Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC)

SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 2022 Zoom Meeting 1. WELCOME AND ATTENDANCE — Tina Carton, Tom Denny, Anita Morzillo, Ed Linder and Jenn Hunt Dempsey in attendance. Steve Samuel joined at 5:07. 2. PUBLIC COMMENT — None 3. EXECUTIVE SESSION — Ed Linder moved to go into Executive Session: WHEREAS THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION, SALE OR LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY OR THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF SECURITIES, OR SALE OR EXCHANGE OF SECURITIES HELD BY SUCH PUBLIC BODY, BUT ONLY WHEN PUBLICITY WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY AFFECT THE VALUE THEREOF. Jenn Dempsey seconded. Steve joined at 5:07 at the beginning of ES. Ed Linder motioned to leave executive session at 5:25. Jenn Dempsey seconded. 4. DISCUSSION: 269 BROADWAY — Ms. Carton updated the committee on the sidewalk in the plans for 269 Broadway and the request by Complete Streets and OSAC to create space for a multi-use trail through the property for pedestrians and bikes. This potentially will link to the future Saratoga Greenbelt Trail to access a potential link on Hamilton to West Circular from Congress Park. It is not expected to be the primary link but rather a mid-block access point. It also will accommodate the large number of expected pedestrians and bike riders who work in the building. The applicant’s lawyer indicated that the applicant is willing to create space for a multi-use trail as long as they are allowed to post dismount signs for cyclists who are moving through the property. Ms. Carton is awaiting a response from the Complete Streets Advisory Board on their thoughts on the agreement. Mr. Lindner gave us a report on what he heard during the Planning Board workshop on the property. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: FEBRUARY 23, 2022 – MEETING MINUTES — No amendments or revisions; approved as circulated. 6. OPEN SPACE PLAN UPDATE  SARATOGA SPRINGS OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 27, 2022 a. REVIEW OF OUTLINE — Ms. Carton shared the draft table of contents and outline sketch. She will share via email for further review. b.KEY FINDINGS/TAKEAWAYS-HOMEWORK — Mr. Denny reviewed the list of open space assets and asked for feedback and additions. Mr. Lindner suggested conveying the importance of making connections in our current trail system — both within the city and regionally to the Zim Smith Trail and to the Empire State Trail. Ms. Carton added that the new trail count from Round Lake to Mechanicville on the Zim Smith went from approx. 79k to 363k+ users per year according to Jason Kemper at the county. Mr. Lindner offered to provide data on importance and benefits of connectivity for usage and equity. Mr. Denny encouraged the committee to continue to review the section of the document and make suggestions. Ms. Morzillo and Mr. Samuels each brought up the idea of somehow documenting private landholdings that contribute to the open space of the community. Ms. Morzillo recommended observing the work Baltimore Green Space as an example of a community encouraging private landowners to feel they have a role in contributing to the big picture open space of the community. 7. UPDATE ON MJ WORK 1. OSAC RESEARCH ON OTHER MUNICIPAL VOLUNTEER USE — Ms. Carton suggested investigating the Baltimore Green Space organization and its use of volunteers and role in creating buy-in from landowners for open space. 2. Committee homework — The committee was given the following items to research prior to the next meeting:  How do other “friends of” groups help provide volunteer support?  Ms. Dempsey will take on Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park.  Ms. Morzillo will reach out to Saratoga PLAN. Mr. Lindner will take on Friends of the State Park. Mr. Samuels recommended bringing up the need for a conservation advisory council to the planning board and potentially having an official from Niskayuna talk to us about their process. 8. PUBLIC COMMENT — There was no public comment. 9. ADJOURNMENT — Mr. Denny called for adjournment at 6:30.