The Uptown Initiative is a coalition of residents that has joined together to spur revitalization in our working neighborhood. I am a founding member. Our primary goal is the preservation of important and historically significant architectural structures within the North Central and South Lansingburgh neighborhoods of Troy NY. All owners and residents of properties from Hoosick Street north to 105th Street between the Hudson River and Oakwood Avenue are considered stakeholders in the initiative.
Our mission is to restore Uptown Troy to its full potential using education, restoration, preservation and rehabilitation in order to enhance our neighborhood’s economic viability. Our plan of action includes: more owner occupants in our homes, viable businesses in our commercial properties, safe, pleasant, walkable streets and a fully utilized and revitalized riverfront.
With this in mind, The Uptown Initiative is in the process of petitioning the City of Troy’s Planning Commission/Historic District and Landmarks Review Commission seeking designation of a local historic district, and, possibly, a National Register Historic District, on Sixth Avenue including all buildings east and west, between Middleburgh and Douw Streets to be named the “Sixth Avenue Historic District”.
Local designation offers protection by ensuring that exterior building alterations conserve the historic integrity of this 19th century working-class neighborhood. These protections would extend to the modest row house as well as the magnificent St. Patrick’s church. Thus far, the stewardship shown of the properties within the proposed district is commendable as the area has been spared from the blight so evident elsewhere in Uptown. The Uptown Initiative is concerned about the recent closure of St. Patrick’s RC Church and what effect that will have on the area. Coupled with the high rate of foreclosures that have created too many inadequately maintained vacant buildings throughout Troy NY, we felt this was the time to ensure that these two blocks were protected.
The establishment of this district will assist in attracting potential buyers and could encourage more owner occupants. Additionally, it will serve as a tool to guide both potential investors and current property owners in their approach to rehabilitation. This district will also serve as a catalyst for the revitalization in a sense of community by inspiring a sense of pride. Other benefits of the proposed district for the property owners include higher resale value should they choose to sell their property and an increased ability to attract quality tenants for their rental units.
Economically, the National Register designation could stimulate investment by allowing access to federal and state historic tax credits to commercial investors and homeowners alike. Given the proposed district’s proximity to the Ingalls Avenue Boat Launch and proposed park, the district could become a destination for boaters and tourists. This in turn would spark commercial investment along Uptown’s riverfront. This investment would see a number of properties return to the tax rolls, impacting Troy's property taxpayers by reducing their percentage of the tax burden.
It is our sincerest hope that you support this designation. Please email me if you have any questions or to show your support.
3 comments:
I completely agree with the efforts of the uptown initiative. Please support this great effort!!
It's nice to see how quickly the Uptown Initiative has been able to get projects off the ground. I was surprised to realize that it has been less than a year since its formation. Good luck with the historic district.
Thank you Katie and Cecelia for supporting the Initiative's efforts. One of our primary reasons for forming The Uptown Initiative was to promote these types of projects. In fact, this has been on our agenda since our first meeting. We look forward to helping the property owners understand how they will be affected once the Sixth Avenue Historic District becomes a reality.
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