Here comes Saratoga's casino

When the New York State casino gambling amendment passed last November, the next natural question was where would the casinos be located. Perhaps an even more natural question was will Saratoga Springs be home to one of those four upstate casinos?

This was on the heels of Saratoga Race Course celebrating its 150th anniversary last year. Is there enough gambling money to support both the track and a casino?

There is, of course, casino history in Saratoga as well. About the same time the Race Course was being built, one of its founders, John Morrisey also built the Saratoga Clubhouse in Congress Park. “Clubhouse” was Saratogian for “Casino.” A few years later Richard Canfield bought the place. The joint survived, successfully, as a gambling house into the early years of the 20^th Century, until the anti-gambling establishment forced the closing of several casinos, and, clubhouses too.

Sad, because Canfield Casino is a beautiful building. However these days it's used for events. The only gamble I ever had there was actually going to my high school prom when it was held there, but that's a story for another day.

One of the many reasons the anti-gambling folks came about in the first place is the seediness which came about as a result. Casino gambling is often not looked at as “acceptable” as its horse racing counterpart. The latter is the sport of kings. Casinos have a reputation for attracting people less likely to be in the Social Register.

Perhaps this is a bit unfair. There are very few places left where people flock to see the thoroughbreds as they do at the Spa. The New York Racing Association (when they are not raising all race track prices so they can give themselves hefty raises) I am sure would love to add even more days in Saratoga, at the expense of the tracks at Belmont and Aqueduct.

Businesses in Saratoga and beyond would not mind this a bit. They have long reaped the benefits of the successes of the Track. It's no secret prices skyrocket in late July and into August, especially in local hotels. Which is fine; this is how capitalism works.

Yet many of these same business owners are petrified at the thought of casinos coming in.

A group, Saratogians Against Vegas-style Expansion (SAVE), has been formed. They have signs are all over the city. Their website gives many compelling reasons to keep a casino out of Saratoga.

They are not alone in their feelings. Last fall almost 60% of voters in the town said no to the statewide casino amendment. And, let's not kid ourselves: while Governor Cuomo says right-wingers “have no place in the state of New York”, he feels casinos are more than welcome. And, now there are rumblings he might do his best to force them upon communities, even those who don't want them.

The state touts that the tax benefits will (allegedly) help lessen our school and property tax burden.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway would of course be the place which makes the most sense. It has already been expanded once, and, to these eyes, anyways, successfully. Prior to the racino makeover, what was once Saratoga Harness had fallen almost off the map. People rarely went there anymore, and about the only time it was in the news was when there were allegations of race fixing.

The only big crowds they drew were for outdoor concerts. I remember attending the Lollapalooza concert (Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys, Breeders and L7) there in 1994. I doubt many of the huge crowd there ever once watched the trotters and pacers race there, or anywhere else for that matter.

Ironically enough, when huge shows such as Lollapalooza or SPAC concerts hit town, the local businesses thrive. However these same business owners are concerned the casinos will create an unfair playing field.

As anyone who has visited Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe or Atlantic City can attest, there are several side benefits, especially to the gambling addict. These include comped rooms at hotels and free drinks to those playing the tables or sitting at the machines. These are amenities private businesses can't offer.

The folks at SAVE are also concerned for the local business owners, and for the character of the city.

Would a casino change the flavor of downtown Saratoga? Of course it would. But, many argue, such a change is already underway. Over the past ten years national chains such as the GAP and Eddie Bauer have crept into the Broadway landscape. Even more recently, condo upon condo has been built downtown.

But, when all is said and done, I don't think anyone would argue a casino would do well in Saratoga. And, given the governor's history, if he wants it here, it will happen. Doesn't mean we will all benefit if it does, though.

Don't be surprised at all if Saratoga's welcome signs are amended soon to read "Health, History, Horses & High rollers." Whether we want it or not.

"Til next time, keep on smiling.

A tale of two theaters

Our story centers around two movie houses. Both have seen their ups and downs. One is back up, and the other, alas, may be down for good.

First up, is Albany's Madison Theatre, which opened in 1929. At that time, and well into the 1980's it had one massive screen. During the six years I lived in Albany, it was my favorite spot to see a picture, because of its size. I have never been a fan of the multiplexes, and during that era (late '80's) the mall theaters were at their worst. Small screens, poor customer service and uncomfortable seats. The Madison was easily the better choice, plus you could buy candy at the nearby CVS and sneak it in.

Movies are meant to be seen as large as possible. I have fond memories of seeing bigger than life flicks such as “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” at the Madison. I own both on DVD, but every time I pop them in, even with a 42 inch screen, all I can think of is what they looked like at the Madison. Characters like Jessica Rabbit deserve to be seen to their, uhm, fullest.

Then, due to economics, the theater slowly had to make changes, none of which really made things better. The biggest change was dividing the place to make more screens. Several smaller screens may bring in more money, but it doesn't make the viewing experience better. But, if that's what it takes to keep a neighborhood movie house open, I am all for it.

Yet, despite all of that, the Madison was closed for some time. Until last Friday, that is, when it reopened to great fanfare.

It will not be what it once was, though. They will not show first-run movies. Or even second run. Actually, it's even better. Classic films will be shown on the big screen. Paul Newman flicks will highlight the first week, including “The Sting”, which is the #2 Best Movie Of All Time (well, according to me, anyways. “The Godfather” is #1, natch.)

Nice, eh? I can't wait to head over there, and pay my $5(!) to see some of these. I miss going there. I haven't seen “The Sting” on a big screen since it was released in 1973.

Now, on to movie house #2, Ballston Spa's Capitol Theatre.

I did not move to New York until 1975, so I missed out on ever experiencing what the Capitol had to offer, as it closed in 1970 (it opened in 1922.)

