The proposed industrial development of a property on Route 211 in the Village of Montgomery is poised to make its application after an appearance before the Village Board last week.

The project entails a 400,000 square foot building that will be used for manufacturing as well as warehousing and a 40,000 square foot office space on the second level. Two helipads, for the use of management in the company, and a 70-foot tower, or enclosed structure, are also proposed.

The project’s engineer, Vince Pietrzak, appeared before the board to ask that the application fee to the Planning Board, estimated at $66,000, be paid in installments.

Pietrzak advised the board that they do not anticipate any noise from the project, with the exception of travel, and expect a very low impact on water and sewer. The building, including the tower, will be screened by existing trees. Trucks will not be coming through the village and the employees, about 150 to start, will be locally hired for the 24-hour operation. Product will be shipped out from Orange County Airport.

When questioned about possible problems with the airport due to the helipads, Pietrzak stated that the airport does “not have a problem with this at all.”

The project will need a variance as the height of the tower exceeds the limit in the code. The possibility of sinking the floor to lower the height of the structure was discussed, however the groundwater elevation has not been investigated to determine if that is feasible.

Mayor L. Stephen Brescia spoke favorably of the project, stating he liked the rateables and the fact that it would be hidden from view.

“I think it’s the first practical use of that property that meets the zoning,” said Village Board Attorney Kevin Dowd.

The board voted to phase the payment of the project’s fee to the Planning Board, requiring 20 percent up front, with half due by the time the project was ready to go to the ZBA for the necessary variance. The remainder of the fee, if the variance is granted, would be due before the project’s approval.

A presentation was made at the meeting by Ed Benson, Sr., of Ed’s Deli. Over the course of three months, he created a lighted replica of the Village Hall, complete with landscaping, miniature people and vehicles including the mayor on the front steps, the Rev. Paul Milz on a motorcycle and Benson selling hot dogs.

Slate rocks included in the replica were provided by the DPW. Benson said the replica cost $770 to make.

In other business, Brescia read a letter from a resident that praised the efforts of two village police officers, James Coscette and Brian Briere, who responded to a call for help when the woman’s husband fell from his wheelchair to the floor.

“What a welcome sight to see these two officers at my door. Their respectful and caring attitude helped to bring a relaxed calm to a potentially frightening and very upsetting situation for my husband and myself,” the letter stated. “Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of him. The police department of the Village of Montgomery should be praised for having two such dedicated officers in their police department.”

Two work sessions were also scheduled at the meeting, one for Feb. 7 in regards to the Railroad Ave. PDD project and the second for Feb. 21 for the AHRB Public Informational meeting. Both are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

By Rachel Coleman
rcoleman@tcnewspapers.com