Phase One Projects
Houser Farm Conservation Project (Proposed by ASA)
Teri Ptacek, Project Contact
ASA proposes to conserve a 324 acre farm located on Route 40 (near Willard Mountain and in the viewshed of the Battlefield) that incorporates an active dairy farm with a milking facility, the operator's residence, corn and hay fields, woodlands, and wetlands. It is located on both sides of State Route 40. The cropland totals 130 acres or 39% of the property. The forested area falls on the west-facing hillside on the east side of State Route 40 and in the wooded ravine flanking Ensign Brook on the west side of Route 40. Together, these wooded areas encompass 167 acres and, in conjunction with other wooded properties, provide an extensive contiguous forested habitat for wildlife and native flora, including a population of tulip trees at an unusually northern edge of their range. Protecting this farm will create a 1,300-acre block of conserved farmland and completes the protection of Brotherhood Farms, which has already protected approximately 700 acres of its 1,000 acres (consisting of various properties located in Easton). In addition to a large farmstead area that incorporates the farm facilities and current residence, the landowner has defined a 3-acre Agricultural Commercial Area (for a Veterinarian practice) and a 3-acre Residential Area within a 10-acre Building Envelope. A $95,000 grant from the Partnership would play a critical role in funding the cost of conserving this farm estimated to total $289,000. A conservation partner will provide the remaining funds. Estimated time for completion: 6 to 8 months.
Total Project Cost -- $95,000
Proposed Funding -- $28,000
Village of Greenwich Comprehensive Plan Request
David Doonan, Project Contact
The Village of Greenwich would like to request funding to be used as seed money for a new Comprehensive Plan for the Village. The current comprehensive plan, dating from the early 1990's, is out of date.
A new updated plan will be used to establish guidelines to preserve the Village's historic architectural heritage and encourage recreational and economic development activities in the portion of the Village along the banks of the Battenkill River.
Total Project Cost -- $25,000 (approx.)
Proposed Funding -- $20,000
Historic Champlain Canal Trail Interpretive Signage Project
Nelson Ronsvalle, Project Contact
The Historic Champlain Canal Corridor through the Town of Halfmoon is replete with historic structures from the 1820's Champlain Canal, including: Old Lock #7, Old Lock #8, two farmers' bridges, a stone culvert over McDonald Creek and a waste, water weir at McDonald Creek. Further, much of the original Canal stonewall is also visible. Thus, the cultural and historical aspects of the Historic Champlain Canal are inescapable to the traveler along the Canal Trail. To make these historic structures more meaningful to the traveler, the Town seeks to fabricate and install interpretive signage.
Total Project Cost -- $15,000 (approx.)
Proposed Funding -- $7,500
Route 67 Concrete Wall Improvement Project
Tom Richardson, Project Contact
The City of Mechanicville has determined that the concrete wall along Route 67 (Saratoga Avenue) marks one of the entrances to the City and should be improved as a safety measure and also to render it more aesthetically pleasing. Proposed enhancements include a refinished wall that is more aesthetically pleasing, pedestrian lights and a new sidewalk along the wall. $130,000 of the $177,000 estimated cost has been granted by Saratoga County and Senator Joseph Bruno.
Total Cost Requested -- $47,000
Proposed Funding -- $10,000
Old Saratoga on the Hudson Fish Creek Trail Fish Creek Segment
Diane Metz, Project Contact
The Fish Creek Segment of the proposed Old Saratoga on the Hudson Fish Creek Trail importantly connects the Schuyler Estate with the Village of Victory along a historically and scenically significant segment of the Fish Creek. Preliminary site assessments along the Fish Creek indicate evidence of the American Fortifications that stood on its banks during the American Revolution, making this an extraordinary opportunity for historical interpretation. The National Park Service is eager to have the property protected for this reason. Significant financial commitments have been made already towards this project, including a $65,000 member item from Senator Joseph Bruno. The requested funds from the Partnership would provide professional archeological services and interpretive signage.
Fish Creek Revolutionary War Interpretive Site (Corbett Property)—Diane Metz, Project Contact
Located in the Village of Victory, the Corbett Property is undeveloped land comprised of woodlands with direct frontage on Fish Creek. Purchase of this property protects its historically and culturally significant landscape features, as well as providing the benefit of public open space. Preliminary site assessments along the Fish Creek indicate evidence of the American Fortifications that stood on its banks during the American Revolution, making this an extraordinary opportunity for historical interpretation. The purchase of this property supports the goals and objectives of many planning processes and entities in the region. The funds requested from the Partnership would allow this purchase to proceed to closing, protecting this important resource.
Total Cost Requested -- $5,601
Total for both projects proposed funding -- $9,000
Broad Street Improvements
J. Bert Mahoney, Project Contact
The Village of Waterford would like to propose a project to improve Broad Street between Third and Sixth St. This would include the resetting of approximately 100ft. of granite curbing and the installation of 5 period light bases and conduits.
Total Project Cost -- $10,000 (approx.)
Proposed Funding -- $5,000
Old Town of Saratoga Town Hall
Tom Wood, Project Contact
The building and land on which the former Town of Saratoga Town Hall sits is directly next to Ft. Hardy Park in Schuylerville. Ft. Hardy Park is where the British Army laid down their arms to the Colonial Army after the battle. This land encompasses 2 ½ acres directly next to the old Champlain Canal on Route 29. This land has immense historical value, as well as potential commercial value since 10,000 cars pass by the site per day. The Town needs to sell the land as soon as possible and wants to keep it in public hands if possible. The building could potentially house a visitor center/Partnership meeting space and the National Park has recommended in its Management Plan to have a satellite office in Schuylerville, which this building could potentially house as well.
Total Funding Cost -- $100,000
Proposed Funding -- $90,000
Partnership Planning Document
The Partnership's legislation states that the Partnership must have a drafted and in place Stewardship Plan for the region no latter than 30 months after the formation of the Partnership.
Proposed Funding -- $40,000
Lakes to Locks Passage Inc, Reimbursement
For staff services and related expenses from Lakes to Locks Passage, Inc. serving as a managing entity of the Partnership in 2008.
Proposed Funding -- $11,400