Saratoga Standard

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake) and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) announced the final passage of new legislation aimed at benefiting residents in the Village of Ballston Spa, Town of Milton, and Saratoga County.

The first bill, sponsored by Senator Tedisco and Assemblywoman Walsh, facilitates a conservation easement land transfer of the Woods Hollow Nature Preserve from the Village of Ballston Spa to the Town of Milton (S.9269A). This ensures that the Woods Hollow Nature Preserve will remain protected and undeveloped under the ownership of the Town of Milton.

The second piece of legislation allows the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office to recruit assistant district attorneys from adjoining counties (S.8634), thereby broadening its recruitment pool.

“As Ranking Member of the Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Parks and Recreation Committee, I know how important it is for our area’s quality of life to preserve our parkland and nature preserves. I’m proud to have sponsored this legislation to forever protect the Woods Hollow Nature Preserve for the residents of Ballston Spa and Milton,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

“These are challenging times for our law enforcement and district attorneys with rising concerns about crime in New York State. We need to support our district attorneys and ensure they have the tools they need to recruit and retain the best and brightest prosecutors to serve residents in Saratoga County and protect our communities. That’s why this legislation is so important,” he added.

Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh highlighted her commitment to local communities: “One of the greatest opportunities I have as a member of the NYS Assembly is to help my local communities. This session, I was grateful for the opportunity to have sponsored two local bills, which passed unanimously, doing just that.”

She further explained, “The first, which waives the residency requirement for Assistant District Attorneys in Saratoga County, will expand the pool of eligible applicants for this position and allow for the justice process to go more smoothly for all involved. Additionally, my bill allowing for the sale of Woods Hollow Nature Preserve from Ballston Spa to Milton creates a lasting effect on the community, guaranteeing future protection.”

Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen emphasized the significance: “This legislation affords us flexibility that over 20 counties in New York State currently have—to hire qualified attorneys without concern for their residence. I truly appreciate Senator James Tedisco's and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh's support in recognizing these recruitment challenges.”

Milton Town Supervisor Scott Ostrander expressed his gratitude: “These two legislators went above and beyond to get a bill passed with state Senate and Assembly Majority for selling Woods Hollow Preserve from Ballston Spa to Milton. Their leadership makes a difference.”

Ballston Spa Mayor Frank Rossi Jr., praised their efforts: “We truly appreciate Senator Tedisco's and Assemblywoman Walsh's hard work in getting unanimous approval by both houses. The sale is critical as it ensures future maintenance through a conservation easement.”

Both bills now move to Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk for review.