By Susan E. Campbell

Coming out of winter, construction companies were getting ready for building and renovation activity that accelerates with warmer weather. But the coronavirus pandemic has changed things.

The state has ordered non-essential projects be put on hold until further notice.

“The construction industry was in very good shape, both residential and commercial,” said Barry Potoker, executive director of Saratoga Builders Association, a nonprofit trade group. “Prior to the virus, demand was for a lot more building.”

“The rules of engagement are somewhat unclear, as you would expect,” Potoker said. “This is a devastating change for residential construction. If projects are unsafe, the sites are to be made safe and then shut down.”

“Saratoga Builders Association has 160 members who are not just builders, but mortgage companies, lumberyards, HVAC companies, and others affected by new rules,” he said.

The Saratoga Springs City Center Authority and its design build partner, Bette and Cring, will continue work on the Flat Rock Parking Center.

The decision was made after the Authority received Bette and Cring’s site-specific COVID-19 procedures, according to Ryan McMahon, the executive Director. “We are confident that Bette and Cring is able to meet these procedures and they are prepared to continue work in accordance with such policies. “

The Authority’s action is in keeping with guidelines issued by Empire State Development (ESD) and is deemed  an essential infrastructure project.

By Rachel Phillips

With the emergence and spread of COVID-19, proper cleaning and disinfecting are more important than ever. As an essential service, there are several Capital Region commercial cleaning services still operating on the front lines during the pandemic.

When the first cases of COVID-19 broke out in the U.S., Matthew Montesi, president and owner of North Country Janitorial Inc. in Glens Falls, said he saw an uptick in business.

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Concord Pools of Latham and Saratoga Springs has a new owner.

Mike Giovanone, the former president and chief executive, recently sold the business to his  vice president of pool sales, Jon Foshee.

Foshee worked 12 years working as a sales director and executive for Latham Pool Products. In February of 2019, he was asked if he would be interested in buying and running Concord Pools, with the intention of also managing the business.

“It seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a tremendous offer. Everything seemed to line up and we worked together to make it as seamless as possible,” said Foshee.

by Susan E. Campbell

Saratoga restaurants are handling the challenges of the coronavirus crisis with a sense of family, social responsibility, and grace.

When the governor’s mandate to close sit-down services for all restaurants and bars went into effect on March 16, establishments across the state were forced to deal with the hardship. Many have had to shut down completely and await the fate of their business as the pandemic continues.

The option for restaurants is making take-out available for curbside pickup, or delivering. Some restaurants who were previously not involved in either practice are implementing them to stay afloat.

New York state’s restaurant industry is among the most impacted, losing $1.9 billion and more than 250,000 jobs, according to a recent report by the National Restaurant Association. A nationwide survey of more than 4,500 restaurant operators, conducted from March through 26, found that an estimated $25 billion in sales and more than 3 million jobs were lost in the industry in the first 22 days of March 2020.

By Andrea Harwood Palmer

PrimeLink Fiber Optic Internet and Phone Services is being acquiring by FirstLight, a fiber-optic data, internet, data center, cloud computing and unified communications services provider.

Vicki Marking, marketing manager for PrimeLink, said the sale would be complete later this year.

“We are really excited about it. It will be our local team and FirstLight’s extensive resources. FirstLight’s infrastructure goes all over New York state. It’s a great compliment to them. The local team will remain in place. The transition will be slow and over a long period of time,” she said.

The New York Racing Association selected Chicago restaurant and concessions giant Levy as the new food and beverage vendor for Saratoga Race Course and Belmont Park.

The multi-year contract will bring several hospitality companies to the tracks, including Mazzone Hospitality of Clifton Park.

Levy is the concessions manager for the home stadiums of the National Football League’s San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. The company also is the food and beverage vendor at several auto and thoroughbred racetracks including Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Churchill Downs in Kentucky.

“Few venues and events match the impact Saratoga Race Course and Belmont Park have had on our sports culture,” said Andy Lansing, Levy president and chief executive.