"I'm a big believer in neighborhood stability. Neighborhoods should have a character."
Joe Fama
Joseph B. Fama (1948 - 2026)
TAP Founder - Architect - Mentor - Advocate for Troy
Funded by the Howard and Bush Foundation in 1972, Joe was hired as TAP’s Director and first paid employee. From the beginning, he was busy organizing and educating residents about the devastation that planned highway and “urban renewal” projects would have on their homes and neighborhoods. Alongside others committed to Troy’s future, Joe helped give voice to neighborhoods threatened by disinvestment and demolition.​​
Joe served as TAP’s Executive Director for 45 years as a coach, mentor, advocate, and pun master. During those years, TAP’s work ranged from clearing vacant lots for gardens, building parks, supporting youth arts and career training programs, restoring historic buildings, and helping shape policies that made urban redevelopment in Troy possible. If you had a building issue in Troy, you called Joe.​​​
Joe supported what needed to be built and protested what should not. Not as his own opinion, but as a voice for neighborhood associations. When Joe spoke at a public meeting, people listened. Joe was beyond proud of how TAP evolved in its mission and maturity, and was deeply excited about its future. He would likely count his greatest achievements by the number of individuals who now have healthy, safe, accessible, and affordable homes through TAP’s work. Joe was a devoted husband and collaborative partner to Barbara, brother to Arlene and Phil, father to Katherine, and “Grampa” to Hannah, who brought him immense joy.
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Hand drawn by Joe Fama
