Witt Construction to Create Conservation Subdivision in Town of Saratoga, a ‘Long-imagined Community’ of 31 Homes

SARATOGA

SPRINGS —

Eight years after John Witt, president of Saratoga Springs-based Witt Construction, proposed a 111-acre conservation subdivision in the Town of Saratoga, the town’s Planning Board has granted preliminary approval of his longimagined, 31-home community.

The property comprises 103 acres that Witt purchased from Saratoga Springs’ Bethesda Church, a three-acre parcel he also owns, and five adjoining acres for which he has an existing purchase agreement. In total, 111 acres are included in the recent preliminary approval.

“I love the location and want to make it my next home,” said Witt. “Phyllian’s Bluff is going to be a phenomenal landscape, which we’re going to beautify and protect as a thriving, healthy environment featuring custom homes.”

He said that 61-plus acres of the land will be forever-wild green space, within which no building will take place. The land already features a farmhouse and historic barn surrounded by fields of rye and flowers. The long-term plan is to create an agricultural site including a vineyard, cut-flower farm, and thoroughbred breeding.

“This will be one more enhancement to a community that already offers year-round attractions,” said Witt. “The vineyard will be a visitor’s dream and an asset to our local economy, both bolstering agritourism and as another amenity for residents.”

The vineyard is set to grow New York grapes of different varieties. Witt also said that the working vineyard and farm will create job opportunities.

“Old Tavern Farm is expanding its agricultural businesses. We have 2,000 vines on order that will be planted in May and will grow our winery operations to meet the capacity of the additional vines. This site is also home to our 24,000 cut flowers that we plant each season to supply local farmers markets and businesses in our community. In addition, we will be expanding our thoroughbred breeding operation with additional pastures and facilities,” says Nicole Borisenok, owner of Old Tavern Farm Winery. “By the time we are done, it will be a beautiful farm and agricultural site. We are proud to be good stewards of the land and preserve Saratoga

County history by continuing the 160 years of farming on this site.”

The Town of Saratoga’s provisional approved includes provisions such as:

• All lots will have an on-site supply of water via wells and sanitary sewer collection. This requires a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SPPP) and a stormwater management program (SMP).

• No tree removal shall be permitted on the lots during construction of roads.

• All work that affects pruning, thinning, or felling of trees shall be supervised by a certified forester or arborist and be submitted to the Town of Saratoga for approval prior to action.

• An evaluation shall be conducted as to the archeological significance of the site.

• In his erosion prevention plan, Witt has designed “ecologically aware,” appropriate mulching, as well as two cul-de-sacs and ditches to collect rainwater. Additionally, where the land is overgrown with scrub plants, Witt said he hopes to plant fruitbearing trees.

Additionally, Witt Construction will leave all materials from forestry activities on the steep slopes, including felled trees and brush to be “as vertical to the steep slope as possible.” The few lots that include steep slopes have additional stipulations.

Very limited crown pruning of the trees shall be permitted over a 10-year period. Witt said he will be working with the Town of Saratoga in the execution of the project.

Homes are planned to be clustered in three areas; only one plot is on less than one acre, but it abuts forever-wild land. The clusters of custom homes will be in cul-de-sacs and each will be designed to fit well within the natural landscape and reflect the lifestyle and ideals of the owner. Witt says clients have already expressed interest in locating their homes on Phyllian’s Bluff.

Joe Marinelli

SYRACUS — On Friday, January 13, 2023, in Erin’s loving arms, Joe (Mars) Marinelli, age 78, peacefully passed. His wornout, much-used heart simply couldn’t keep up with him any longer despite his strong desire to go one more furlong. Joe wasn’t ready to leave us, and we are not ready to say goodbye. There is comfort in knowing that Joe never wanted to be an old man. He wasn’t meant for it, and he won’t be remembered that way. He left this life a handsome, smart, and vibrant man and without a doubt looking over his shoulder thinking “Erin, you know what we should have done” one last time.

