The building of warehouses has long been a debated topic in Montgomery, and the proposed Route 211 development isn’t sitting well with locals.

A total of four - two 60,000 (35 feet high) and two 80,000 square foot (45 feet high) - buildings are being proposed for the northwest side of 211 for warehouses and office development. The project also includes parking, loading and stormwater facilities.

Because of the location, which is along Union Street and by Weaver Street in Montgomery, many locals are asking the planning board to not allow this.

Montgomery resident Don Berger asked the village planning board to perform a balloon test to see the actual height of these buildings.

“You can tell that people are very concerned about seeing these buildings,” said Berger.

Village of Montgomery Planning Board Chairman Kevin Conero told Berger he didn’t see the need for one due to the visuals provided by Jason Anderson of Anderson Design Group Architects. However the audience at the village planning board meeting in late January disagreed.

Brandon Raab, a Weaver Street resident, stated that if these warehouses were built, he and his wife would consider moving. “There’s no way you can look at that [visuals] and then not run a balloon test,” said Raab,.

Raab also asked about the lighting at night, stating that it may get too bright.

John Cappello, of J&G Law, stated they are following what was permitted in the zone. “I’m not trying to make you move, this is what was permitted in the zone,” said Cappello.

Another Weaver Street resident, Jeff VanZandt, wanted to know who would be occupying them. “What are the hours proposed?” Vanzandt asked. “The residents have no idea who’s moving in and renting them,” he added.

Following this, Weaver Street occupant Christopher Ladanyi stated his feelings very clearly. “A warehouse, period, does not belong in a village setting.”

The public hearing will be extended to March 22.