Community volunteers and shelter leaders urge Saratoga County to approve lease for permanent Code Blue shelter

Saratoga County held a public hearing on March 11, 2026, on a proposed lease of county-owned property at 96–116 Boston Avenue in Saratoga Springs to the Saratoga County Capital Resource Corporation so the county can develop a permanent Code Blue shelter.

During public comment, speakers representing Shelters of Saratoga, Code Blue volunteers and people with lived experience urged the board to move forward. Peter Hopper, identified as president of the board of Shelters of Saratoga, said a permanent facility would provide “a safe and secure shelter with respect and dignity” and make it easier to retain staff and volunteers. “It’s a humbling experience,” Hopper said, describing his work serving meals at current temporary sites.

Stephanie Romeo, speaking for Shelters of Saratoga, said her organization is “proud to be entrusted with the responsibility of keeping our community’s most vulnerable safe in our harsh New York winters,” and expressed readiness to partner with the county on a permanent location. Martina Dee, a Code Blue volunteer, said the program serves people across a wide spectrum of needs and called a dedicated space “a compassionate solution to increase public safety and enhance positive community health outcomes.”

Kevin Morrison, who identified himself as homeless and said he also represents people through the National Alliance to End Homelessness, urged the board to adopt measures that help people return to work and said “anything we can do for the homeless population, including myself, is a win‑win.”

Volunteers described operational challenges tied to relocating year to year. Frank Balo summarized prepared remarks from Ryan Smith, noting prior sites were “less than ideal” and arguing that a permanent location would improve security, staffing continuity, and transitions into permanent housing. Tony Mangano, a longtime county mental‑health program employee and Code Blue volunteer, said the program has used multiple sites since 2014 and that a permanent facility would allow services to be designed around program needs.

Speakers also invoked the human cost of inaction. Eric Lawson, a Shelters of Saratoga board member, recalled the 2014 freezing death of Nancy Pittz and urged the board to approve resolutions that would advance a permanent facility.

The county official who read the notice said the hearing was held pursuant to Resolution 56 of 2026 and noted the project is undergoing review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Written comments were accepted until 3:30 p.m. on March 11, 2026, and copies of the draft lease and related documents were available from the clerk of the board and online.

No written comments were reported at the hearing. After public comment, the chair closed the hearing and thanked attendees and volunteers for their input.

The board did not take a formal vote at the hearing; the record shows public comment and procedural steps while SEQRA review continues and subsequent board action will determine whether the lease and project move forward.