His loved ones are left simply stunned that an infection in the hospital was what took him. We thought for sure it would be the point spread in a damn Patriots game that would do him in.

Born in Syracuse, he was the son of the late Anthony and Carmella Marinelli. He was known for his big, beautiful smile, his quick wit, sharp tongue, impeccable style and kind, generous heart. A stand-up man without doubt, Joe truly believed that if you are not living on the edge, you’re just taking up too much space. He was loved by many but more importantly admired by all.

What a life he fully lived. From Syracuse to New York to Florida to California to Boston and finally in Saratoga Springs (with a hundred more stops along the way), all the while collecting hundreds of dear friends. A true lover of life, music, and people, Joe was never one to suffer fools or anything that might get in the way of a good time. If asked what he did for work he’d let you know that he did “whatever needed to be done” and that a job is a way to pay for living, and that’s it. It does not define the person and certainly not happiness if you are living the right way surrounded by the right people. Joe once said, “I’d rather live one day as a lion than a thousand days as a sheep,” and he did. When you were with Joe you were in for a good time and if you were lucky, he’d cook for you. This was one of the many ways he showed his love. Now if you weren’t so lucky you were in the passenger seat of his car - for those of you that experienced this just think; he took enough years off our lives with sheer terror that we’ll be with him that much sooner.

All that loved Joe will be left with an immense void. He will especially be deeply missed by his love, Erin Ennis. Her three children, Colin Dreyer (Nichole Mangona), Grace Ennis, and Liam Dreyer. And of course, his precious newborn grandson Colt. All whom he loved beyond measure and generously imparted his wisdom and affection upon every day of their lives. Remember, he’d say “Nothing good comes easy, just put your head down and keep grinding.”

He leaves a brother and sisterin-law, Anthony and Lynn Marinelli; Erin’s sisters and their families, and her parents, whom will all greatly miss Joe’s deep love for hosting family gatherings which resulted in deeper bonds and precious memories. His many nieces, nephews, and more dear friends than we can count, that were his family in his heart.

At one time I simply asked who in the world still talks to basically everyone they went to elementary school with and had met moving forward for their entire life? Incredulously, he answered: “Italians. We change our clothes, not our friends.” And everyone was a fast friend. He is predeceased by a brother, Michael Marinelli, a sister-inlaw Patricia, and niece Mary.

At Joe’s request, there will be no calling hours or services. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 6 p.m. at the Principessa Elena Society at 13 Oak St. in Saratoga Springs. Joe loved the Principessa and the friendships he made there. Nothing made him happier than bringing people together with a good meal and a strong cocktail. And again, on Monday, February 6, 2023 at 3 p.m. at Vito’s Ristorante, 320 E. First St., E. Syracuse, NY. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph “Mars” Marinelli please visit tjpfuneralhome.com.

Marilyn A. Heggen

MALTA — Marilyn A. Heggen, 91, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Marilyn was born in Troy on September 3, 1931. She was the daughter of Charles J. and Frances V. (Geiger) Meehan. Raised in Latham, she was a graduate of Vincentian Institute in Albany. She worked for several years for the State of New York and the County of Saratoga.

William “Bill” Blake Jr.

Marilyn met her husband Arne E. Heggen when they were members of the Albany Single Ski Club. They were married for 53 years. Marilyn volunteered with many organizations, including as a religious education teacher at St. Mary’s in Ballston Spa, delivering Meals on Wheels, and with her children’s activities. She treasured her friendships, especially with her exercise and bridge groups. She also enjoyed many years of skiing and camping with her family and friends. She was a regular attendee at her grandchildren’s activities, games and events.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband Arne E. Heggen, her son Arne C. Heggen, her brother Charles J. Meehan and her sisters Betty Murphy (the late James) and Frances Casserly (the late James).

