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Dec.
9, 2002 |
Getting Down to Business: Community Leaders
Discuss Neighborhood Renewal
More than 30 individuals representing a dozen
Troy businesses — doctors, restaurants, and retailers on
15th and Congress streets — turned out to a Rensselaer-sponsored
forum Nov. 20 to discuss how to invigorate these key commercial
corridors.
The business leaders learned of several opportunities
for collaboration with Rensselaer, the Troy Architectural Program
(TAP), and the city to make the area between 15th Street and Congress
Street a vibrant and bustling gateway.
Present were owners of long-time neighborhood
businesses, including the Notty Pine Tavern, Rodino's clothier,
and the Eye Health Center, as well as newer establishments Ali
Baba and Harvest Moon restaurants.
The effort to revitalize the area is part of Rensselaer's
Neighborhood Renewal Initiative, which aims to uplift campus neighborhoods
with residential, commercial, and infrastructure improvements.
Up for discussion at the Nov. 20 seminar were
grants that would allow businesses to spruce up stores with awnings,
signs, and lighting. There was also discussion of a proposal to
hire the National Trust for Historic Preservation to study and
assist in the redesign of these gateways.
Several students from the School of Architecture's
community design studio presented their vision of 15th Street,
recommending, for instance, a paint program to bring cohesiveness
to the street, and a redesign of Hutton and 15th streets to make
it the neighborhood "hub." Their work included a survey
of 300 students to help determine spending habits.
Barbara Nelson, project manager in campus planning
and facilities design and TAP's Michael Lopez led the discussion.
Sondra Little, the city's Empire Zone coordinator, explained how
eligible businesses could take advantage of tax credits and other
incentives.
The business owners plan to meet again in early
winter.
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