By R.J. DeLuke

“There’s a reason why the Hall of Fame is here,” said Tom Bellhouse, CEO of West Point Thoroughbreds, an ownership consortium, on the day before the 2018 meet began at Saratoga Race Course.

He was speaking at the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame on Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs, where the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce had organized a panel to speak about the historic race track.

“Saratoga is our mecca,” he said of the local track and its importance in the industry not only nationwide but worldwide. “This is where it really counts.”

State officials announced on June 26 that  the new $2.9 million Peerless Pool Complex at Saratoga State Park was completed ahead of schedule, in time for the 2018 swim season. 

Funded as a NY Parks 2020 initiative to rejuvenate and modernize the state park system, the new complex provides improved pool facilities and offers more green space nearby.

“New York State Parks are second to none and serve as catalysts that drive and energize local economies,” Gov Andrew Cuomo said. “By returning them to their original grandeur and reimagining them we are providing recreational destinations that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

By Maureen Werther

The Saratoga Economic Development Corporation  announced in June a major new initiative it said will empower world-leading integrated circuit and electronic system design in Saratoga County and New York’s Capital Region. 

The Electronic Design and Innovation Initiative (EDI² Saratoga) founding partners feature a cross-section of international, national, regional, and local leaders including SEDC, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Clarkson University, National Grid, Siemens, Center for Economic Growth, New York State Electric & Gas, SUNY Adirondack and locally based ReWire Energy. 

SEDC President Dennis Brobston estimated that the initiative will create over 100 jobs over the next five years.

By Maureen Werther

Cantina Restaurant recently re-opened at its new location at 408 Broadway, in the building that was formerly the home of Lillian’s Restaurant. 

Owner Jeff Ames said he felt the former Lillian’s property would lend itself well to his plans for the new Cantina. If it had been another building, he might not have made the move.

Ames hired the Clifton Park firm of Syvertsen Rigosu Architects PLLC and Bonacio Construction in Saratoga Springs for the renovation. The building is now is a marked departure from the more traditional style of the former Lillian’s. The façade of the building is completely open, with large glass-paneled doors that can open to the sidewalk during good weather. 

Alpin Haus, an outdoor recreation retailer, continues to grow in Saratoga County.

In June, the company unveiled its newly expanded Saratoga County RV sales facility at 30 Gordon Lane in Gansevoort. 

The grand opening is the culmination of a multi-year project that transformed the dealership and created a new sales office and customer lounge at Alpin Haus RV of Saratoga, company officials said.

The expansion adds 3,600-square-feet of space to the northern Saratoga County facility and features new service bays, a new parts and accessories store, and a re-designed sales lot that created more space for customers to browse the latest recreational vehicles and campers. 

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Fans of Clark’s Steakhouse have happily followed the business from a previous location to a new spot as part of the Schuyler Yacht Basin marina and RV park. 

Jason Young, who owns both Clark’s Steakhouse and the Schuyler Yacht Basin, has created a comfortable, relaxing place for people to enjoy a meal.

Young moved into the new location at 1 Ferry St. in Schuylerville in May. He said the new space is triple the size of the previous Broad Street locaion. 

Young, who served in the military as a flight medic, said he is happy with the new space, and even more happy to be able to give the community a place to gather, relax and have fun.