Delivering on Promises: Cleaning Up the Corner of Lake Hill & Route 50
When walking door-to-door in 2019, I heard a clear message from residents across our town: people were sick and tired of looking at the abandoned, condemned Magnum gas station at the corner of Lake Hill Road and Route 50.
For years, that vacant blighted property served as a eyesore at a major gateway to our community. Turning that property around wasn't simple—it was an environmentally complex, multi-year process that required persistent leadership, collaboration, and determination to navigate government bureaucracy.
Here is how we got it done:
1. Navigating the County Foreclosure Process
Because the property sat tax-delinquent and tied up in legal and environmental liability, it had lingered in limbo for years. Under my leadership, we partnered closely with Saratoga County officials to work through the tax foreclosure process. By coordinating with the County Attorney and Treasurer, we brought the property into county hands so it could finally be transferred to the Town without burdening our taxpayers with unmanaged risk.
2. Solving the Problem of the Abandoned Above-Ground Tanks
One of the largest hurdles was the presence of abandoned fuel tanks sitting on the site. Deemed worthless and posing a major hazard, getting rid of them required finding creative solutions.
3. Taking Down the Building with Our Local Crew
Once the property was secured and cleared of immediate hazards, we put local resources to work. Working directly with our local Highway Superintendent and his dedicated crew, we brought down the eyesore structure ourselves—saving thousands of dollars in outside contractor costs and finally removing the physical decay from the corner.
4. Patiently Earning DEC Approval
Environmental safety was paramount. We worked hand-in-hand with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) who installed groundwater monitoring wells across the site. We waited patiently through test cycles to ensure the soil and water met every safety standard before securing the final "all clear" from state officials.
5. Community Fundraising & Local Support
This was a true community endeavor. We partnered with local business owners, civic organizations, and community members to raise much of the funds necessary to complete the site work.
A Welcoming Gateway to Our Town
We never intended for this site to become a traditional public park. Instead, our goal was clear: eliminate a hazardous eyesore and replace it with a clean, attractive, and welcoming aesthetic that brightens the entrance to our Town.
This project took years of teamwork, persistence, and practical problem-solving. It stands as a testament to what we can accomplish when leadership focuses on practical results over excuses.
Get the facts before you vote. Everything shared on this website is backed by official town records, county resolutions, and public DEC documents. Don’t be misled by those who place their own self-interests over improving our great community. The Town Supervisor position is a leadership position. As Supervisor you are part of the legislative body (Town Board), the CEO, and the CFO.
