With every meeting completed, the Village of Montgomery’s Local Planning Committee reaches closer to its ultimate goal of downtown revitalization. Following its first meeting and workshop, the committee learned the basics of the NY Forward program and received feedback from residents on their ideal village. For the next step, the LPC and consultants refined their vision using said feedback during their second meeting last Monday, June 10.

Tommy Boston, a consultant a senior planner from Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc., opened the meeting by reviewing the NY Forward timeline and the Open Call to Projects, a submission form where residents can pitch their project ideas. He summarized the feedback from the first workshop, emphasizing that residents want improved walkability, more diverse businesses, enhancements to the village’s parks, and new community spaces.

“When asked about their favorite aspects of downtown Montgomery, stakeholders most often described the area’s walkability and mix of local businesses, specifically the restaurants and shops,” Boston said. “Stakeholders also demonstrated an interest in creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment in and around Montgomery through their suggestions to reduce truck traffic, enhance walkability through sidewalk repairs, and improve accessibility to nature trails.”

Boston presented the village’s newly revised vision statement, featuring improved wordage and more defined project goals that the state would appreciate. He also listed the village’s four NY Forward goals: enhance pedestrian connectivity, strengthen economic vitality, reimagine parks and open space, and capitalize on historic and cultural assets.

“Downtown Montgomery will be a connected, safe, and walkable community with inviting parks and green spaces, preserved historic character, and diverse businesses and amenities for residents and visitors of all ages,” Boston read. “The village will honor its past while making the community a better place for generations to come.

Brian Fitzpatrick, village historian and LPC member, suggested that the vision statement should emphasize the committee’s support for local businesses, believing that economic growth is essential to downtown revitalization. The LPC agreed and referred to the village as a “diverse, thriving business community,” in the statement.

Later in the meeting, Boston explained the project evaluation process: in July, the LPC and consultants will review the submissions received through the Open Call to Projects. Between August and September, the committee will evaluate the submission and refine the project list based on the aforementioned criteria. Finally, in November, the committee will finalize its project list and include the best submissions in Montgomery’s Strategic Investment Plan for the state to review.

Bostom also reiterated that the Open Call to Projects would commence on June 11 at 1 p.m. and remain available until July 15 at 5 p.m. Applicants will also have opportunities to speak with consultants about their submissions on June 20 between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., June 25 between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and July 9 between 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. More information can be found at montgomerynyf.com.