By Jill Nagy

Construction work in the area appears to be back on track, though labor issues are still a concern.

“We’re close to having work scheduled out for about a year,” Tom Albrecht of Hilltop Construction in Hudson Falls estimated. Similarly, Rob Holbrook of V&H Construction in Fort Edward, noted that his company is booking work for the first quarter of 2022. Both do projects throughout the Saratoga, Glens Falls and North Country area.

“If you are thinking about a project, you probably should act sooner rather than later,”  Holbrook advised.

Both also have similar complaints: a shortage of skilled workers looking for jobs and rising prices and long delays in obtaining materials, including appliances.

Albrecht said business is “fabulous” but there is a “very healthy” shortage of materials and escalating prices. Special order items can take four to 10 weeks to arrive. That delays normal timelines.

V&H, for example, is a dealer for Butler pre-engineered buildings, mainly steel storage and similar structures. Holbrook is experiencing long delays because steel is in short supply and he expects steel prices to increase by about 10 percent a month for the rest of the year.

Lumber prices have also been increasing but that trend seems to be leveling off, he said.

Both companies build a combination of residential and commercial structures. V&H also act as construction managers, working with sub-contractors.

By Jill Nagy

The City of Glens Falls working with Bonacio Construction Co. of Saratoga Springs plan the redevelopment of Market Square, along South and Elm Streets in the downtown area.

The area includes the Farmers’ Market pavilion and three vacant buildings, two of which the city owns.

The Market Square project will complement the adjoining Market Center development. The city is working with Envision Architects of Albany to develop plans for a permanent home on South Street for the Farmers’ Market that will also serve as a community event center.

When the two projects are completed, they will form a two-block pedestrian-friendly space with commercial, residential and community spaces.

Bonacio was awarded the contract to develop the Market Square area last May. Larry Novik, the company’s business director, said plans are still very tentative.

He expects to renovate two city-owned buildings, the former Hot Shots Bar and an incubator building, along with a third building, the former Sandy’s Clam Bar, which Bonacio already owns. 

Ground floor space will be dedicated to commercial use with office and residential uses in the upper floors, he said. Bonacio will also acquire the lot now occupied by the Farmers’ Market pavilion and construct a new building that may include a parking garage.

“We are in the early stages of working with them on a design” for the new building, Jeff Flagg, the Glens Falls economic development director, said.

When the work is completed, probably late in 2022, Bonacio will own Market Square. The details of how the developer will acquire the city-owned property will be negotiated, Flagg said. The cost of the project will depend upon the final design.

By Lisa Balschunat

Fifteen years ago, Cody Kilcoyne’s father Patrick established a small cattle farm in Lake Placid to provide quality beef to families and restaurants in the area with “delivered to your door” service.

What began as a small cattle farm with modest acreage and a handful of customers has grown into a farm that works with USDA processors to serve hundreds of restaurants, hospitals, private establishments and schools throughout New York state. 

Kilcoyne Farms moved from St. Lawrence County to Hudson Falls four years ago. The family now has plans to construct its own processing facility on Ferguson Lane at the Airport Industrial Park, where Warren-Washington counties share land ownership.

“We are in the application phase with the Warren Washington County Industrial Development Association (IDA) to purchase 20 acres of land and build a 25,000- to 35,000-square-foot processing plant,” Kilcoyne said.  “We looked at other locations with existing buildings, but this option will work best. It includes public water, sewer lines … And, we can build from scratch without having to retrofit an existing structure.”

He said his farm is presently working with a USDA planner and designer and is hoping to soon receive final approval for a bank loan.

Paone Architecture of Saratoga Springs, has been secured for the project design and Munter Enterprises, of Middle Grove will construct the plant.

Once funding is secured and the IDA application process moves forward with anticipated approval, Kilcoyne hopes to break ground in the summer of 2022.

State Supreme Court Justice Martin Auffredou has granted the requisite state approval for the much-anticipated merger of the Lake George Association (LGA) and The FUND for Lake George, creating a single, preeminent Lake protection organization, which will carry the LGA name.

Justice Auffredou’s ruling followed unanimous votes in support of the merger by the boards of the two nonprofit organizations in March, and an overwhelming show of support by LGA members in April, when over 98 percent of participating voters approved the union.

In conjunction with the merger announcement, the LGA unveiled its logo — a two-toned blue presentation of the organization’s name, meant to convey the clarity and vibrancy of the Lake and herald a new era in Lake protection, according to the organization.

“The merger of The FUND and the LGA is nothing short of a historic, milestone moment for the future of Lake George,” said Jeff Killeen, the new chairperson of the LGA. “As we contemplated pursuing this merger over the last nine months we were all in agreement that one organization, with one strategy and one voice, was required to best protect the lake’s water quality, first and foremost, as well as property values, our economy and every aspect of the lake’s future. I’m proud and so happy that this day has finally arrived. As a basin-wide Lake George community, there is nothing we can’t accomplish together. This new day is all about unity, optimism and excitement for our unabated future as the Queen of American Lakes.”

“Growing excitement about the new LGA will now be harnessed to energize our protection community as never before, as so urgently needed,” said Pete Menzies, newly elected vice chair of the LGA. “At this historic moment of great opportunity and grave threat, the future of Lake George is in our hands. We invite everyone to join us by bringing your voice, your commitment, and your actions, as LGA members. Together, we will protect Lake George for every generation to come.”

