Matthew's View

Saratoga Springs is known as a very walkable city. The problem is that this description applies mainly to the immediate downtown district, and does not include our "country" outskirts. In fact, it is very difficult to be a pedestrian on some of the main roads on the outskirts of the city, such as Union Avenue, Gilbert Road, Church Street, Geyser Road, or Route 29. It is unsafe to walk or bike on these roads, and it
takes away from the quality of life in these areas of the City. If I am elected Supervisor, I will work hard to make trails an important part of any project within our City that the County is involved in.

I am currently involved with the Southwest Neighborhood Association in working on a bike and walking path to be constructed on Geyser Road, starting at the city line with Milton, to downtown Saratoga Springs. Once completed, it will be the first path that would connect one of the largest suburban residential developments with the downtown core. We achieved our first success in 2006, by obtaining a $25,000
member-item grant from Assemblyman Tedisco that will be used to fund a survey to begin he process for constructing a trail on Geyser Road.

I also have concerns for the City as a whole. I can imagine a day in the not too-distant future when residents from the different developments in the outer district of the city would all be able to ride their bikes or even walk to downtown safely. Many small community groups are working very hard to make these visions a reality. The West Side Neighborhood Association was instrumental in getting Railroad Run
completed, and Saratoga PLAN has worked hard on the Bog Meadow trails, and the new Spring Run trail, soon to be developed. They should be commended for their hard work. In fact the City's Comprehensive plan compels our City Council to develop a City-wide multi-use trail system. The County Board of Supervisors adopted their Green Infrastructure Plan, which includes City and County-wide trail connections, and open space preservation. I will fully support initiatives that help to implement and enhance the County's plan. Funding for the trail system I envision should come from the City and County governments, as well as local businesses and community partners, and individual citizens. Trails are universal things that benefit everyone, and we all should have a stake in making walking and biking trails a reality for Saratoga Springs.

My vision is that my family, and all citizens, will soon feel as safe walking along the roads on the outskirts of town as we do strolling along Spring Street, Washington Street, or Broadway. If elected Supervisor, I will work to make all areas of the city interconnected. By connecting neighborhoods together, we can strengthen the community ties that make this City such a great place to live.