City moves forward with brownfield redevelopment plan after state funding approval

Troy's Planning Board made significant strides during the April 16, 2025, meeting, focusing on the long-awaited redevelopment project on the riverfront, which has been delayed due to state financing issues linked to the relocation of a salt pile. With the state now indicating readiness to proceed, the board is optimistic about advancing the project, which aims to enhance local infrastructure and housing.

A key discussion point was the increased emergency medical service (EMS) calls associated with affordable housing developments. Board members expressed a commitment to collaborate with the fire department to explore potential solutions, including the possibility of implementing a fee structure for calls or utilizing on-site security to manage situations before they escalate to emergency services.

The meeting also addressed the ongoing remediation efforts at the site, which is currently under a brownfield cleanup agreement with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). While remediation has not yet commenced, the board anticipates starting the cleanup process by June 2026, with a projected timeline of approximately nine months for completion. This cleanup is crucial, as it must be finalized before any construction can begin.

Concerns were raised regarding the environmental implications of the project, particularly the need for a clear understanding of whether the cleanup will follow a "track 1" or "track 2" process, which dictates the level of contamination that can remain on-site. The board emphasized that no construction would occur until the cleanup is certified complete by the DEC, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

As the project moves forward, the Planning Board will need to navigate the complexities of environmental assessments and community concerns. The next steps include providing updated documentation to support the project's environmental review and preparing for public comments, which will be essential in addressing community feedback and ensuring transparency throughout the redevelopment process.