A project in Clifton Park and one in Saratoga Springs will get a portion of $112.2 million in funding that has been awarded to 81 projects that support bicycle and pedestrian enhancements and improve air quality across New York state.

Funding supports projects that include multi-use bicycle and pedestrian facilities, new accessible sidewalks that adhere to regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), improved access to public transportation, and enhanced roadway safety.

Of the $13.1 million earmarked for the Capital Region, $848,840 will go to the town of Clifton Park to construct an ADA-compliant, multi-use path.

Some $1.5 million will go to Saratoga Springs to complete the Greenbelt Trail Downtown Connector.

“This funding is critical to enhancing our infrastructure and paving the way for both pedestrian and bicycle travel,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “By improving roadway safety and increasing access to healthy transportation alternatives, we are providing both residents and visitors a chance to experience the state’s natural beauty like never before, while supporting a cleaner, greener New York for generations to come.”

The funding, which will provide up to 80 percent of the cost of each project, is made available through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the state Department of Transportation. Selected through a competitive solicitation process, awardees presented plans that will increase options for non-vehicular transportation, reduce vehicle emissions or traffic congestion, or both.

By R.J. DeLuke

Wilton Square shopping center on Route 50 was purchased recently by Nigro Companies of Albany.

Nigro Companies paid $49.3 million to Retail Properties of America for the center in a deal brokered by CBRE’s National Retail Partners. When it went on the market, it  was listed nationally.

No major changes are planned, said John Nigro, principal with Nigro Companies.

“The center has been kept in pretty decent condition by the previous owner,” he said. So the only changes will be some cosmetic improvements on the grounds, like landscaping.

The company already owns nearby Wilton Plaza and Hannaford Plaza, so when the property came up for sale, Nigro Companies had a strong interest, he said.

Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is leading an incentive application to the Clifton Park IDA to retain Kitware Inc.’s 88 high-paying software development and services jobs with potential for 25 percent more jobs in the next three years, agency officials said on May 2.

The new headquarters would retain over $13.8 million in local wages, rising to over $16 million in local wages in the third year, according to Dennis Brobston, SEDC president.

He said the effort continues SEDC’s Advance Saratoga initiatives to retain jobs and to promote the area as a home base for corporate headquarters.

Kitware’s average wages are over $100,000 per year, officials said. The company has outgrown its space on Corporate Drive in Halfmoon and has other operations in North Carolina, New Mexico, Idaho and France.

“With operations across the nation and in France, providing software products and services to several federal departments and major institutional clients, Kitware literally could have moved anywhere,” said Brobston. “Thankfully, we were able to collaborate with the principal developers, Kitware leaders and the Clifton Park IDA to develop an incentive proposal to help retain their skilled jobs and high wage earners in our communities.”

Mazzone Hospitality announced that Restaurant Associates will invest in its catering and business dining divisions.

The announcement was made by Mazzone Hospitality owner Angelo Mazzone, who said that the agreement is anticipated to take effect in July. Restaurant Associates is a subsidiary of Compass Group, The Americas Division.

According to the agreement, the expansive catering and business dining empire created by Mazzone will henceforth operate under the banner Mazzone Hospitality LLC. All jobs will remain in place and Mazzone will continue his leadership role within the organization.

The investment will provide the resources, systems and capital to enable Mazzone Hospitality LLC to expand its operations locally and regionally, and pursue opportunities with large institutions, including hospitals, universities, senior living facilities and major corporations.

The announcement follows a nearly four-decade career in the hospitality industry, beginning in 1980 when Mazzone opened Peggy’s, a small restaurant in downtown Schenectady. The business expanded in 1988 with the purchase and restoration of Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia. Presently, the Mazzone Hospitality portfolio includes seven premier restaurants, an expansive catering division, and a robust corporate dining program.

“I’m excited to announce this partnership because Restaurant Associates shares the same core values that we do, and will provide us with the infrastructure, systems and capital to sustain and expand upon the level of growth we’ve been so fortunate to achieve. Mazzone Hospitality has always strived to provide the highest level of service with vision, passion and integrity,” said Mazzone. “We have never been satisfied with the status quo, and are always looking for ways to improve and provide the best experience possible for our guests.”