LITTLE ITALY MARKET PARK PROJECT

The Market project is an initiative of the Little Italy neighborhood in Troy. Built on the 100 year traditions of Italian immigrants who settled in Troy, Little Italy hopes to bring back the vitality of The Market with a creative placemaking project.

LaBella Associates Engineering has been contracted to produce construction documents and the project will be bid in spring of 2025. The park reserves a wide open multi-use paved area for pickle-ball, festivals, car shows, roller hockey, and other recreational uses. The area must remain paved as the land is a capped brownfield. The paved area will also serve as snow emergency parking in the winter. New gateways and a north-south promenade with trees will border Hill Street. The bocce courts will be improved to allow wheelchair access. A sculptural children's play area and splash pad border a large shade structure. The central circle is a gathering point or a stage for small performances.

At the north edge, the retaining wall along Liberty Street is to be rebuilt. Liberty Street will be paved. Lighting, curbs, street trees and sidewalks will improve safety and appearances.

Residents of the Little Italy neighborhood have been advocating for the improvement of this area for over a decade. TAP assisted with community design facilitation, sketches, research and grant-writing. $875,000 has been awarded from state and federal grants for the design and construction. TAP's Neighborhood Preservation Program funding from NYS HCR allows us todo this work on behalf of volunteer neighborhood associations.