Learning About Troy's Third Ward

With a neighborhood meeting coming up, let's take a look at some of the issues and background in some of Troy's oldest neighborhoods

Residents of Troy's Third Ward are invited to a neighborhood meeting at the Troy-Hayner Cultural Center on Saturday, March 8th, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The meeting aims to discuss issues facing one of the city's most diverse and interesting areas.

The Third Ward stands out among Troy's six wards for its economic and geographic diversity. While other wards are easily identified with specific neighborhoods or sections of town, the Third Ward is more complex. It encompasses the Southwest Historic District, extends east across Market Street to include the city's East End, and incorporates part of the Southview Neighborhood off South Market Street. This ward is home to both grand old houses and subsidized housing complexes, reflecting its socioeconomic diversity.

Green spaces are abundant in the Third Ward, with several parks including McKaig/Race, Boyer, Herrlinger, and Trostle. The ward also hosts numerous educational facilities. Kyle and Forrest schools are within its boundaries, while Heywood and Van Cleve schools sit just outside. Other notable public buildings in the Third Ward include the City Building, the new Fire Department, and the Post Office.

The Third Ward has a rich industrial heritage that continues to shape its character. The Hobart Headquarters on Ridge Avenue, with its expansive industrial complex, is a prominent feature. The ward is also home to the former Troy Laminated and Coated Paper facility, now operated by French company Chargeurs, and the large Conagra plant. Several tool and die shops still operate in the east end, and the southern portion of downtown falls within the ward's boundaries. These diverse businesses make the Third Ward a significant economic driver for Troy.

Currently, the Third Ward is receiving considerable attention as part of the city's redevelopment efforts. Recent initiatives include the demolition of accessory structures near the former grain elevator on South Mulberry Street. While not directly in the Third Ward, the nearby vacant land on East Water Street is expected to impact the ward's eastern neighborhoods for years to come.

Parks and recreation are key topics for the Third Ward, given its numerous park facilities. One contentious project has been the proposed 10-foot separated bike lane and recreation trail on the west side of South Crawford Street. While city officials have largely supported this plan, it has faced criticism from many residents and this publication has written in depth about this project.

There are several ideas circulating for park improvements in the ward. McKaig/Race Park, currently underdeveloped, has been suggested as a potential location for a splash pad – an amenity that would likely be popular with young families. Boyer Park, often seen as underutilized, has drawn attention both for its potential and for issues related to the local homeless population. Herrlinger Park is being considered as a possible site for new pickleball courts and a disc golf course.

The upcoming neighborhood meeting presents a unique opportunity for Third Ward residents to engage in meaningful dialogue about their community's future. Given the ward's diversity and the range of issues it faces, from economic development to park utilization and social concerns, this meeting could be one of the most significant public discussions about a specific ward that Troy has seen in recent memory.

As the city continues to evolve, the Third Ward stands at the intersection of Troy's past and future. Its mix of historic homes, industrial sites, parks, and diverse neighborhoods makes it a microcosm of the larger community. And perhaps the microcosm that is the Third Ward makes the ward one of the most unique in the entire community. The challenges and opportunities facing the Third Ward reflect broader issues that Troy as a whole must address.

By bringing together residents, the neighborhood meeting has a real opportunity to foster a collaborative approach to addressing these challenges. It's an opportunity for community members to share their vision for the Third Ward's future, discuss concerns, and contribute ideas for improvement.

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