Marilyn is survived by her children Karen A. Heggen (Peter S. Klotz, Sr.) of Malta; Mark E. (Jennifer) Heggen of Malta; be like to be sitting behind that horse, guiding it to victory. Over the span of 50+ years, Bill got to experience that feeling himself repeatedly, having driven and trained countless horses into the Winner’s Circle.

Katherine (Thomas) F. Burke of Ballston Spa and her daughter-inlaw Julie Arel (the late Arne C.) of Essex Junction, VT. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jacqueline Burke (fiancé Cory Adams), Meghan Burke Cochran (Quin), Andrew Heggen, Sophie Heggen, Matthew Heggen and Daniel Heggen, her sister-in-law B. Jane Meehan (the late Charles) of Latham, her longtime friend Elizabeth F. Kmen of Glenville, NY, and many nieces and nephews. Services were held Wednesday January 18 and Thursday, January 19, 2023. Memorial contributions may be made in Marilyn’s name to St. Mary’s School, 40 Thompson Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. To light a candle, visit us at www. mevecfuneralhome.com

BALLSTON SPA: 518-885-7110

WILTON: 518-581-9443

AMSTERDAM —

William “Bill” Blake Jr. passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023, following a recent stroke. He was 83.

Bill was born in West Burke, VT on May 7, 1939. From an early age, he loved to fish and hunt. He dreamed he’d grow up to be like singing cowboy Gene Autry or Brooklyn Dodgers first baseman Gil Hodges. Although he never mastered yodeling, he did hit over .400 playing first base in high school. But his ambitions soon changed the first time he saw his father’s harness horse race in Montreal. The thrill he felt watching that horse go from last to first over the course of a mile was like watching the Dodgers beat the Yankees in 1955, but it happened in 2 ½ minutes! He couldn’t imagine what it would

After serving his country in the Army, Saratoga Harness became Bill’s home once he met Barbara LaRouech, who groomed horses for her father. The two were married in 1966 and raised four daughters as they worked alongside each other with the horses until her passing in 2000. Having already been inducted into the Saratoga Hall of Fame in 2006, glaucoma forced Bill to retire in 2016. Otherwise, he would’ve still been training horses. That’s who he was. Hard-working. Humble. Dependable. He’d give you the shirt off his back in the middle of winter and say he was hot anyway. To his family, he was their anchor. No matter how turbulent the sea got, he kept things grounded. He was as steady and as decent a man as you will ever find, and he will be deeply missed.

Besides his wife, Barbara, Bill is predeceased by his father and mother, William and Lila Blake; his brothers Bernard, Clifton and Wendell; his mother and father-in-law, Elizabeth and Clyde Revier, and his father-inlaw Fred LaRouech.

Bill is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Darcy and Steven

Alheim of Moreau, daughters Laury Blake and Shelley Blake of Saratoga, daughter and son-inlaw Billie and Anthony DeLuca of Greenwich; sisters Wilma Fournier and Marylyn Blake of VT, sisterin-law and brother-in-law Carol and Edward McNeil of Ft. Edward, brother-in-law Fred LaRouech of IL; grandchildren Rachael and Kenneth Ricks, Nicole and Amanda Malfer-Compton, Tyler Hendrickson, Brennan DeBates and Rylee DeLuca, five greatgrandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 3-5 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2023 with Military Honors bestowed at 4:45 p.m. at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 7, 2023. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or The Glens Falls Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Saratoga Police

Ryan Folts, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 15 with DWI, and aggravated DWI.

Antonia Dean, 30, of Hudson Falls, was charged Jan. 15 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Cody Design, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charrged Jan. 15 with resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

Julie Stewart, 54, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 13 with petit larceny.

Robert Loya, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 13 with aggravated unlicensed operation, no motor vehicle license, and traffic device violation.

Tyler Bennett, 26, of Wilton, was charged Jan. 13 with DWI, and failure to keep right.

Daniel Canty, 55, of Middle Grove, was charged Jan. 12 with felony DWI.

