A Planning Board public hearing on the proposed development for 447, 451 and 457 Main St., the former IGA/Highland Falls Market, Park Restaurant and Schade’s Restaurant buildings, will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15 at Highlands Town Hall.

Architect Andy Woodrum from ADG Architects in Montgomery, was at the board’s September 17 meeting to answer questions from the board and lobby for the hearing. The project now has the ability to begin the process of moving forward after a recent zoning change by the Highland Falls Village Board, which will allow first floor residential units. With Building Inspector Phil Hannawalt and Woodrum, the board reviewed the space calculations on the proposed first floor usage, including whether a fitness center for residents would count as residential or commercial.

Generally, Planning Board Chairman Erik Smith said, the project seems compliant with the zoning, and Woodrum said the different aspects of the square footage would be confirmed with Hannawalt within a few days. A chart documenting that first floor usage will also go to the Planning Board and be available at the public hearing.

The board and Woodrum also reviewed a comment letter from Engineer Jamie Zajac detailing concerns – most minor – with water and sewer line and catch basin placement, parking and access to it, exterior lighting and snow removal. Zajac also suggested a copy of the plans be sent to the Highland Falls Fire Department for review.

All of that will be explained in more detail at the public hearing, where residents can have a say on the overall project. The project has been highly discussed on local social media pages – Smith noted it is time for the public to comment to them.

In several other matters from the meeting:
- The board okayed a request for a one-year extension for a proposed hotel and restaurant at 1106 Rt. 9W in Fort Montgomery (the front lots of the Holiday Inn Express). The project is caught up in a tax audit, the owner said, and nothing can happen on the property until that is resolved.

- A resolution was unanimously adopted in a lot line change for a drainage easement just off Hudson Drive in Ondaora Park.

- Several issues – for instance lighting and some information the village engineer needs – were discussed for the proposed 266-268 Main St. mixed use building. Its SEQR paperwork and site plan/special exception resolution of approval were approved.