Troy Riverwalk gets state expectation

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced $1 million in funding to extend Troy's Marina North Riverwalk Project.

As Mayor Carmella Mantello tells it, "This critical funding will allow us to enhance public access to our vibrant waterfront, improve walkability, and continue building community-centered spaces that celebrate Troy’s rich history and natural beauty.

" ,,,, With this funding, we are one step closer to making this $6.3 million dollar project a reality -- a project that will strengthen Troy’s connection to its historic waterfront and benefit residents and visitors alike."

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Hochul proposes $19M to aid Troy redevelopment

One Monument Square, former site of City Hall

If Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed budget for 2026-27 passes muster in the State Legislature, one particular item should have a major impact on the center of downtown Troy -- at One Monument Square.

One Monument Square is the site of what once was home to City Hall, until the outmoded structure was demolished in 2011. In the ensuing years, a series of plans has been created to redevelop the parcel but each has fallen through for a variety of reasons.

As a result of the budget proposal, Mayor Carmella Mantello today issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce that Governor Hochul has allocated $19 million in the 2026-2027 budget for the redevelopment of One Monument Square.

"This site holds an important place in Troy’s history, and this funding will allow us to take a significant step forward in restoring it as a vibrant part of our downtown. The $19 million investment reflects a shared commitment to revitalizing our city, creating new opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for Troy’s residents.

"We have much work to do, but after years of challenges and multiple proposals, I’m proud that we are finally poised to make real progress on this important project. I want to express my gratitude to Governor Hochul and Assemblyman John McDonald for their support in helping to bring a new vision for One Monument Square closer to reality.”

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A thank-you for helping out

Those who contributed many pairs of gloves to the Troy volunteer organization Sidewalk Warriors, collected at our Holiday Luncheon, will be happy to read the following thank-you note from the organization given to event organizer Janice Dessingue:

"Dear Terrace at Highpointe residents:

"On behalf of the Sidewalk Warriors, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your generous donation of gloves. Your support is invaluable to us and makes a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.

"Thank you for your kindness and commitment to helping those in need."

"Warm regards ... "

Carol Dyer

Volunteer

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A note from Peggy Savchik

I am Peggy Smith Savchik in #16. I volunteer helping English-speaking adults learn to read or improve their reading skills. 

(FYI, more than 30% of people in the US are functionally illiterate!). 

I also am working with a doctoral candidate who is desperately working to accumulate data on how adults with poor reading skills actually learn to read better, so she can wrap up her doctoral dissertation. 

Long story short -- I am looking for adults with low reading skills to participate in a six-week learning program. It involves weekly one-hour, ome-on-one sessions and is ENTIRELY CONFIDENTIAL. If you know someone who can't read, or doesn't read well, please mention this to them.

 In such a weary and worn world, where do we start to do good? Let us start small. Let us begin with what is right in front of us. Let us do the good that is ours to do. 

-- Peggy Smith Savchik

518-461-1817

pegsavchik@gmail.com 

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Troy City Hall will be closed on Monday

Monday, January 20, is the day we will see the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 47th president of the United States.

However, that's not the reason Troy City Hall will be closed. It's because, by a calendar quirk, it coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a national, state, and city holiday.

All City offices will resume normal operations on Tuesday, January 21.

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The Knickerbacker Ice Arena is back

The City of Troy has the Knickerbacker Ice Rink back in action for the winter after a multi-year closing and renovation effort.

You can access the public-use schedule by clicking here.

The facility was renovated using funds from the federal government's ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) program that disbursed funds for post-COVID-19 community efforts. The arena had been closed since 2018 because of maintenance issues with ice-making gear and piping. Repairs were made in phases that included rink renovations, equipment updates, and improved amenities.

“This project with the Knickerbacker Ice Rink is another key step in improving the quality of life for Troy and Rensselaer County residents. The revival of the Knick pool and now the rink will transform the Knickerbacker Park Complex, which will include more public skating,” Mayor Carmella Mantello said. “Thank you to the County Executive (Steve McLaughlin) for his and the county’s partnership as we continue to revitalize Troy.”