“A new era in Lake George protection begins today, and we are calling on everyone who loves the lake to join us as LGA members and partners at this pivotal time,” said LGA President Eric Siy. “Gathering threats to the lake’s legendary water quality now require all of us working together to accomplish our goals. Whether you live on or near the lake, depend on the lake-based economy for your livelihood, or simply enjoy visiting the Lake for relaxation and recreation, there is a role for you to play in keeping Lake George clean and clear.”

By Christine Graf

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, 2020 is on record as the worst year ever for global tourism. Worldwide travel revenues decreased by $1.3 trillion and are not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023.

This applies to older people seeking getaways from work or retirees with time on their hands.

At Heber Travel in Queensbury, owner Stacie Baxter said bookings are strong. She has spent much of her time in recent months booking and rebooking trips that were canceled because of the pandemic. 

“My age group which is 65 and above is saying, ‘If we can go, let’s go. We’re not going to have another chance,’” she said. “If you’re 70 years old, you might not have another five years to travel. But the bothersome point is that other people are not respecting other people at airports.”

Baxter is referring to the uptick in aggressive behavior that is taking place at airports throughout the country, and she is especially concerned about how it could impact her older clients. The Federal Aviation Authority is investigating more than 2,500 cases of violence, the majority related to disputes over mask mandates.

“I’ve been in business for 47 years, and this is the worst thing I’ve ever seen,” said Ed Plog, president of  Playbill Travel in Saratoga Springs. “I’ve been through airline defaults, fare wars, 9/11, and the Great Recession, and I’ve never experienced anything as bad as this for the industry.”

Plog said he is “ecstatic” that business is beginning to rebound and that his company’s specialty cruises are once again in high demand.

The Adirondack Thunder announced that all 2021-22 home games at Cool Insuring Arena will be played at full capacity with no restrictions.

The move followed the state’s lifting of COVID restrictions, as numbers of those with coronavirus steadily dropped.

“We are thrilled that we can welcome our great fans back into our building this season,” Adirondack Thunder President and Cool Insuring Arena General Manager Jeff Mead said. “This is a long time coming for not only our organization but for our fantastic community who came together to help everyone get through this devastating time. We look forward to seeing a sold-out Cool Insuring Arena on October 23.”

The Adirondack Thunder’s home opener on Saturday, Oct. 23, will mark 593 days since the last game (March 10, 2020, vs. Worcester). The Thunder host the Newfoundland Growlers at Cool Insuring Arena to kick off the 2021-22 season.

The organization also announced a multi-year partnership with SeatGeek, the ticketing platform, to become its primary ticketing partner.

“We are excited to work with SeatGeek to help revolutionize the way that our fans access and buy tickets,” Mead said. “SeatGeek’s technology is state-of-the-art and I think our fans will enjoy using it tremendously.”

Starting this fall, fans attending Thunder games or any other Cool Insuring Arena event will use SeatGeek’s  technology for a streamlined user experience to  buy, transfer and scan their tickets and use mobile tickets to stay contactless upon entering the building. Fans are also encouraged to download the SeatGeek app on their personal devices for an easier way to access, transfer and pay for tickets.

“As hockey and other events return to full capacity, we can’t wait to kick off a new season with the Thunder and Cool Insuring Arena as partners,” Jeff Ianello, executive vice president of Client Partnerships at SeatGeek. “We’re excited to work with the team and venue to give fans a best-in-class ticketing experience.”

Muroff Hospitality Group announced the sale of The Lake George Suites, 3678 Lake Shore Drive in  Lake George.

The owner of a Long Island air conditioner and pump manufacturing company has purchased the resorts, a six-bedroom home and 20 boat slips for $3.2 million.

R.E. Hansen Industries Inc. of St. James is the new owner.

Mitch Muroff of Muroff Hospitality Group represented the Seller and secured the buyer in a confidential listing presented only to qualified buyers.

The transaction closed on Tuesday, June 15, Muroff said.

The manager who previously oversaw the property will continue in the same position under the new ownership, he said.

Lake George Suites is located a quarter mile from the 2.8-acre Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge, which was acquired by Todd Drake of CornerStone Building Corp. in Watervliet for $900,000 on April 15.

By Christine Graf

The Glen at Hiland Meadow has received approval for a $11.9 million expansion of its Queensbury senior living facility.

The project also includes the construction of a 4,700 square-foot wellness center with a pool and a $8.8 million 30-unit memory care facility. It  is a joint venture between The Conkling Center and The Eddy.

There are approximately 110 residents living in The Glen, which has 74 independent living apartments and 18 independent living two-bedroom cottages. It is full-service retirement community with a dining room, grill room, lounge, library, and multi-purpose room. Transportation, maintenance, and housekeeping are provided to residents and an on-site social worker is available to connect them with outside services.

“We typically do have a waiting list to get in, and we’ve been planning this expansion for some time. This was part of the original plan of development to bring us to 120 apartments and cottages,” said Andrea Hebert, executive director at the Glen and vice president of Eddy Senior Living. “We will be adding 28 apartments on the north side of the building with a view of West Mountain. We are also adding 30 units of memory care which will be a separate building.”

Construction of the independent living apartments is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The building permit for the memory care facility will most likely be issued within the next several weeks. Sano-Rubin Construction Services of Albany is the developer for the project. Richard E. Jones Associates of Queensbury is the architect for the independent living and wellness center expansions, and Architecture+ of Troy is the architect for the new memory care building.

“I expect see construction equipment on site any time now,” said Hebert. “The independent living and wellness center have about a 12-month construction time. The memory care is about 14 months construction time. In and around next spring/summer we will start opening.”