Hello all,
My name is Lucian McCarty and I am taking over the City Desk at The Saratogian. I have been with the paper for six months now working on Saratoga County issues but with Patrick moving over to the world of public radio, I am moving into his former beat.

I have a bachelor's degree in Journalism with a minor in Political Science and I've been writing for newspapers for the past five years in New Hampshire and in Oswego but this is my first blog so it is a little strange using the pronoun "I" when I type.

I've actually been covering the city since Patrick left, but reporters at the paper have been stretched somewhat thin with the departure of Patrick and Mareesa Nicosia so close to one another-- it's only been Paul Post and I since then as full-time reporters.

This week, though, we have the new addition of Michael Cignoli and Suzanna Louri — who has been working on a part-time basis - is going full-time, so we will have some breathing room.

As such, I wanted to introduce myself to the blog-world and to all of our readers.

If anyone would like to contact me for any reason, my phone number is 583-8729 extension 221 and my e-mail address is lmccarty@saratogian.com.

I look forward to being a part of the community and am always happy to hear from readers.

News from the folks at the City Center:

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City Center expansion construction is coming to a close. The official ribbon cutting ceremony is taking place at 11 a.m. June 11 prior to the start of the city's Flag Day parade.

The majority of work left to be done is on the exterior of the City Center building. Panels are going up to finish off each entry way, along with the glass for the lighted main entry and the new lettering on the canopy. As the interior construction comes to a close, other renovation projects will start. The Main Hall is expected to get an overhaul, with a new sound system in the works, as well as some acoustical upgrades.

On September 11th of this year, the City Center is unveiling a sculpture, made from the steel of the World Trade Center, named “Tempered by Memory” to commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

For more information and updates on the Saratoga Springs City Center, please visit www.saratogacitycenter.org or go to their official blog at www.saratogacitycenter.org/?cat=11.