TROY – The city’s fifth attempt to get something built at 1 Monument Square relies heavily on the state renewing expired grants that affect Riverfront Park as well as the development of the former City Hall site.

Assemblyman John T. McDonald III, D-Cohoes, and state Sen. Neil Breslin, D-Bethlehem, have brought back one $2 million grant for an extra year and are working to secure another $1.4 million.

“We are working with our elected officials on the continuation of the grants. We’re keeping the state apprised of our progress,” said Steve Strichman, the city’s commissioner of planning and community development.

The state is waiting to see how the city moves ahead with the project at the 1.2-acre site between River Street and the Hudson River. Since 2011 the city has attempted four times to get something built on the site at the south end of Riverfront Park. Each attempt failed.

Breslin and McDonald have backed the city in getting the $2 million grant from the state Department of State for Riverfront Park access and improvements extended until March 31, 2020. The city also needs help in getting a grant of about $1.2 million to $1.4 million restored that will affect the construction of the public parking and other features at 1 Monument Square.

The state agency has been monitoring developments. McDonald said it was an encouraging sign that Department of State representatives attended the public planning sessions held last fall to solicit comments on what should be included in the 1 Monument Square project.

“I’ve seen many terminated state grants extended for projects like this. I really have high hopes for this site,” McDonald said.

Breslin said the public’s input on the project is important.

"The city of Troy is completing a successful public engagement process which has and will benefit the Monument Square project. In concert with this process, it is critical that the state grants be extended for an additional year to allow for the project to move forward," Breslin said.

The city has the funds set aside to match the state grant for 1 Monument Square when it’s restored, Strichman said.

Mayor Patrick Madden’s administration has set a target of signing a development deal for 1 Monument Square by June 30. Developers face a May 10 to submit proposals to City Hall.

The city wants to see four design elements that arose from the public planning sessions held last year. These include a two-story parking structure that can be entered from Front Street; a public plaza accessible from River Street; a grand staircase descending from River Street to Riverfront Park; and a mixed used of structures, according to the request for qualification documents.

City Council President Carmella Mantello said she would like to see the administration work with the City Council on the project to ensure it moves ahead smoothly.