Concerns over the demolition of historic buildings in Troy took center stage at the Planning Board Hearing on November 1, 2024. Residents expressed outrage over the recent hasty demolition of a century-old structure, which was part of the controversial King's Landing 2 project.

Drea Lianza, a member of the community group Neighbors Protecting Neighborhoods, voiced her frustration, highlighting that the agreement with the BDC Group was to preserve three of the four houses on the block. Instead, only two will remain, fundamentally altering the neighborhood's character. Lianza accused BDC of misleading the community, stating that the demolition was not an emergency as claimed, but rather a premeditated decision.

The meeting revealed that the developer had faced fines for proceeding with excavation without the necessary permits, raising questions about oversight from city officials. Residents demanded accountability, insisting that all construction activities be halted until compliance with regulations is assured.

In response, city officials defended the decision to demolish the building, citing severe structural issues that posed safety risks. An engineer explained that the building was in a state of "dynamic failure," making it unsafe to remain standing. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that brick structures can collapse without warning, which could lead to injuries or fatalities.

As the meeting concluded, the tension between community members and the developer remained palpable, with residents calling for stricter scrutiny of BDC's future actions. The outcome of this project could significantly impact Troy's architectural landscape and the community's trust in local governance.