Office of the Mayor
Office of the Commissioner of Finance
City of Saratoga Springs, NY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, June 19, 2019
Contact: Executive Assistant to the Mayor - M. Lynn Bachner – (518) 587-3550 ext 2520
Temp Location - 15 Vanderbilt Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
***PRESS RELEASE***
Mayor Meg Kelly and Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan Address Code Blue Concerns
In 2016, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order requiring “Code Blue” shelter availability during extreme winter weather conditions throughout New York State. Per Governor Cuomo, this Executive Order is "about helping one another and basic human decency," and that "we’re going to help people get back on their feet, because that’s who we are and that’s what we believe."
Saratoga Springs personally experienced a tragic loss during the cold snap of December 2013, and ever since has been striving to ensure that this never happens again. We are sure that everyone involved in the matter before us is invested in this goal.
We are equally as sure that we are all looking for a balanced approach that serves all citizens – meaning both those in need and our local communities.
Finding the best location for permanent Code Blue facility has been a challenge. The most recent proposal has been offered by the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church on Circular Street. While the offer is well intentioned, we believe the details dictate that this is not the best location for this service.
Mayor Meg Kelly and Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan have brought forward an idea that will serve all citizens. The goal is maximum service with minimal neighborhood impact. To this end, we are discussing the acquisition of land outside of the City’s densest areas. This acquired land will be used to establish a fully functioning shelter and Code Blue facility.
Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan supports funding such a project and Mayor Kelly has presented the idea to the County Administrator, Department of Social Service Commissioner, Department of Mental Health, and Shelters of Saratoga. We are all working together with the goal of seeing this vision through to completion.
Working with the County on this initiative allows us to explore a variety of solutions within and outside City limits. Wherever is ultimately decided, we will ensure those in need can be served.