Phil DiLorenzo for Troy City Council District 1

08/11/2026

A Hike Through History!

Today I got to take a great group of kids from the Knick Park Drop-In Camp on a hike through Lansingburgh and Oakwood Cemetery. We got outside, explored some nature and learned a little about the history of the community we call home.

We made a few stops along the way:

Knickerbacker Park Monument: We talked about the Knickerbacker family and the land they generously donated for public use, including the park and school.

The Old Rail Line: We learned that the bike path used to be part of the Boston & Maine Railroad that ran through Lansingburgh and Troy.

The Viewpoint: We followed the trail along the stream and waterfall up to the overlook and spotted some familiar area landmarks (and, Albany!)

Oakwood/ Uncle Sam: We stopped at a few prominent graves, and learned about how important these people were to Troy. Then we finished at the grave of Samuel Wilson, Troy’s own Uncle Sam, and talked about how a local meatpacker became one of the most recognizable symbols of our country.

It was a great morning getting the kids outside, teaching them a little history and hopefully helping them feel more connected to the city they’re growing up in.

A big thank you to the Boys & Girls Club for support and staffing, the Knickerbacker Park Board for hosting, and all of the community partners who helped get the drop-in camp up and running this summer (Rensselaer County, the ‘Burgh School Board, and many others!). It’s a great resource for families in Troy and a great place for kids to spend part of their summer.

There’s a lot of history right in our own backyard. Sometimes you just have to get out and explore it! 🌳

07/02/2026

What an exciting day for Lansingburgh and the City of Troy!

Today we celebrated the grand opening of the new Knickerbacker Park Aquatic Center. While the heat kept the ceremony short, it was incredible to finally see this project become a reality.

Before serving on the City Council, I had the privilege of serving on the Knickerbacker Park Board of Directors for eight years. I can still remember sitting around a table in the ice rink years ago with a big map of the park spread out in front of us, moving the pool around on the paper, studying the renderings, and trying to imagine what this day would look like.

Well… here we are!

Many of us in the ‘burgh have fond memories of the old Knick pool. This new aquatic center is not here to replace those memories. It’s here so a new generation of Troy families have the opportunity to make memories of their own! Kids will learn to swim here, families will cool off together on hot summer days, and our community will enjoy this park for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible. New York State and the NY SWIMS program to the City of Troy, the Knickerbacker Park Board, and the many community members whose ideas and support helped bring this vision to life. Also thank you to all who came out to support the grand opening, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, all city staff who helped make today possible, John McDonald, County Legislators, Sue Steele Troy City Council President, Councilmember Katie Spain McLaren (thanks for getting a pic with me!), Councilmember Greg Campbell-Cohen for Troy City Council, Troy Police, Fire, Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club - and many more.

Congratulations, Troy! I can’t wait to bring my own family here this summer. I hope you will too! ☀️

06/18/2026

This is a great, FREE program for Troy families. I’ll again be making a guest appearance at the program in July to host a “History Scavenger Hunt” for the kids! And, pairing this with the new pool and splash pad this summer… Knickerbacker Park’s future is looking up!

☀️ It's that time of year again! ☀️
The Knickerbacker Park Summer Camp kicks off July 6th and runs through August 14th!
📅 July 6th – August 14th
🕗 Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
This free, 6-week drop-in program is open to children ages 8–13 and takes place at the pavilion. Campers can enjoy:
🍳 Free breakfast and lunch
⚽ Games and recreational activities
🎨 Visits from local organizations and community partners
🌲 Weekly trips to Grafton Lakes State Park
🎉 And much more!
We'll wrap up the summer with our annual Knick Night Out Block Party on August 14th.
📝 Please fill out our Camper Information Form before attending:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfb51J0C6VLHb-twPH1L_f-Z7rnLYiINEB215UMWFdmNpwgmQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=110135356914277141969
As always, the Knickerbacker Park Board is proud to provide these opportunities free of charge to our community. In the words of our founding father:
"Come enjoy yourself and be fair."
Important: This is a drop-in recreational program and not a childcare service. Participants are free to come and go as they please throughout the day.
Lansingburgh Central School DistrictLansingburgh Boys and Girls ClubRensselaer County 4-HRensselaer County Regional Chamber of CommerceGrafton Lakes State ParkTroy City School DistrictTroy Police DepartmentTroy FirefightersJimmy's Pizzeria and Restaurant Troy, NYTroy Public LibraryCapital District YMCA

06/12/2026

This week, I had the opportunity to participate in a ride-along with the Troy Police Department here in District 1.

