TOAST TO THE REBIRTH
Officials announce new strategic economic development plan
BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. » Local officials toasted to the rebirth of Ballston Spa on Wednesday while announcing the details of the village’s new strategic economic development plan.
The comprehensive and customized plan, presented by the Village of Ballston Spa andthe SaratogaCounty Prosperity Partnership, is designed to spur new vitality, promote future growth, and drive long-termprosperity in the area.
Guided by input from hundreds of citizens and community, business, and government leaders, the blueprint outlines a tactical approach to attracting visitors, residents, and businesses to Ballston Spa by enriching and promoting the assets, resources, charm, and character of the quaint and historic village.
The plan wasmade public at a ceremony onWednesday morning in Wiswall Park that provided a visible symbol of renewal: the restoration of a fountain fed by the venerable San Souci Spring.
Among the initial springs that drew visitors to the village in the 1800s – including to the San Souci Hotel, which opened in 1803 and was the nation’s largest resort at the time – the spring feeds the just-reopened fountain, which had been capped for several years.
At the event, several local leaders announced the details of the plan and what it means for the Village of Ballston Spa.
Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership President and CEO Shelby Schneider shared four of the plan’s major goals: to enhance the village’s central business district, enrich the village’s quality of place, provide support and resources to small businesses and create an economic development and community branding strategy.
These objectives were determined with input from the community. In the yearlong effort to create theplan, more than 400 Ballston Spa residents were surveyed to gauge the community’s vision, identify its strengths and assets, and address current needs and challenges.
In addition, six focus group meetings were conducted with a diverse group of stakeholders and a public forum was held to generate further participation and solicit additional ideas.
“Ultimately, this is your plan, based on your vision,” Schneider said to attendees at the ceremony, noting that the plan is a product of the Saratoga County-based eco
nomic development organization’s Next Wave Communities initiative to create tailored economic development plans for individual municipalities in Saratoga County. Similar efforts are currently underway in the towns of Galway andMalta.
Looking ahead to the Ballston Spa plan’s implementation, “We stand ready to assist the village to ensure this plan comes to fruition,” Schneider said.
Ballston SpaMayor Larry Woolbright was thrilled to officially unveil the village’s first-ever economic development plan.
“This is an exciting day for the village that symbolizes new beginnings,” he said, “and announces to the world that we are open for business.”
Though the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the economies of many communities around the country, Woolbright is confident about Ballston Spa’s economic future. “As you all know we’re still in the middle of this global pandemic, but that did not stop us from putting together this plan, and it will not stop us from implementing it,” he said. “This is the time to be proactive and to prepare for a promising future, and that’s exactly what we’re doing here in Ballston Spa today.”
Steering committee chair Rory O’Connor called the 72-page document a “declaration of opportunity.” Moving forward, O’Connor believes the village’s top priority should be the opportunity it offers to all those who seek to keep the village special and unique, he said. “With that goal, working together we can accomplish great things.”
The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association is on board with the plan as well. “We have a vested interest in seeing Ballston Spa succeed, and this plan shows us the mayor and the village leaders have the entire community’s best interest at heart,” executive administrator Ellen Mottola said, noting that the association especially supports the recommendations for assisting and promoting small businesses and professionals.
Ballston Spa business owner Nafeesa Koslik, of the soon-to- open Nani’s IndianKitchen, spoke in support of the plan too. “I am thrilled to open my new restaurant in Ballston Spa, and confident I have found the perfect place to make my dreama reality,” she said in a press release. “Seeing this proactive plan for future growth that emphasizes the importance of maintaining the village’s charm and character assures me that we are headed in the right direction.”
Property owner and developer James Beaudoin added, “This economic development plan articulates a clear and exciting vision for the village’s future, and
I look forward to playing a role in making it a reality.”
Legislators like State Sen. Jim Tedisco and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh expressed their support for the plan.
“The Village of Ballston Spa is a very special and unique community in the 49th Senate District, with many wonderful small businesses, and this new plan will offer a roadmap to helping the Village bounce back fromthe economic impact of COVID-19 and become even more vibrant,” Tedisco said in the release.
“The Village of Ballston Spa is the heart of the 112th Assembly District, and the plans to restore and revitalize the economy of this beautiful and historic village is an incredibly exciting opportunity for residents and visitors alike,” Walsh said in the release, applauding those involved.
Following a difficult year due to COVID-19, Walsh said this plan ensures there are better days ahead, and great days aheadfor theVillage of Ballston Spa.
To conclude the ceremony, the mayor turned on the San Souci Spring fountain to symbolize the rebirth of the village, and participants toasted to Ballston Spa with itsmineral water.
More information about the Village of Ballston Spa Economic Development plan is available online at https :// saratoga partnership. org/w p-content/ uploads /2020/10/ Balls ton- Spa-EDP-FINAL-min. pdf.