For nearly nine years the most prominent site in Troy, New York, One Monument Square, has sat vacant. A 1.6 acre hole in the ground at the heart of Troy’s historic downtown and overlooking the Hudson River has been mired in controversy and disappointment as multiple redevelopment attempts have failed. Key to the past redevelopment failures was the lack of community involvement which led to strong public protest. A new approach focuses on a fresh start that looks to the community first to ensure that One Monument Square will be “a place for the People of Troy.