Village seeks input on downtown

BALLSTON SPA — The village of Ballston Spa is preparing to apply for NY Forward, a new state grant program aimed at helping revitalize small downtowns.

In a statement the village says it will be providing opportunities for public engagement as part of the application process.

Paper questionnaires will be handed out at the ice cream social at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Iron Spring Park on Front Street.

Also, a webpage has been launched where residents can learn more about NY Forward and find the link to an online questionnaire: www.villageofballstonspa.org/nyforward-revitalization-grant. The survey will close on Sept. 20.

The Local Planning Committee working on the application includes residents, small business owners, property owners and members of volunteer organizations. They are:

Dana Womer, executive director, Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association

Karen Martell, Village Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee chair

Donna Dardaris, board member of the Saratoga County Historical Society

Tina Mangino-coffey, Mangino Chevy-buick- GMC president and a local property owner

Natalia Martinez, owner of Play Hollow

Kelly Delaney-elliott, owner/ broker of Elliott Property Services

Ray Otten, executive director, Community Emergency Corp. and Rotary Club member

Rory O’connor, Village Planning Board chair

Andy Manion, Ballston Spa Public Library Board of Trustees chair

Carol Johnson, Doubleday Woods Senior Housing Resident Association president

The final application is due to the Capital Region Economic Development Council on Friday, Sept. 23, according to the village.