The ice rink is located in Knickerbacker Park, located at 103rd Street and 8th Avenue. The complex was named for Thomas A. Knickerbacker, a local businessman and philanthropist.

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Frear Park getting funding for major overhaul

The Gazebo at Frear Park.

The City of Troy has reappropriated approximately $5 million of federal grant money for what it calls a "transformational" project at Frear Park, the City's largest park.

Mayor Carmella Mantello said in a news release, “... The Frear Park ... Revitalization Project exemplifies that Frear Park is more than a golf course. Frear Park is our largest park with over 82 acres, and this project will not only benefit the Sycaway and North Central neighborhoods ,but the city and the region.” 

In addition, the City will use some funds to support its lead pipe replacement program.

The City was awarded $42 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding -- also known as COVID-19 stimulus package funds -- and all such money needed to be under contract by December 31, 2024, and projects completed by December 31, 2026. 

“We are not going to give a penny back to the federal government," Mantello said. "This $5 million are monies from various completed projects that did not utilize all their funding and came under budget, and other projects that did not come to fruition and will not meet the necessary deadline to complete.” 

The Frear Park Revitalization Project will make substantial improvements to the North Lake Avenue Playground, the lower playground and grilling area, a new community and restaurant facility, current tennis courts and improvements towards ADA compliance. 

The City recently received a draft condition report on the park’s facilities, amenities and infrastructure which has several major public safety, public health, infrastructure and accessibility deficiencies. Some of the proposed upgrades for Frear Park include, but are not limited to:

• New playground equipment for the North Lake Avenue section of the park. "This section provides a great opportunity for a fully inclusive playground, including but not limited to widened ramps, sensory panel equipment, handicap accessible swing sets and accessible slides."

• Adding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks to access the North Lake Avenue Playground.

• Purchase of new outdoor park grills, playground equipment and fencing for the lower park area of the park.

• Upgrade the existing tennis courts and include pickle ball courts.

• Remove existing solar panels that are causing damage, and repair the roof of the ice rink facility.

• Upgrade the current restaurant facility with structural improvements including, but not limited to, making access ADA-compliant, plus larger kitchen and seating areas and additional community gathering spaces. 

• Provide better accessibility and ADA compliance to the ice rink, golf pro shop, and restaurant. 

• Bring current park facilities up to code and in compliance with health, safety and accessibility requirements. Currently there are numerous deficientness across the facilities.

• Repair or replace structural deficiencies such as, but not limited to, the facilities foundation, electrical, windows and roof. 

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In memoriam: Tom Chichester (updated)

Tom Chichester (left) during a 2006 work day on the Terrace.

It is with sadness that we report the passing of one of our original Terrace residents.

Tom Chichester, who with his wife Virginia ("Ginny') lived at No. 34 in the early days of the Terrace, died this morning, according to his stepdaughter.

Tom and Ginny had moved to Sparks, NV, in 2014. She passed away in 2019.

Tom will be remembered as an integral part of creating our community, as a THCA president, board member, and a busy craftsman and handyman who created many of the gardens, walkways, and other landmarks in the neighborhood.

Official obituary, published 2/9/25 in the Times Union:

Thomas "Tom" Chichester, born on May 20, 1943, passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Samaritan Hospital, Troy. 

Born in Catskill, N.Y., Tom was the son of Gertrude (Pierce) and Edison Chichester. A graduate of Middleburgh High School, he then served in the U.S. Army (SP5) for several years, followed by long-term employment with the Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 7. 

After "retiring," Tom started a small business providing landscaping and handyman services to his immediate community. Tom enjoyed traveling, playing golf, birdwatching, as well as watching football and his Yankees baseball. Tom was a long-term member of the Cobleskill Lodge and the Elks Club. 

Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife of many years, Ginny. He is survived by four children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. No services. Burial at a later date, at the Saratoga National Cemetery. 

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