Supervisor Barrett, in his capacity as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has secured “Speak Sobriety” presentations with Stephen Hill, a renowned national speaker on substance abuse prevention and mental health awareness with an inspiring comeback story.

Supervisor Barrett met with families who have lost loved ones to drug abuse or have a person in their life struggling with addiction.  During the meeting, he asked what their priorities would be to offer assistance to families in our County.  A speaker series to connect directly with students and parents was a top priority.  Following that meeting, a pilot program was established. 

This will be the second appearance of Stephen Hill in a few Saratoga County schools. Supervisor Barrett initiated a pilot program featuring Mr. Hill and Chris Herren. Mr. Herren spoke at Shen and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake.  Due to the positive reviews of the initial events, the program has expanded throughout Saratoga County.  The sessions will take place directly with the students.  Two evening community events with Mr. Hill have been scheduled and are open to the public.  One evening event will be held at Schuylerville High School on April 2^nd at 6pm and the other will be held in the Shenendehowa East Auditorium at 6pm.

Schedule of student events at area schools:

• Ballston Spa High School, March 31, 2025
• Saratoga Springs High School, April 2, 2025
• Schuylerville Middle/High School, April 3, 2023
• Waterford-Halfmoon Jr/Sr High School, April 11, 2025
• Shenendehowa High School East, April 21 & 25, 2025
• Shenendehowa High School West, April 24, 2025
• Stillwater High School, April 23, 2025
• Burnt Hills- Ballston Lake High School, May 1, 2025
• Galway Jr/Sr High School, May 2, 2025
• Oliver W. Winch Middle School, South Glens Falls School District, May 27, 2025

“Partnering with our school districts, students and families across the County through comprehensive support efforts to assist with the battle against substance abuse, has been a consistent focus for Saratoga County. I witnessed the ability of Stephen Hill to engage with students in a meaningful fashion during the first phase of this program.  The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has also approved a new program offering CRPAs (Certified Recovery Peer Advocates) who work directly with our schools and students.  We will continue to expand our ongoing efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and address substance abuse in our communities. I thank our participating schools for allowing us to bring Speak Sobriety to Saratoga County students and community members,” said Supervisor Barrett.

The Clifton Knolls 2024 Leaf Pick-Up Schedule will begin on Monday, October 21, 2024, and will continue through Friday, December 6, 2024, depending upon the weather. There will be no pick-up on Tuesday, November 5 (Election Day), Monday, November 11 (Veterans Day), Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving Day), and Friday, November 29. There will be no extensions expected beyond December 6, 2024. If conditions allow, however, and if sufficient leaves have been raked to the curb, the Town Highway Dept. may start picking up leaves a few days earlier than the scheduled start date of October 21. Please be aware that the last week of the schedule is completely dependent upon the weather, since an early snowstorm or frozen conditions could shut down pickup operations for the season earlier than planned. Be advised that procrastination or waiting for the last week to start leaf gathering could result in missing out on leaf pickup if winter conditions arrive earlier than normally anticipated. Please note that the Mill Creek development is not included in the leaf collection district.

In general, Clifton Knolls will be broken up into four sections, with each of the four machines working continuously through an entire section. However, depending upon the availability of equipment, this could change somewhat. The sections are as follows:

Section 1
Juniper Dr., Tamarack La., Laurel Oak La., Hickory Dr., Silver Maple Dr., Belmonte La., Broadleaf Dr., Broadleaf Ct., Eldorado Dr., Greenlea Dr., Colina La., Brookwood Dr., Zamora Ct.

Section 2
S. Barney Rd., Valencia La., Nina Ct., Rodriso Ct., Almeria Dr., Caceras Ct., Guadalupe Pass, Granada Dr., Valdepenas La., Cortez Ct.

Section 3
Barney Rd., Cordoba Ct., Par Del Rio, Palo Alto Ct., Balbina La., Midland Ct., Secada Dr., Leuconia Ct., Casablanca Ct., Santa Lucia Ct., Barcelona Dr., Sevilla Dr., Torrero Dr., Bilboa Rd., Majorca La.

