Educational Series Update

Saratoga PLAN Sponsors a 3-Part Educational Series

“Balancing Growth & Open Space Resources in Saratoga County”

Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land And Nature) is sponsoring a 3-part educational series titled “Balancing Growth and Open Space Resources in Saratoga County” on 3 consecutive Wednesdays: October 6, October 13 and October 20, 2010 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the Saratoga County Planning Office at 50 W. High Street, Ballston Spa.

Saratoga County’s high quality of life continues to attract economic and residential growth. Join this 3-part educational series to learn about the pattern of population growth in the County and the potential impacts of economic drivers, such as Global Foundries. Regional experts will share their knowledge about these impacts and their ‘real-world’ experience in enhancing the County’s quality of life by balancing growth with the protection of open space resources.

Part 1 of the series kicked off on October 6th with a presentation by Rocco Ferraro, Executive Director of the Capital District Regional Planning Commission (CDRPC). Attendees included residents of Saratoga County as well as members of local town boards, zoning boards and planning boards. This session examined population growth in the Saratoga region and the challenges associated with growth including infrastructure, housing, and community services.

Part 2 of the series focuses on the regional economic impact of Global Foundries and features Shelby Schneider, Director of Marketing and Economic Development Specialist for the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). Part 2 will take place on Wednesday, October 13, 2010.

Part 3 of the series includes a discussion of tools local communities can implement to balance growth while protecting open space resources. Professor Gary Kleppel of the University at Albany will discuss the use of transfer of development rights (TDRs). Jennifer Viggiani, Open Space Coordinator for the Town of Clifton Park, will discuss the town’s application of various tools including a generic environmental impact statement (GEIS). Part 3 will take place on Wednesday, October 20, 2010.

Saratoga PLAN is a not-for-profit land trust, an advocate for smart growth and a partner in conservation. Saratoga PLAN helps protect the exceptional quality of life in our region by conserving open spaces and special places for present and future generations. Additional information is available at www.saratogaplan.org.