Troy's 206th year is drawing to a close. How did history fare in our city over the past 12 months?

Last year we were lamenting on the destruction of three colonial homes, 493, 495 and 497 Second Avenue, in the oldest part of Lansingburgh. They had suffered from fire, but were restorable. These buildings and the adjacent Daley Inn were the longest row of early brick gambrel roof buildings in New York State. The city ordered their demolition, and now a new "ranch" occupies the site.

A week later, 848 Second Avenue, gave way for the Riverside Shopping Plaza, now situated next to the 'historic' Burgher King and Price Chopper.

This two story brick mansion was the former residence of the superintendent and engineers who oversaw the operations of the old Lansingburgh pumping station also once on this site and adjacent to the residence.

It may also have been the site for the Mohican village that is featured in the legend of Moneta, but since no archeological investigations were required by the city, we'll never know.

In February, the Planning Commission approved the demolition of the Freihofer's bakery and Riverside Club for a new Eckard's Drug store. This was quickly met with a legal challenge by the Historic Action Network - to be decided soon.

We also saw a section of North First Street, an original and last native cobble (River) Street, get paved opposite the John Hedley restored Cluett Peabody building. The house site of Jacob Vanderhyden, one of the founders of the city, was paved for parking for Hedley's newer project, the old Standard Furniture building. Combine that fact with historical records that stated there was a Mohican village just north of the site, it's a mystery to me why no archeological investigations were ordered. But let's give John Hedley some credit too. He brought back to life two great symbols of our collar and cuff era: Cluett Peabody and the old Hall & Hartwell Buildings (Standards).

We also learned that the other Jacob Vanderhyden's home site at the corner of Division and River is destined to become a rerouted Division Street. Sage's Schatt's Fine Arts Center wants to expand into the present street. I am opposed to any destruction of this since it's also the site of a famous Troy steam engine manufactory.

The Burgh's Phoenix Hotel at Second Avenue and 116th Street was back in the news. Plans on reusing the old hotel facility had drawn mixed reviews from local residents. The site has an extensive history (the County of Rensselaer was created and first met at the hotel on February 7th, 1791), but was a flop house for years. Joseph's House is planning to rehab it for their clients.

The city continues to loose buildings through demolition. CEO knocked down 5 houses on Fifth Avenue near Hoosick for new headquarters. Four buildings were torn down by the city at the foot of Lincoln and Fourth. Bethlehem Temple Church, at 2210 Fifth Ave at Columbus Circle, met the wrecking ball. So did a couple of buildings a little south of it on Fifth Avenue.

We are loosing our old slate sidewalks and curbs by the mile.

Now to the good news! The Rice building was beautifully restored and reopened. The adjacent law office of John Sweeney burned. He decided to rebuild and restore and deserves high praise.

There is new hope for the Proctor's Theater complex on Fourth as a NYC developer is turning part of it into a hotel.

The drug store invasion was met and stopped at Hoosick and South Lake (CVS) . RiteAid was turned back at Burdett, and if the Historic Action Network wins, perhaps Eckard too.

The new Junior Museum opened in a former RPI building right next to the famous Approach, itself restored and reopened.

A new redevelopment is underway in the Poestenkill Gorge which includes nature trails and a bridge. Belden's Pond may be coming back to life although the rebuilding of the dam is 14 inches higher according to Mt. Ida Preservation Group, and the pond has not been dredged. The preservation group is keeping an eye on this.

Friends of Oakwood Cemetery and Friends of Prospect Park are moving ahead on their efforts.

There is still much to be done. The South Troy redevelopment plan needs to be worked on. Taking the towers off the Menands Bridge is just the start of total removal, and plans are underway to build a new bridge so people can get to the RPI Tech Park or HVCC in a hurry.

The entire North Central neighborhood is in danger.

There are several other important buildings that need to be saved such as the William Young site next to the Rice Building. The old Quackenbush Department Store, recently vacated by Rite Aid, needs attention. So does the Brown Building just west of it, although part of the cast iron storefront has been restored, so it looks like movement there. The city has taken possession of the Scolite properties in South Troy, part of Troy's industrial history, as well as 457 and 458 Broadway, two early residences.

Finally, the Mayor's preservation committee will be offering suggestions after a year of meetings. We are hopeful for a positive outcome.