Section 4
Beechwood Dr., Beechwood Ct., Hemlock Dr., Aspen La., Pinewood Dr., Birchwood Dr., Locust La., Rosewood Dr., Cedar La., Chestnut La, Payne Ct., El Lobo Ct., Madrid Ct., Castillion Ct.

Residents are reminded that piles of leaves on the pavement surfaces pose a safety hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. Leaves in the road can also clog catch basins and cause street flooding. Please DO NOT move leaves into the street but pile them only on the edge of your property. Also, leaves should not be moved into the center islands. Branches and sticks must be removed or broken-up or reduced in size to 6-inches or less in length and less than 1/2-inch in diameter to prevent clogging of the leaf vacuum machines. Suggestions about pick-ups or situations requiring attention should be reported to the Town Highway Superintendent at 518-371-7310. Calls made within 24 hours of a problem can be addressed quickly, so take an active role. Also, please check the Clifton Park Website at www.cliftonpark.org for additional information or changes.

The Town is preparing for another busy year of infrastructure projects including a significant paving program for 2024. The 2024 Budget allocations approved by the Town Board will address the roads included in the 2024 284 Agreement. The Town Board is also moving forward an additional allocation for paving of $1million.

In 2023 and 2024 the Town Board has utilized hundreds of thousands of dollars approved in earlier calendar years for road paving that was unspent by the Highway Department. The Town Board has historically allocated additional funds for paving to complement approved budget funding in a calendar year. This investment will allow for more road paving to occur. Currently the 2024 284 Agreement includes the following roads:
Willard Drive
Michaelangelo Drive
Pico Drive
Raphael Court
Sugarbush Road
Devon Court
Okemo Court
Essex Court
Walnut Drive
Donswood Court
Archer Drive
Northgate Court
Heath Run
Greenlea Drive
Ashley Drive (and culdesac)
Lexington Drive
Summerlin(partial)
Rolling Brook Drive (partial)
Roseland Court
Rolling Brook Court
Bernini Drive
Briar Patch Court
Sturbridge Court
Lapp Road
Garnsey Road
Dubois Lane
Waite (part. N of tracks)
Maxwell Drive (part.)

For the additional funding the Town Board is moving forward, there are areas that should be considered for paving such as:
Briarfield Drive and neighborhood Sherwood Forest
Huntwood Drive & neighborhood Courts in The Oaks not recently paved
Brittany Oaks and nearby streets Burning Bush Blvd and nearby street
McIntosh Lane, Cortland, Merrall Dutch Meadows
Pico and nearby streets
Clifton Knolls- Locust, Hemlock, Birchwood & Aspen
Woodcliffe, Woodbine and Glenbrook
Park Lane Estates neighborhood

Check out the attached brochure for all the exciting events happening this summer!

pdf 2024 Performing Arts at the Common(4.65 MB)

The Clifton Knolls 2025 Leaf Pick-Up Schedule will begin on Monday, October 20, 2025, and will continue through Friday, December 5, 2025, depending upon the weather. There will be no pick-up on Tuesday, November 4 (Election Day), Tuesday, November 11 (Veterans Day), Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Day), and Friday, November 28. There will be no extensions expected beyond December 5, 2025. If conditions allow, however, and if sufficient leaves have been raked to the curb, the Town Highway Dept. may start picking up leaves a few days earlier than the scheduled start date of October 20. Please be aware that the last week of the schedule is completely dependent upon the weather, since an early snowstorm or frozen conditions could shut down pickup operations for the season earlier than planned. Be advised that procrastination or waiting for the last week to start leaf gathering could result in missing out on leaf pickup if winter conditions arrive earlier than normally anticipated. Please note that the Mill Creek development is not included in the leaf collection district.

In general, Clifton Knolls will be broken up into four sections, with each of the four machines working continuously through an entire section. However, depending upon the availability of equipment, this could change somewhat. The sections are as follows:

Section 1
Juniper Dr., Tamarack La., Laurel Oak La., Hickory Dr., Silver Maple Dr., Belmonte La., Broadleaf Dr., Broadleaf Ct., Eldorado Dr., Greenlea Dr., Colina La., Brookwood Dr., Zamora Ct.

