The Code Blue program became a mandate for all Counties in New York in 2016 when then Governor Cuomo signed an Executive Order requiring temporary housing for homeless people when temperatures begin to turn cold. Generally, the Cold Blue season runs from October to April annually. The County has partnered with Shelters of Saratoga to ensure we were satisfying our responsibility, housing people at several different locations over the years.
We have been consistently concerned each year with the prospect of solidifying a Code Blue shelter location for the season. We have acted proactively and moved to different locations as circumstances changed. Purchasing property in Saratoga Springs for a permanent Code Blue shelter location solves the issue of attempting to secure a location each year, will save money, provide clarity for the County regarding the future cost of the program and provide a sound foundation for the future of services and programs that will hopefully transition people from homelessness. When the Code Blue program was started all costs were reimburse by NYS. Now, the County is allotted a block grant. There is no guarantee as costs rise over time the County will have all expenses related to the program covered by NYS. Controlling our fixed costs will reduce taxpayer liability for the future. The investment in a permanent location is the best option to control future expenses.
The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors is making a major step forward to solve the ongoing issue of providing comprehensive services to the homeless population. We have witnessed a number of ideas and plans that have been presented in Saratoga Springs over the years that never came to fruition. The Board of Supervisors is poised to provide the leadership necessary to consummate a successful partnership including Saratoga County DSS, Shelters of Saratoga and the city of Saratoga Springs.
The purchase price is not a small amount of money at $2.975million. The address is 96-116 Ballston Avenue in Saratoga Springs directly across from the Price Chopper plaza. The property is zoned to allow for a high-density project. The County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the land purchase. Working in a bi-partisan manner is important to solidifying a solution to this issue. Confidence in the successful execution of the plan is due to our partnership with Shelters of Saratoga and the support displayed for the project by governmental leaders . Tackling societal issues requires a team approach and we are thankful for all governmental and non-governmental partners who are working toward a solution.
Clifton Park and Beyond 