New York state announced a second solicitation for large-scale renewable energy projects under the state’s Clean Energy Standard. 

The solicitation for up to 20 projects will accelerate New York’s transition to a clean energy economy and is expected to spur up to $1.5 billion in private investment and create more than 1,000 new well-paying jobs for New Yorkers, state officials said. 

The solicitation is expected to support 1.5 million megawatt-hours of renewable electricity per year, enough to power 200,000 homes, and advance New York’s nation-leading commitment to secure 50 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030. 

“This administration continues to champion renewable energy projects across New York, and this is a major step forward in our efforts to create clean jobs and set an example for the rest of the nation,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “With this action we will continue to capitalize on our natural assets, expand economic opportunities and lay the groundwork for a cleaner, greener New York for generations to come.” 

The Landmark Motor Inn, 1418 Saratoga Road in South Glens Falls, has sold for $3.67 million, according to the Muroff Daigle Hospitality Group, which brokered the transaction with Vanguard-Fine.

The seller was John Naja of Landmark Motor Lodge Corp. and the buyer was Nadeem Lodging Corp., which previously owned the Red Roof Inn in Albany.

The landmark Motor Inn was owned by the Naja family for more than 43 years, according to the Muroff Daigle Hospitality Group.

Circus Smirkus, the international youth circus, returns to the outdoor soccer field at the Saratoga Casino Hotel for four performances this summer.

On July 9 and 10, families can gather as the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs presents the Circus Smirkus 2018 Big Top Tour.

The theme of this year’s circus tour is “Vaudeville!” a celebration of the grand American tradition of variety entertainment. The show will include acrobats,  magicians,  jugglers and wirewalkers.

Saratoga Springs will receive $750,000 from New York state to help renovate Universal Preservation Hall, a historic nonprofit community arts organization, into a performing arts center.

In 2019, the heart of the hall will be a 700-seat, arena-style performance venue, geared toward live music, but capable of hosting theater, dance, comedy and fashion, as well as conventions, weddings and community events. The reonovations also include administrative offices and an elevator for increased accessibility.

The project is approaching its stated fundraising goal of $5 million.

Construction for the rehabilitation and preservation of the Roosevelt II Bathhouse in Saratoga Spa State Park is under way, state officials said.

The project is part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s NY Parks 2020 initiative to rejuvenate the state park system.

A $2.2 million renovation project will convert the 1930s Georgian Revival-style bathhouse into a multi-purpose facility for Coesa and additional future tenants. The 18,000-foot facility will have a renewed front lobby, new public restrooms, updated utilities, and a new tenant space for the Coesa Wellness Center. 

Discover Saratoga (also known as the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau)has named Darryl Leggieri as president of the organization. 

Leggieri joins the team with nearly 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

He succeeds Todd Garofano in the position. Garofano is moving on after eight years of service.

“We are thrilled that Darryl has agreed to lead our organization. Darryl’s knowledge of the conference and convention market in our region along with his many relationships with meeting planners who love coming to Saratoga Springs, makes him a perfect fit,” said Cindy Hollowood, board of directors chairperson and general manager of the Holiday Inn, Saratoga Springs.

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Racing City Brewing Co. officially opened in March. Owners Debreen and Tony Oliva are producing their own craft beer at 250 Excelsior Ave.

The couple has owned and operated Oliva Vineyards in Saratoga for over 15 years.

The Racing City Brewing Co. serves beer, Oliva Vineyards wines, hard cider, cocktails, spirits and light pub fare. The space was once a FedEx distribution center, and is now not only the tasting room, but a four-barrel brewing  system with space for Oliva Vineyards production and operations.