Section 2
S. Barney Rd., Valencia La., Nina Ct., Rodriso Ct., Almeria Dr., Caceras Ct., Guadalupe Pass, Granada Dr., Valdepenas La., Cortez Ct.

Section 3
Barney Rd., Cordoba Ct., Par Del Rio, Palo Alto Ct., Balbina La., Midland Ct., Secada Dr., Leuconia Ct., Casablanca Ct., Santa Lucia Ct., Barcelona Dr., Sevilla Dr., Torrero Dr., Bilboa Rd., Majorca La.

Section 4
Beechwood Dr., Beechwood Ct., Hemlock Dr., Aspen La., Pinewood Dr., Birchwood Dr., Locust La., Rosewood Dr., Cedar La., Chestnut La, Payne Ct., El Lobo Ct., Madrid Ct., Castillion Ct.

Residents are reminded that piles of leaves on the pavement surfaces pose a safety hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles. Leaves in the road can also clog catch basins and cause street flooding. Please DO NOT move leaves into the street but pile them only on the edge of your property. Also, leaves should not be moved into the center islands. Branches and sticks must be removed or broken-up or reduced in size to 6-inches or less in length and less than 1/2-inch in diameter to prevent clogging of the leaf vacuum machines. Suggestions about pick-ups or situations requiring attention should be reported to the Town Highway Superintendent at 518-371-7310. Calls made within 24 hours of a problem can be addressed quickly, so take an active role. Also, please check the Clifton Park Website at www.cliftonparkny.govfor additional information or changes.

The Town of Clifton Park has approved a final 2026 budget.  The budget includes significant investments in our infrastructure, parks and nature preserves, programs, services and many other important elements.  Town budgets are structured utilizing separate funds and special districts in New York State.  The General Fund is the budget for general town operations, and the Highway Fund is the budget for the Highway Department.  The 2026 Budget remains within the New York State Tax Cap restrictions. 

The Budget for the General Fund is $24,786,423 and total spending for the Highway Fund is $7,623,470. The budget maintains no tax for the General Fund.   The Highway Fund tax will increase from .327883 per thousand of assessed value to .33441 per thousand of assessed value resulting in a total tax of $36.12 for a home with a full market value of $300,000.  The EMS tax will increase from .329383 per thousand of assessed value to .337073 per thousand of assessed value equating to a total tax of $36.40 for a home with a full market value of $300,000.   

The Budget includes a 3.5% COLA for all Town employees.  We are also balancing significant increases in healthcare costs and the mandatory annual contribution all government organizations are required to allocate for the New York State Retirement Fund.   Per the NYS Comptroller’s statistics, Clifton Park ranks 911 of 931 Towns in the state in municipal property taxes.  In addition, Saratoga County has the lowest property taxes and sales tax rate in NYS. 

The Town Board has allocated $3.45 million for paving and construction activities associated with road improvements for 2025. A portion or all funds not spent by the Highway Department for paving in 2025 will be considered for allocation in the 2026 budget, adding to the $1,650,000 included in the 2026 Budget for paving. Currently, invoices totaling $1.921 million of the $3.45 million of allocated funds have been submitted.   

The Town of Clifton Park has a multitude of programs for people of all ages.  The programs and services we enjoyed this summer at our camps, pools and recreational facilities will continue to be offered in 2026.  The 1500 members of the Clifton Park Senior Community Center as well as the people who use the Senior Transportation program will experience full support for these programs and activities in 2026.   

