Springs Commissioner Scirocco treating cancer
(Courtesy: Skip Scirocco for Public Works, 2021)
Skip Scirocco
Commissioner of Public Works, Anthony “Skip” Scirocco has undergone cancer treatment and chemotherapy, but is making a recovery.
Deputy Commissioner of Public Works Joseph O’Neill told the city council on Tuesday March 1 that he expects Scirocco to return in-person on March 15 to the city council meetings. Scirocco has missed council meetings since at least Jan. 18, 2022. He has been active in the department on zoom and in other ways, O’Neil said.
In a statement, Scirocco’s staff writes: "Commissioner Scirocco is undergoing chemotherapy treatments on Tuesdays and is under the care of a doctor to determine his availability to participate at in-person meetings. Limiting his exposure to any sickness is an obvious concern. Participation in zoom council meetings for the pre-agenda has been possible and he appreciates the Mayor and Council members for supporting him during this time of recovery. The hope is that a hybrid attendance might be possible so that he can participate in the regularly scheduled Tuesday evening council meetings.
“Throughout this entire time he has been able to direct staff and work on the day-to-day operations of the Department of Public Works. Additionally, Commissioner Scirocco wants to thank the countless number of community members who have reached out to him with well wishes during his recovery."
Scirocco, a Republican, retained his seat last year when the other three commission seats and the mayor all went to Democrats. He was first elected to the office in 2007.
Discover Saratoga leadership nominees
The Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau—more commonly known as Discover Saratoga—is proposing the following slate of Officers and Board Members for 2022, they wrote in an email. The vote occurs at the group’s annual breakfast meeting March 17.
Executive Committee: Chair, Ryan McMahon; In-Coming Chair, Carmine DeCrescente; Treasurer, Megan Hennessey; At-Large Committee Member, Nancy Bambara; Immediate Past Chairperson, Nancy Bambara; Immediate Past Chairperson, Amy Smith.
Current Board Members: Ryan McFadden; Thomas Newkirk; Dan Fortier; Todd Shimkus; Alex Tucker; Thomas Olsen; Samantha Bosshart; Sean Willcoxon; Jasper Alexander; Leslie DiCarlo; Teddy Foster; Maddy Zanetti; Helen Watson; Kristy Ventre; Kevin Tuohy.
Board Member Renewals: Megan Hennessey; Alex Tucker; Teddy Foster; Samantha Bosshart
Proposed Candidates: David Hayes, The Gideon Putnam; Nafeesa Koslik, Nani's Indian Kitchen; Saad Junaid, Adirondack Trust Company; Charlie Hoertkorn, Horseshoe Bar & Grille/Caroline Street Pub.
Board Terms Completed: Matt D'Abate; Josh Cupp
Battlefield renovation has begun. Tour Road closed weekdays until April 9
From a press release: On March 1, Saratoga National Historical Park will begin a $6-plus million, multi-year project to rehabilitate the interpretive battlefield experience. This important work is being funded through the Great American Outdoors Act. The project focuses on improving accessibility and interpretation of the Saratoga Battlefield.
The work includes rehabilitating the parking areas and pathways at all tour stops to address deferred maintenance, improving accessibility, and replacing aging waysides exhibits to enhance the interpretation experience of the battlefield.
In March, the Tour Road will be closed during the week to all traffic, including vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles. It will be available on weekends for pedestrian and bicycle use only. From April 9 through May 27, the Tour Road will be open on weekends only for use by vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The South Entrance Parking area will be used as a construction staging area and closed for the duration of the project. The closures are in place for the safety of park visitors and to allow for the work to be completed faster.