(Photo obtained from dailygazette.com)
In early October, county officials shared a sigh of relief as the new location for Code Blue, Saratoga’s emergency weather homeless shelter, was announced. However, it was not long before the reconstruction of the shelter was halted, due to the discovery of asbestos in the building.
If inhaled, asbestos can cause cancer and other lung-related illnesses. It has also been widely-linked as the cause of Mesothelioma, which is a fatal cancer that affects the lining of one’s lung.
There was hope that the shelter would be open by Nov. 15, but the asbestos contamination has delayed its opening with the possibility that the shelter may not be ready as late as the first of December.
As winter temperatures and harsh winds approach, the need for Code Blue’s facilities has become more immediate. The temperatures at night are beginning to fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the threshold at which Code Blue usually opens it doors to those in need.
This past weekend, Nov 1-3, Shelters of Saratoga issued the first Code Blue alert for the low temperatures of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. This was the first alert of the 2019-2020 winter season, yet the emergency shelter was closed. Instead, the building stood surrounded by red banner tape and asbestos warning signs.
Code Blue’s new location is situated at the street crossover of Finley and Adelphi. The 4000 sq. ft building is a former car detailing shop, and offers a sufficient current location for Code Blue. Across the street is the Saratoga County Mental Health Clinic, and the Transitional Services Association is also nearby.
The location of the Code Blue shelter has sparked debate in the past years. The new location is off South Broadway, where most buildings are used for non-retail commercial business and, in turn, does not pose a risk of complaints from neighbors.
Eric Lawson is a member of the Saratoga Springs Southeast Neighbors Group, the group formed in opposition to Code Blue’s location at the Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church. He recently spoke to Times Union about Code Blue’s more distant location, stating that it was received with “a great deal of relief since the location not only assures basic protection from the elements but it is situated near facilities that offer services that are appropriate for some of the Code Blue patrons.”
The city officials of Saratoga Springs have also declared their approval for the new location. Most notably, the city’s Commissioner of Finance, Michele Madigan, assigned $50,000 in city funds to assist with Code Blue’s facility costs.
The Adelphi location seemed to be a move in the positive direction for Code Blue. Although the abandoned building needed work, Karen Gregory, the Executive Director of Shelters of Saratoga, was quick to announce that its reconstruction would involve the installation of bathrooms and a heating system.
Yet, now Code Blue is faced with another challenge, as the building’s construction was abruptly interrupted. According to The Daily Gazette, a temporary ventilation chute has been attached to the building. All of the asbestos has been removed properly and the construction workers are waiting on the results of air tests in order to resume their work.
Nonetheless, Code Blue’s newest location is only temporary. Shelters of Saratoga signed an 18-month lease for the 4 Adelphi St. property, which means Code Blue will be located there for the next two winters as the search for a permanent Code Blue continues.
To keep updated on the status of Code Blue’s new location, visit their website and/or Facebook page.