In cooperation with this year's Earth Day the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) will distribute 5,000 bus passes made from recycled paper and wildflower seeds.

The passes, which will be distributed by 24 businesses throughout Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties, will enable holders to ride the bus for free during Earth Day on April 22.

Aside from using the passes for free bus rides, they can also later be planted to grow a mix of wildflowers.

Water advisory for South Broadway residents after water main breaks

A water main on South Broadway burst on Wednesday, April 16, and it has been advised that residents start boiling water before using it as drinking water or cooking.

The water main broke around 9 a.m. on Wednesday after construction crews working on the road damaged it. The break was repaired as of 2 p.m. that day.

Areas affected by the break include South Broadway, West Fenlon Avenue, Lincoln Avenue and the surrounding area.

The water in the main will now have to be tested for two straight days before health officials can lift the water advisory.

Ballston Spa Village Board approves water treatment initiative

On Monday, April 14, the Ballston Spa Village Board approved the addition of a chemical to the village’s water supply.

The chemicals will be added during a one month trial period. The decision to add the chemicals was made in order to stop corrosion of the village's water system and the discolored water that has resulted from the corroded pipes

Over the next month, Slack Chemical Co. will add about two gallons of Carus K-5 Blended Phosphate per day. The chemical will help to seal the pipes and prevent further corrosion.

Nigro plaza recieves approval from town planning board

On Wednesday, April 17, the Wilton Town Planning Board approved Nigro Companies’ plan to construct a 30,500-square-foot retail plaza between Price Chopper and the Wilton Mall's main entrance on Route 50.

However, final approval on the plaza could be based upon the impact that it will  have on traffic along Route 50. Concerns have been raised over safety hazards concerning people crossing from Price Chopper to the Nigro plaza.

A public hearing to discuss the project has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7 at Wilton Town Hall.

Vendor forced to stop selling hot dogs in Congress Park

After years of selling hot dogs in Congress Park, Ed Miller, owner of Kingfish Enterprises, will have to stop selling his hot dogs that had become popular to visitors of the park over recent years.

Miller will be forced to stop selling hot dogs after a lawsuit by another local vendor provoked a review of city ordinances. The city's charter says food vendors can only operate in Congress Park on special occasions.

Previously, Miller had been given permission to operate in the park from former Commissioner of Public Works Thomas McTygue.

New Ballston Spa playground named

Kids’ Creekside Village will be the name of a new playground planned to be built in Ballston Spa's Kelley Park.

The name was chosen from a combination of the five top names submitted by Ballston Spa school children.

The decision to build the new park comes from parents' frustration that the community lacked an adequate playground.

Local Organization, Friends and Neighbors of Ballston Spa has already raised more than $90,000 towards their $180,000 goal. Stewart's Corp. will also match donations for the new playground in an amount up to $5,000.

The playground will feature a rock wall, climbing wall, rubber bridges, a vertical tunnel, twisting slide, monkey bars and numerous slides.

Construction on the playground is set for May 20 and will be constructed by an all-volunteer labor force.