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Little
Italy is one of several distinctive neighborhoods in
the South
Central section of Troy. It is located
just south of the historic downtown district affording
residents all the cultural, civic, and business amenities
of the city. The original Little Italy neighborhood
included Fourth Street, Fifth Avenue, Hill Street and
the several side streets from Ferry to Ida. Over the
years Italian-Americans have moved to all parts of
the city but significant numbers are still residing
in the original neighborhood and along First, Second
and Third as well. The area south of Ferry Street still
retains the feel of the closely-knit Italian-American
community which first developed in the early part of
the nineteen hundreds. Like many city neighborhoods,
it has become much more diverse over the years but
it remains an easily walkable, urban environment with
small neighborhood businesses, well maintained homes
and historic charm, attracting people as a place to
visit, dine, shop, work and live.
Historic sites in the neighborhood include the MarketPlace
(formerly the location of a stoneware factory, an early
gas and light company complex and public retail market)
which local businesses owners, residents, and the City
of Troy are partnering to revitalize as a community
center; the Gasholder House, an architectural gem -
one of less then a dozen left in the country; the Poestenkill,
a waterway rich in history and natural beauty; a Fourth
Street townhouse made famous by artist Norman Rockwell – typical
of hundreds of nineteenth century brick residences
in the neighborhood as well as handsome commercial
buildings being adapted for reuse.
Residents partnering with local business owners, an
active neighborhood watch, city officials and several
neighborhood based service organizations (the Italian
Community Center, the Troy Youth Association’s
CYO Center, the C. R. A. B. Garrison Veterans Post
Troy, and South Troy Health Center) are all important
contributors to sustaining the quality of life in Troy’s
Little Italy.
Visit our website at www.littleitalytroy.org or email
us at: troylittleitaly@gmail.com, Rocco DeFazio, at
rdefazio@nycap.rr.com, Marion Field at mvf1406@aol.com.
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