Business drives the economy, and South Troy — a residential neighborhood with families, seniors and schools — has an industrial zone on the Hudson River. While that zone can be a great economic resource for the city and a source of jobs, residential neighborhoods are where the people of the city live.
Now, this industrial zone has the potential to grow, which will bring more trucking. And that worries South Troy residents.
R.J. Valente Companies has received final approval from the Troy Planning Commission for its plans to develop the Scolite-Bruno Machinery site split by Madison Street. The firm is acquiring the Scolite property from the city and purchased the Bruno Machinery property; the two parcels are about 10 acres. The company is developing an industrial park; the firm plans a transshipping terminal for its aggregate business to make use of both river, railroad and truck transportation.
This new venture will add more large trucks to the already overloaded infrastructure of the residential streets of South Troy. The Burden Ironworks, Osgood and Washington Park neighborhood organizations are asking the city to expedite construction of a long-promised "industrial roadway." With 30 years of planning, it is time to take up the cause of the residents in South Troy and immediately complete this road from Madison Street south to its current terminus just a few blocks south.
The removal of this truck traffic from the streets of South Troy will reduce wear and tear on the current aging buildings, infrastructure, road surface and underground pipes. It will greatly improve safety for pedestrians, children, and bicycle riders.
This is an opportunity for Mayor Lou Rosamilla to become a hero to the South Troy residents, who pay taxes for a safe, secure and quiet place to live.
Sid Fleisher, who lives in South Troy, owns property and is a community leader.