Some of the improvements approved as part of the 2026 budget include:

1. Dog Park Improvements
2. Country Knolls Pool/Playground property: Burning Bush Boulevard-Roof replacement, Indoor Carpet replacement, Pave parking lot
3.  Barney Road Pool Building: Roof Replacement
4. Whipple Bridge at the Vischer Ferry Preserve: Pave walkway
5. Celebration Events: funding for upcoming events celebrating our history
6. Basketball Courts on The Common: Resurface Basketball Courts
7. Pickleball Courts at Veterans Park: Additional fencing
8. Garnsey Park Improvements
9. Heritage Square Planning: plan for future of 3 properties owned by the Town including The Grange and Grooms Tavern
10. Senior Transportation upgrades
11. Public Building Security Upgrades

The Town Board continues to invest in our busy parks and recreational resources and facilities that, in some cases, offer multiple services to our community. The Town Board also approved a plan for significant redevelopment of the Martin Jewett Park off Longkill Road earlier this year. The project was formed through an extensive planning process, working with Longkill Park District representatives that began in 2024. Our Buildings and Grounds Department began removing old playground equipment in preparation for the project in 2026. 

We have provided updates on several projects through the year involving roadway improvements and trail/sidewalk network expansion. Projects currently in stages of planning include:

1. Route 146/Tanner Road- Roundabout
2. Route 146/Waite Road – Roundabout
3. Clifton Park Center Road/Sitterly Road- Roundabout & Sidewalk extensions
4. Plank Road/Kinns Road- Intersection Redevelopment
5. Route 146 Trail/Sidewalk- Vistas Development to Shen Entrance (North side of Route 146)
6. Clifton Country Road- Sidewalk Expansion
7. Vischer Ferry Road- fill trail gap on East side of the road
8. Kinns Road/Farm to Market Road- Corridor study with Town of Halfmoon 

As we look forward to 2026, the Town of Clifton Park continues to be in sound fiscal condition. New redevelopment efforts in the Exit 9 area through the years have increased our tax base, converted empty buildings into revenue generating opportunities, assured the school system is well-funded thereby lowering school tax increases and offered essential services close to home.   

Snow Safety – Snow Tunnels and Children

Building or playing in snow tunnels near roadways is extremely dangerous and strictly discouraged by transportation officials (DPW’s , Highway Departments, etc). These snow tunnels pose severe risks, including collapse, suffocation, and being hit by passing cars or snow removal equipment that cannot see children. Always select safe play areas far from roads and driveways.

Key Safety Risks and Facts:

• Collapse Hazard – Snow tunnels are unstable and can collapse, trapping children inside with little warning.
• Snow Removal Danger – Plows and snow blowers often return to clear banks, failing to see children or destroying structures with people inside.
• Natural Snow Tunnels – Small, natural tunnels (Subnivean zones) are created by heat, bit these are for animals, not for play.

Recommendations:

• Never dig tunnels into snowbanks created by plows.
• Supervise children playing in snowy areas.
• Teach children to stay away from snowbanks near roadways.
• Use alternative play structures like snow walls with safe, open roofs

SAFE WINTER PLAY

Explain to children why it is extremely dangerous to play on or around snowbanks along the roads. Often after a storm snowplows and heavy equipment are returning to the streets to remove piles of snow and widen streets as much as possible. These operations clear space for street parking and to improve visibility for drivers. It also makes room for more snow in subsequent storms. Note that this process continues throughout the winter, not just when it is snowing.

AVOID DANGER ZONES

Never build tunnels or snow forts in the snowbanks, period. A snow tunnel or fort is unpredictable and can collapse on children playing inside with little or no forewarning. Once trapped the weight of the snow can trap and suffocate a child or if able to breathe prolonged exposure to frigid winter temperatures can bring on hypothermia and/or frostbite. This activity can also turn dangerous when snowplows and snow blowers return to these piles for further snow removal maintenance. 
Children are often unseen by approaching snow removal personnel. Also, this is extremely dangerous if a child is playing alone.

Children should not play alone in the snow. It is recommended to establish a buddy system with one or more friends and have them lookout for one another. Talk to your children and keep them safe this winter. Explain why they should stay out of snowbanks and not build tunnels and forts. As always, follow this up with supervision. Keep playing in the snow “fun and safe.”

Town of Clifton Park Public Safety Department

A building permit is required for swimming pools and hot tubs, and all required inspections (conducted by the Building Department) must be conducted and APPROVED prior to use per New York State Law.

The health and safety of our Town residents is our #1 priority.

