both the City of Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County have made improved transportation connections a major goal.  Our City identifies the need for a city-wide transportation network in the Comprehensive Plan, and the County passed the Green Infrastructure Plan initiative.  These were bold steps by prior administrations, but we need to do more.  I am currently working on two initiatives that will improve pedestrian transportation in the City.

          For Before I became your Supervisor, as a member of the Southwest Neighborhood Association, I have worked toward getting a multi-use trail along Geyser Road.  The project will run from the City line with Milton, to the Spa State Park area, and will eventually connect with the YMCA on West Avenue, and the Railroad Run extension.  The Geyser Road Trail Committee has received proposals from engineering companies, and is gathering information and securing funds so we can present a proposal for the City to build this trail.  It is an exciting project to be involved in, and it is truly a group effort among City, County, private citizens and local businesses.

Another initiative I am working on is to resurrect a project that was proposed in the City, but was never completed.  About ten years ago, the Saratoga Open Space Project (now Saratoga P.L.A.N.), proposed improvements to the Route 50 arterial toward Wilton, to improve the median with grass and tree plantings, and to construct a bike/walking path next to the road, similar to the wonderful entrance we have on Route 9, south of the City.  The State DOT has had a project for that corridor, but for various reasons, has not completed the project.  I received City Council support at their April meeting to move forward with this project.  Since that time, I have been meeting with community groups, and our neighboring towns of Wilton and Greenfield, to gather support for my initiative. After gathering the appropriate information, I will advocate for this project with our State leaders and DOT.  If this can be accomplished, we will have a gateway at the North entrance to our city that we can admire, just as we admire the beautiful southern gateway at Route 9.  But more importantly, this improvement will allow for walkers and bikers to travel along this corridor safely. 

I am proud to be one of your representatives on the County Board of Supervisors, and it is a privilege to work for you.  One thing that makes Saratoga Springs great is that it has a great transportation network in the areas in and around downtown, and this contributes to the high quality of life we enjoy as City residents.  A City-wide connection of trails and bike routes in needed in our City, to enhance the quality of life for all residents, and to make Saratoga Springs the leader in implementing the County’s Green Infrastructure Plan.