We spent time driving through the neighborhood, responding to calls, talking about quality-of-life concerns, public safety, city issues, and the day-to-day realities officers experience while serving our community. I also had the chance to tour the station and learn more about department operations behind the scenes.

One of the most important parts of this role is listening, learning, and better understanding the many different perspectives that shape our city. Experiences like this help me become a more informed representative and better see the concerns, challenges, and realities facing both residents and those who serve our city every day.

Thank you to the Troy PD, for welcoming me, sharing your perspective, and taking the time to offer an eye-opening experience. Your commitment to serving our amazing city is greatly appreciated!

06/06/2026

Lansingburgh street upgrades coming your way next week, folks!

Beginning June 8, residents can expect milling and paving work over the next two weeks throughout parts of Lansingburgh and surrounding neighborhoods. The attached schedule includes streets, dates, and locations for planned work.

Please be mindful of temporary parking restrictions and traffic disruptions in active work areas, and keep an eye out for posted “No Parking” signs ahead of work.

ADA sidewalk and curb ramp improvements will continue in the burgh in preparation for future paving work.

Please see the attached schedule for details on your street and anticipated timing.

As always, reach out with any questions!

Have a great weekend,
-Phil

05/26/2026

Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we get to have days like this: spent with community and family.

Some of my favorite pics from the MDW parade, started at Lansingburgh HS and ending at Powers Park. Got to walk alongside my fellow council members, the mayor and deputy mayor. Thank you to Alex 📸 for snapping a pic of me with Amelia, she was so happy to attend, glad she looked at the camera! and a nice pic with the council, plus a couple of our favorite County Legislators and Uncle Sam 🇺🇸 Thank you to all the organizers for making it happen!

05/22/2026

Last night, we had the honor of recognizing the incredible bravery and professionalism of our Troy firefighters, local heroes, and everyone who played a role in responding to the devastating fire on 5th Avenue.

In moments of crisis, you see the very best of our community. Thank you for your courage, quick action, and service to our city. Troy is lucky to have you.

Members of Local 86 were honored today prior to a council meeting, for their efforts at a recent fire.

Thank you to Troy, NY - City Hall, Mayor Carmella R. Mantello, and Troy City Council for your consideration and recognitions.

05/18/2026

REMINDER: 2026–27 School Budget Vote:
Tuesday, May 19, residents of the Lansingburgh Central School District will vote on whether to approve the proposed budget for the 2026–27 school year.

In-person voting will be done using voting machines at voters' designated polling locations from 11:00 AM–8:00 PM.

Capital Improvement Project Vote & Board of Education Election
Also on May 19, residents will vote on whether to approve a proposed capital improvement project and elect three (3) members of the Lansingburgh Board of Education.

POLLING LOCATIONS:

Voting District 1: Lansingburgh High School Gym (320 7th Ave.)

The voting location for those living north of 101st St to the south of 118th St.

Voting District 2: Turnpike Elementary School Gym (55 New Turnpike Rd.)

The voting location for those living north of 118th St to the end of Pleasantdale; Northern Drive; Corliss Park; Miami Beach Estates; Highpointe; all of Brunswick 7; and all of Speigletown.

04/30/2026

Yesterday afternoon, Lansingburgh was shook by a house fire on 5th Ave, a few blocks from the high school.

I’m hearing one individual is deceased, and five more were injured - one in critical condition, four others stable now - including two firefighters hurt. This is absolutely heart breaking, and my prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating loss. I pray our injured neighbors make a full recovery.

Thank you to the members of the Troy Fire Department, Troy Police, EMS, and all mutual aid partners who responded, including two passersby, who rescued a person from the home before firefighters arrived. Your selflessness, courage, and quick action undoubtably saved lives in an impossible situation.