Jean Santiago Rodriguez, 30, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 12 with two counts of assault in the third-degree.

Chad Lang, 49, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 11 with criminal trespass.

Jasay Boone, 49, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 11 with criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense.

Korey West, 24, of Greenfield Center, was charged Jan. 10 with grand larceny in the fourth-degree.

Saratoga County Court

Sarah A. Vedder, 29, of Glens Falls, was sentenced Jan. 11 to 5 months’ incarceration and 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, first charged November 2021 in Clifton Park.

Shamere H. Thomas, 31, of Troy, was sentenced Jan. 11 to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony criminal possession of a controlled substance, first charged June 2022 in Clifton Park.

Terrance King, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Jan. 11 to 1-1/3 to 4 years’ incarceration, after pleading to felony attempted strangulation, first charged August 2022.

Cynthia A. Loszynski, 39, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Jan. 11 to 1 year incarceration, after pleading to felony DWI, first charged July 2022.

Bianca A. Barnes, 24, of Schuylerville, was sentenced Jan. 12 to 1-1/3 to 4 years’ incarceration, after pleading to felony criminal mischief, first charged August 2022 in Saratoga Springs.

Janel S. Constantine, 41, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Jan. 12 to 5 years’ incarceration and 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, first charged February 2022 in Wilton.

Jamie L. Heidt, 46, of Halfmoon, was sentenced Jan. 12 to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, first charged April 2022.

Donnell P. Windley, Jr., pleaded Jan. 23 to felony attempted criminal possession of a weapon, first charged October 2022 in Wilton. Sentencing April 20.

Charles D. McLellan, 54, of Malta, was sentenced Jan. 12 to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, first charged Jan. 12.

William Bounds, 37, of Milton, pleaded Jan. 12 to failure to register or verify as a sex offender, a felony. Sentencing March 8.

Trever M. Murphy, 42, of Norfolk, Virginia, pleaded Jan. 13 to felony grand larceny, first charged October 2022 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing March 17.

Jeffrey T. Hampshire, 42, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Jan. 13 to 7 months’ incarceration, after pleading to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first-degree, first charged June 2022 in Malta.

Nys Police

On January 17, State Police of Saratoga, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), charged Nahissah J. Tatsey, 21, of Saratoga Springs, with criminal possession of cannabis in the second-degree, after troopers responded to assist NYSDEC with a traffic stop on I-87 in Malta, for multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. The investigation discovered over six pounds of illegally possessed cannabis in the vehicle, according to authorities.

Priscilla M. Lancaster, 26, of Moreau, was charged Jan. 12 with Agriculture and Markets Laws, Overdriving, Torturing and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance, and Abandonment of Animals. Washington County Animal Control reported to the scene and took custody of the animal - discovered emaciated dog and tethered within the vehicle with no food or water available. State Police said the investigation determined Lancaster owned the vehicle and was responsible for the dog who had been living in the vehicle.

On Jan. 8, State Police Wilton charged Amy N. Bradway, 38, of Corinth, Lucas J. Gardiner, 41, of Corinth, and Shannon M. Gordon, 44, of Moreau, with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia.

On Jan. 16, State Police charged Brian D. Ausfeldt, 35, of Halfmoon, with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance. It is alleged Ausfeldt illegally possessed psilocybin-containing mushrooms and prescription drugs.

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Town of wilTon: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

WILTON — The Town of Wilton is looking for volunteers to serve on the Wilton Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Wilton Planning Board meets every month on the third Wednesday except for the month of August when no meeting is held.

The Zoning Board of Appeals

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Presents

meets every month on the fourth Thursday except for a combined November/December meeting date which will be decided by the board.

If you are interested in serving on a board, please email resume to: Susan Baldwin, Town Clerk at sbaldwin@townofwilton. com or mail to 22 Traver Road, Wilton, New York 12831.