As many know, it was located above what is now O'Brien's Pharmacy on Front Street. The theater doors remain, and have been guarded by a locked chain forever.

Since I wasn't there, for more historical perspective on The Capitol, I turned to one of my favorites, former longtime Ballston Journal publisher CH Grose, (who, BTW, is long-since retired, and living in Iowa.)

Here's CH's narrative on The Capitol:

The theater closed, like many others, because people started staying home to watch television. They had a fixed format. Sunday and Monday showed the best movie of the week. Tuesday and Wednesday there was often a double feature showing "B" movies.

Thursday and Friday they showed the second best picture of the week. Saturdays had a double feature, one of which was a western. In between the two films was a serial movie which went on for several weeks, often a western also. As you can imagine the Saturday matinee crowd was most often made up of young men.

Just inside the doors on the right was the ticket booth, then you had a long climb up the steps to the viewing area. During the depression years they had all kinds of promotions like free dishes. It wasn't air conditioned. On hot days they opened a door that opened to a fire escape to let in some cooler air.

Oh, and one final note from CH: “The theater was certainly not handicapped accessible.”

And, this probably is one of the biggest obstacle to the Capitol being re-opened for the foreseeable future. It is not equipped to meet modern standards for such venues.

A year or so ago, an ambitious group of locals started a group called the Capitol Theatre Project. They are a non-profit, “created with the intent to renovate and reopen” the theater.

Project President & CEO Charon Hogan told me this week her group has seen what's inside. “Structurally, it's sound, and the seats are there,” she said. “However, the screen is gone.”

So, perhaps, is their dream.

Last week on their Facebook page, they posted the sad news that their goal of reestablishing the Capitol in its original location is probably not going to be achieved. The owner of the building does want it to happen, and so it won't. Not there anyways.

This is not to say people won't go to downtowns to see a movie. Much to my surprise, Schenectady's Bow Tie Movieland has proven to be a success over the past few years. And Bow Tie just recently opened up a similar shop in Saratoga Springs.

Yeah, I know, these are cities. But, village one-screen theaters can still work, too, even in this area. The venerable Scotia Cinema has been around forever, showing second run films. If you can wait a few weeks after a movie's premier, this is the place for you (with a balcony!) Think it doesn't work? Just try getting close to the place on a weekend night.

So, would a re-opened Capitol Theatre be a hit in Ballston Spa? The Capitol Theatre Project folks are not giving up. Hogan told me this week they are looking elsewhere in the village.

“I hope we can at least get it going in another nearby location,” she said. “It would be such a great thing for the community.”

'Til next time, keep on smiling.

Community mourns as Burnt Hills Lanes burns

When I moved to the 518 area in the middle of 7^th grade, my very first class as a student at the Burnt Hills Junior High was at Burnt Hills Lanes. I'm thinking, this is cool. A new school and we study at a bowling alley. A few years later when I was in the high school, we even got to walk over there during the school program. Can't imagine the school district would still allow students to walk across that busy street these days.

At any rate, it was those memories of school days gone by which immediately came to mind when I heard this morning Burnt Hills Lanes had caught fire. The fire started a little after midnight, and, according to witnesses, within about 30 minutes was a total loss, having burned to the ground.

There is a Facebook page devoted to Burnt Hills memories, and several commented on the exact same memory of heading over there during phys ed class.

And, as was the case for every successful bowling alley, there were leagues; similarly, those formerly involved in league play there also chimed on those fond memories.

The place was established in 1959 and renovated recently, making it even more a community gathering spot, more of a recreation center for all ages.

I probably shouldn't say this, but one other memory I have of the place was of me and a few high school buddies (who shall remain nameless) sneaking some beers in there. 

Now, this wonderful place is gone. (Thanks to Ken Rohling for the gigapan photo link.)

In a school district such as Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake there are not many places in which a community can come together. This is partially due to the set up of the district, which is made up of four municipalities, Charlton, East Glenville, and of course the eponymous villages of Burnt Hills and Ballston Lake.

And, even within those four places, there isn't a classic downtown in the bunch. Route 50 dominates the district, from Ballston Spa in the north, and Scotia at the southern most tip. And it is a road best traveled by motor vehicle, not afoot. As such, it is the lucky few spots which become popular gathering spots. Burnt Hills Lanes more than qualified as such a spot.

As someone growing up in the district during the late 1970's, there were but a few hangouts. And, while nothing lasts forever of course, it seems more and more of these places are gone. This starts right at the heart of the business district, at Lakehill Road and Route 50, where the much missed Olde Homestead (nee Country Kitchen) used to set up shop. It was one of those places, as Yogi Berra used to say, “Nobody goes there because it's always so crowded.”

Yet, despite the always packed house, it was mismanaged, closed, and then incredibly reduced to rubble. The vacant lot stands out like a sore thumb as thousands drive past it daily.

Another favorite was Poor John's. For years the landmark at Route 50 and Hetcheltown Road became a favorite gathering spot for everything from watching the NFL on Sunday, to slow dancing on weekend nights. Now it sadly sits vacant.

In reality, about the only continuous spot where this wonderful community can still regularly congregate is at sporting events at the nearby high school. 

Which brings us back to Burnt Hills Lanes. As I write this, there still is literally smoke coming from the ashes. So, obviously it is way too soon to know what will become of the place. My guess (and hope) is out of these ashes, the bowling alley will be rebuilt, better than it was before. This is what happened just a couple of miles west of there a few years ago when the Charlton Tavern suffered a similarly tragic fire. Now the place, all new, but retaining the spirit and colonial decor of its past, is there once again for the community to gather around.

I truly hope I can write those exact same words in the near future about Burnt Hills Lanes.