The Town of Clifton Park was hit with a significant snowfall on January 25th. Please shovel out all terminations to your furnace and hot water heater to ensure they are able to exhaust properly so that carbon monoxide is able to flow out of the exhaust and not back up into your home.

Your home should have a carbon monoxide detector on every level. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and are working properly.

Your family's safety should always be your first priority. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off do not hesitate to call 911!

ADDITIONAL ROAD CLOSURE OF RIVERVIEW ROAD, OCTOBER 17, 2024
Two Additional Culverts Being Replaced on Riverview Road, Between Sugar Hill Road and Sambrook Edge

Clifton Park, NY -- Clifton Park Highway Superintendent Dahn Bull announced the continuation of a Road Closure for road culvert replacements taking place on October 17, 2024. This project will be the replacement of two culverts on Riverview Road. Schools and Local Emergency Response have been informed. Please make sure to avoid the area. Closing at approximately 8:00 AM, the Road will reopen at approximately 3:00 PM. There may be additional closures next week.  

ADDITIONAL ROAD CLOSURE OF RIVERVIEW ROAD, OCTOBER 23, 2024
Additional Culverts Being Replaced on Riverview Road, Between Sugar Hill Road and Sambrook Edge

Clifton Park, NY -- Clifton Park Highway Superintendent Dahn Bull announced the continuation of a Road Closure for road culvert 
replacements taking place on October 23, 2024. This project will be the replacement of two culverts on Riverview Road. Schools and Local Emergency Response have been informed. Please make sure to avoid the area. Closing at approximately 8:00 AM, the Road will reopen at approximately 3:00 PM. There may be additional closures next week.

Town of Clifton Park Security Officer Greg Amyot gave a tutorial on how to use an AED Machine in a medical emergency at the Pickleball Complex at Veterans Memorial Park on Monday, September 9th.  You can watch this informative how-to video here: https://youtu.be/17eG3eRne0Y.

AED Machines are located in a variety of locations throughout Clifton Park.  If you are interested in familiarizing yourself with the locations of the registered AED Machines in Town, you can find the list here:  pdf AED Machine Locations within the Town of Clifton Park(123 KB) .

The Town of Clifton Park also offers free CPR/AED Courses twice per year to residents.  If you are interested in becoming certified, please contact Safety and Security at 518-348-7311.

The Town of Clifton Park is currently offering an opportunity for community non-profit organizations to apply for funding to support programs and projects that result in a tangible benefit to Clifton Park and its residents. Since its inception the Community Action Fund has given over $51,000 to dozens of local Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, sports leagues and other non-profit organizations. Applications for funding for your organization are due by September 30, 2023. 

• 2023 Community Action Fund Application

Town of Clifton Park Celebrates Arbor Day
Town Event to be held at Garnsey Park 

The Town of Clifton Park Tree Committee and the Shenendehowa Rotary Club invite the public to join the Town’s Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Garnsey Park.

The event will include:

• Information and hands-on activities for kids of all ages.
• Opportunities for Scouts to fulfill badge requirements.
• Helpful tips on how to select, plant and nurture trees.
• Reading of the annual Arbor Day Proclamation.
• Ceremonial tree planting by Shen Rotary and the Tree Committee.
• Distribution of free seedlings, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., for residents who placed orders in advance. 

The annual celebration emphasizes the vital role trees play in a healthy community and encourages residents to plant, tend and preserve trees. The event also provides an opportunity to share Clifton Park’s environment-related successes with the community.

This past year, for the third year in a row, the Arbor Day Foundation recognized Clifton Park as a Tree City USA. In addition, the town, in partnership with the Tree Committee, successfully applied for a grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The resulting $65,000 DEC award will fund a tree inventory and forestry management plan—critical steps in assessing and ensuring the long-term health of Clifton Park’s community forest.

Deputy Supervisor Anthony Morelli stated, "The events surrounding this year's Arbor Day Celebration in Clifton Park are a testament to the commitment of the Town and its residents to foster environmental stewardship and to work toward enhancing the quality of life in Clifton Park for generations to come.”

