Montgomery moving forward with possible moratorium on warehouses, distribution centers

TOWN OF MONTGOMERY — Town of Montgomery is moving forward with considering a moratorium targeting a broad range of development of warehouses and distribution centers.

A draft of a local law unveiled Thursday night seeks to impose a moratorium for six months, with possibility for extensions. The proposed moratorium is geared toward more warehouses and distribution centers compared to the one proposed last week, which was geared toward warehouses and distribution facilities larger than 100,000 square feet.

Town Attorney Stephanie Tunic explained the reason is that small warehouses and distribution centers, especially those located near residential areas, would also have potential impact on residents’ quality of life.

There are 11 warehouses and distribution center projects pending before the town Planning Board, including two proposed million-square-feet warehouses.

Supervisor Brian Maher said the board needs to be cautious about the potential impact on warehouses, local economy and business owners before moving forward with the moratorium. More economic research, case study and public input are planned to be conducted in the next couple weeks before the board members make a decision on whether to set up a public hearing.

“We have to look at both sides and all things need to be considered to a degree,” Maher said.

The Town Board also interviewed two planning consulting firms - Laberge Group and Nelson, Pope & Voorhis, LLC - on their comprehensive plan proposals. Both proposals highlight community engagement and public input, and look to preserve the town’s character while providing opportunity for development growth.

Laberge Group, a company based in Albany, proposed a comprehensive plan that would take 12 to 14 months to put together; Pope & Voorhis, LLC based on Long Island, proposed to complete a plan in 18 months.

The Town Board will begin interviewing candidates of the comprehensive plan committee next week and hopefully can finalize the list in the next two weeks.