Several years ago, the Village of Montgomery Planning Board was approached about a mixed-use development along Railroad Avenue. After months of discussion, approvals and hearings, the project is inching toward the final step: being constructed.

Rowley Development Corp is proposing a 6,000 square foot three-story building for commercial and residential use. The first floor is dedicated to commercial use, while the other two floors will hold a total of twelve two-bedroom apartments; six on each floor. This project is part of a nine-lot subdivision, with duplexes being proposed for seven of them.

The last lot is for a 24-space parking lot meant for residents for the building, as well as an 18 parking space municipal lot that will be dedicated to the village.

The mixed-use building will also have public utilities.

Engineers and attorneys for the applicant went through tremendous back and forth with the planning board with many issues concerning drainage, stormwater design and more. They planned to improve street parking and improve drainage along Railroad Avenue as of latest.

Years back, this zoning area was proposed to be changed from industrial to residential. Although it did pass, not everyone was completely on board. Village of Montgomery Trustee Michael Hembury stated he was one of the few people to vote no.

“The neighbors came down with a petition and 56 people didn’t want to change. Well, it got voted and I was the only one that voted against it, aside from some old timers,” said Hembury.

Another topic that has come up is the history of this site, which happens to be where part of the railroad used to be. Hembury was worried about possible hazards buried on the site when this was presented to the board, and he still holds this fear.

“I want to know that the area that they’re donating is poison free. It used to be a railroad yard,” said Hembury.

Hembury also hopes that there isn’t an ulterior motive for the gifting of the parking lot to the village.

“I hope I’m totally wrong,” Hembury says. “I believe he’s given us the parking lot so his tenants can park in it and we’re the ones who have to maintain it [the village]. Again, I’ll say it again, I hope I’m totally wrong.”