Development News for Clifton Park, New York

Personnel Changes Approved for Summer Season and Aquatics Department

The town board authorized the transfer of Sarah Cassell from Locus Lane pool manager to aquatics director. Additionally, they approved the hiring of camp counselors and the promotion of current lifeguards to head lifeguards for the 2026 summer season. Megan discussed Sarah Cassell's qualifications and the need for new camp counselors due to previous hires accepting internships. The promotion of lifeguards to head guards was also noted as a positive development.

Longill Park Improvements Include New Tennis and Basketball Courts

The town board authorized change order number one related to Longill Park District. The project initially planned to fill cracks and apply a new acrylic surface to the tennis courts. However, due to significant winter damage, the plan changed to milling the existing pavement, applying new pavement, and installing a completely new surface. This change order is considered a good price because the contractor is already on-site for other park improvements, including the basketball court and parking lot. The project will result in new surfaces for tennis and pickleball courts, a new base and coating for the basketball courts, and the playground equipment is nearly installed.

Open Space Committee to Study Acquisition of Adjacent Land Parcels

The Clifton Park Open Space Committee is authorized to study whether the town should acquire two adjacent land parcels. These parcels, owned by Crescent Waste Treatment, are located near three parcels the town already owns and could potentially connect the town's trail system to the Fisher Fairy Nature Historic Preserve. The parcels have been abandoned by the owner, who has stopped paying taxes since 2021. The cost to acquire them would be the back taxes, estimated at approximately $7,000. The treasurer's office is willing to waive penalties and interest, potentially halving the cost, subject to board authorization. This study will determine if acquiring these parcels is beneficial for the town.

Town Board Debates Cessation of Planning for Windover Sports Fields

The town board will consider two resolutions regarding the Windover playing fields. Resolution number seven authorizes the cessation of all planning efforts to develop a sports playing field complex. This resolution details the town's history with the property, its use for passive recreation, and the reasons why a sports complex is deemed unfeasible due to significant expense, lack of need, location, infrastructure requirements, and environmental concerns. Resolution number eight authorizes no action at the present time for the Windover Park project, leaving the door open for future consideration. Both resolutions aim to provide closure on the issue, though the effectiveness and necessity of having two distinct resolutions were debated. The board ultimately decided to handle them one at a time, with a separate vote requested for number seven.