President’s Letter

SLA President Jim DeMasi reflects on the storied history of the Saratoga Lake Association.

Congratulations Saratoga Lake Association!

The year was 1936.  It was on the 26th of April that the Saratoga Lake Property Owners(SLPOA), Inc was formed. On the 18th day of May 1939, SLPO became “a  membership  corporation devoted to improving health, living and governmental conditions at Saratoga Lake and to promote a friendly and neighborly feeling amongst the owners of the properties in the adjoining towns.” It was governed by a board of directors elected from the three towns and one city bordering the lake.  

The dues, get ready for this, were $2 a year

The SLPOA was at the forefront of advocacy for Saratoga Lake.  It successfully sued several of the municipalities around the lake to stop the dumping of raw sewage into Kayaderosseras Creek. With the failing septic systems around the lake, the advocacy of SLPOA was instrumental when it came to the development of  a sewage system. And by 2012 the now Saratoga Lake Association pushed for the approval of a new major sewer line significantly improving water quality.  

By  the late 1980’s invasive weeds were a growing concern. In 1983 the Saratoga Lake Diagnostic Feasibility Study and Management Plan was completed. An important outcome prompted by the strong advocacy of SLA was the adoption of the NYS legislation resulting in the creation of the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District(SLPID).

As a result of all these measures Saratoga Lake water quality is classified as Class A signifying the highest quality, suitable for drinking water. In 2006 the SLA and other stakeholders prevailed in a lawsuit against the  City of Saratoga Springs, blocking a proposed plan to draw the city’s public drinking water from Saratoga Lake. A similar proposal was floated but rejected this past fall.  SLA was aware and prepared, having contacted the potential candidates for the office of Commissioner of Public Works and reassured our members.

The Saratoga Lake Association has been on the forefront when it comes to advocating for responsible development around the lake and watershed.  One of its major recent accomplishments was protecting Snake Hill from plans for development in 2023. It was by raising public awareness, advocating to the state legislature for funding and collaborating with conservation partners like Saratoga PLAN that made it possible to secure its permanent protection preserving this iconic landmark for generations to come. The conservation efforts on the part of SLA were recognized by Saratoga PLAN at their 2025 annual meeting.

Recognition of the threat posed by excessive use of road salt on lake quality, the surrounding environment, and infrastructure is yet another major initiative of the Saratoga Lake Association. SLA has endeavored to work with local town governments and the NYSDOT to raise awareness of the impact and to advocate for mitigation measures offering to assist in procuring funding that is currently available.

To further understand and address water quality issues and to continue in our efforts to foster education, SLA has partnered with the Skidmore College Department of Environmental Studies.

SLA purchased and deployed multiple high-tech sensors throughout the lake. The analyzers continuously monitor key parameters of water quality. These students learn valuable lessons regarding the role of the environment when it comes to water quality. Their findings are published and presented at the annual environmental seminar.  

It needs to be emphasized that since its formal incorporation under New York State law as the  Saratoga Lake Association, SLA has expanded its focus beyond property owners to all those who care about the  lake.  SLA is NOT simply a homeowners association but promotes a more “watershed approach” to address the issues surrounding the lake and community.   I strongly encourage your family, friends and neighbors to become active members and join in continuing its mission “to promote and enhance the environmental quality, natural beauty and safe recreational use of Saratoga Lake” for another 90+ years.

Be sure to keep a look out for more information and activities regarding the 90th anniversary.