Construction Delays/Detours July 25^th through July 29^th, 2025

Paving and milling operations will be taking place on Ashdown Road this week and into next week. The road will be closed to through-traffic during construction with detours available. Local traffic only (those who reside on Ashdown Road) will be allowed within the designated area of construction.

The portion of Ashdown Road, from Route 146A (Ballston Lake Road) to County Route 80 (Schauber Road) will be impacted. Construction is scheduled from Friday, July 25^th, through Thursday, July 29^th. Milling operations will primarily occur on Friday, July 25^th, and paving will occur Tuesday, July 29^th. All activities are weather dependent.

To manage traffic detours, flaggers will be on site to assist residents when milling and paving commences. Once the asphalt has had a chance to cure, Highway Crews will return to work on road shoulders and grass reseeding if necessary.

All work will be clearly marked. Motorists, especially motorcyclists, should use caution while driving through the area as some portions of the road may be uneven.

Residents with questions may call the Superintendent’s office at (518) 371-7310. The Highway Department thanks motorists for their patience while improvements are made to the Town’s roads and infrastructure.

Stay tuned for more details!

Are you a restaurant owner who is interested in participating? 
pdf CPRW Information & Application(727 KB)

The Town Board is offering a free bulk waste drop off service April 5th and 12th at three locations (Clifton Common, Veterans Park and Clifton Park Transfer Station), from 8am to 4pm. Residents of Clifton Park will be able to dispose of bulk items free of charge. The service was offered in 2024 and based on the popularity of the program; we have expanded the hours of operation in 2025. Please see the additional information posted for further details. Please note the eligible items for this program.

Occasionally we receive inquiries about a curbside Bulk Waste pickup as the Town had offered in the past. Unfortunately, due to the significant increase in the cost of offering this non-core governmental service and the inability to receive competing bids due mainly to a lack of workforce, the Town has not conducted the curbside service in recent years. The Bulk Waste drop off service was instituted last year as an opportunity to continue to offer an additional option to dispose of unwanted items for free. Like all organizations, we have experienced rising costs in all our core governmental services.

Town personnel and volunteers will be present at each site to assist.

We offer many services throughout the year at the Clifton Park Transfer Station. We will soon provide reminders of the services that are available for disposal and recycling at the facility.

Capital Region Vision Zero Safety Action Plan - August public meetings!

The Capital Region Transportation Council (the Transportation Council) is hosting four public meetings (three in-person and one virtual) across the region in August 2024 to publicly launch the Capital Region Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, which focuses on reducing fatal and serious injury crashes to an eventual goal of zero on all public roadways in the Capital Region. 

Each of the four public meetings will present identical content and will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the development of the Vision Zero Safety Action Plan, identify existing transportation safety issues, recommend changes to improve transportation safety, and meet with the project team. Community members are encouraged to attend the public meeting that is most convenient for them:

·         Watervliet: August 14, 2024 from 4:30-7:30PM at the Watervliet Senior Center located at 1501 Broadway, Watervliet, NY. This in-person meeting is open house style, come for as little or as long as you like.

·         Albany: August 15, 2024 from 4:30-7:30PM at the Washington Avenue Branch Library in the Large Auditorium located at 161 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY. This in-person meeting is open house style, come for as little or as long as you like.

·         Virtual: August 20, 2024 at 6:30PM. To attend this Zoom webinar, please register at: https://tinyurl.com/CapitalRegionVisionZeroWebinar

·         Saratoga: August 21, 2024 from 4:30-7:30PM at the Saratoga Springs Public Library in the Dutcher Community Room located at 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY. This in-person meeting is open house style, come for as little or as long as you like. Please note, on-street parking is free, and parking in the library lot is for Saratoga Springs city residents only.

All are welcome. If you require any assistive technologies, language translation, American Sign Language interpretation, and/or adaptive strategies to attend and engage at these public meetings, please contact Liz Podowski King with Highland Planning at 585-649-1210 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least three (3) business days in advance of the meeting you plan to attend.

To learn more about the Regional Vision Zero Safety Action Plan and the upcoming meetings, please visit: www.CapitalRegionVisionZero.org

Documents:
pdf Vision Zero Flyer(92 KB)