Troy dam to be removed, as city explores public access possibilities

Mayor says project will help Poesten Kill’s natural ecosystem

The decaying, nearly 30-yearold Ida Lake Dam will be removed, city officials said Friday.

Doing so will help support a natural ecosystem at the Poesten Kill and opens the way to providing recreational and educational opportunities for the community, according to Mayor Patrick Madden’s administration.

The timber dam near Pawling Avenue and Congress Street, one of many such structures on the waterway over the centuries will be “decommissioned” for safety and maintenance expense reasons, city officials said.

The dam was deemed structurally unsound after an emergency engineering inspection in 2018. The following year, the city removed a compromised section of the dam to protect downstream properties and alleviate structural concerns in compliance with state Department of Environmental Conservation dam safety regulations.

In April, the city outlined alternatives for the dam, including long-term options and costs for each. The process included reports and public meetings.

“We can preserve the history of the dam while creating new opportunities for Troy residents to experience the beauty of our City,” Madden said in a statement. “Removal of the former dam will help protect downstream residents, and create a sustainable future for the site with increased public access for outdoor recreation.”

For more information on the Ida Lake Dam project, visit www. troyny.gov/mount-ida-dam.

Photos by Paul Buckowski / Times Union The timber Ida Lake Dam was declared structurally unsound back in 2018. Troy’s mayor believes removing it will improve recreational options.

The Ida Lake Dam in Troy is almost 30 years old. Last year, the city removed part of the dam to protect downstream properties. The timber dam is near Pawling Avenue and Congress Street.