Eleven years have passed since the last Village of Montgomery comprehensive plan was adopted and some of the issues discussed in that plan have either come to pass or are no longer relevant. For this reason, the village formed a Comprehensive Plan Review Committee in 2014 to update the plan.

The Village Board began that process last week with a work session.

An analysis of baseline conditions along with public input was used to identify a list of challenges facing the village. These challenges include protecting the integrity of the village’s historic districts, preventing overcrowding and overdevelopment, traffic congestion including Route 17K and Route 211, appearance and maintenance of commercial properties as well as natural resource protection and open space preservation. In addition, declining enrollment in the school district, sustaining a vibrant business community within the historic downtown, expanding the sidewalk network, providing community services and more housing opportunities were among the issues mentioned in the draft plan.

One of the contributing factors to many of these problems is the Village of Montgomery’s population. Between 1960 and 2010, the Village’s population increased from 1,312 to 3,814 people. The draft of the plan indicates that as the population continues to grow so too will the demand for community services such as police, ambulance, water and sewer services. In addition, the increased population will bring forth a need for more development for housing and retail.

The committee’s vision for the Village of Montgomery is for the community’s character to be preserved, civic pride sustained and quality of life enhanced. They vow to carefully manage new growth and development to protect the integrity of the village.

“It’s part of good policy,” said Kevin Conero, chair of the Village of Montgomery planning board. “Things change.”

A public hearing regarding the comprehensive plan will take place at village hall on Monday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.