Amidst concerns that sparked in early December over the fate of the 77 year old Community Center located in Historic Montgomery, the Montgomery City Council held their first Council Workshop Meeting of the new year on January 8th. Also present in the city council chambers were the Montgomery Planning and Zoning Commission, the Montgomery Economic Development Corporation, as well as a cadre of citizens, longtime and new, business owners and residents, all concerned about the historic building dedicated to the World War II fallen warfighters of Montgomery. The citizen commentary was united in defense of the old building, and the sentiment spread to the council and committee dais and tables. At the December 9th council meeting, citizens expressed concerns that the community center was destined to be razed to the ground following the November 18th Montgomery Economic Development Corporation meeting, but council had yet to speak its piece, and the issue was immediately tabled at the suggestion of Councilwoman Cheryl Fox to allow for a cooling off period.
The Public Forum continued the call in favor to save the community center, with citizens recalling treasured memories or the historical significance the building has played in their lives. Others noted the trail ride dances, or its use as a site where Christmas events in Historic Montgomery take place, such as the Cookie Walk, or other community events throughout the year such as bingo and civic meetings.
“I can say that one of the reasons that I made the decision to purchase property in downtown Montgomery is the city land,” said Lisa Gregory, who also maintains an office at the Kemifer Atrium Building. “It was because of the character, and its historical significance.”
Dobbin resident Shelly Lane spoke passionately about the sacrifices of the men from World War II to whom the building was dedicated, as well as its sister buildings in Magnolia and Willis. She noted that many of the families of the men still live in the community, and the importance to keep as much of the integrity of the building in the renovation.
Brenda Beaven represented the Montgomery Historical Society as well as 7th grade history teachers who teach the history of the town. Ms Beaven started the Scavenger Hunt decades ago for students, which over the years has brought thousands of students to learn about its history, and the community building has been a central focus of those activities.
Following citizen comments, Mayor Sara Countryman asks for comments from the city. City Administrator Brent Walker addressed various issues associated with the community building, from its closure to community groups, the smells from the sewer problems, and the general condition of the place. He described the impetus to the initial MEDC meeting in November, when a lady who rented the building in August made a statement about the building’s condition. He noted Councilman Tom Czulewicz’s (who passed away over the Christmas holiday) had earlier brought up the smells there, coupled alongside other issues.
“Things got deeper and a little deeper with more issues,” said Walker in reference to the community building. “We see there’s some movement in the walls, and roof structure issues, so that’s when we brought it to the attention of the MEDC.”
Walker suggested that the issue with the community building be tied in with the Montgomery ‘Downtown Improvement Project,’ or McGowan project, that is designed to improve water and sewer in the downtown area. The building has been shut to potential renters due to the concerns raised, but citizens have expressed interest in renting the space, which sparked a passionate appeal by Councilman Stan Donaldson.
“We’re going to fix it where it’s usable and people enjoy it,” said the councilman. “We have made a lot of people mad by closing the building down.”
Mayor Countryman asked the City Administrator why can’t the community building be opened until the facility is remediated, to which Walker yielded to City Attorney Alan P. Petrov, who responded that additional language regarding waivers could be added to rental agreements provided that citizens understand the risks of the current building condition.
Montgomery Planning and Zoning Commission member Merriam Walker argued for a certain course of action, and the Mayor, Council, and members of the committees encouraged community involvement.
No decisions were made during the Workshop Meeting on the community center, and will be addressed at the January 13th Council Meeting, after MCN’s press time for its January 14th edition. MCN will continue to follow the story.