Council Message by Council Member Lee Ann Bissmeyer
Spring is a time for renewal and much like the weather you will see exciting projects taking shape in the City of Montgomery. We are all watching as Montgomery Quarter continues to evolve. Construction is progressing on the Hotel Rambler boutique hotel, which includes Sidecar Bar + Kitchen. The hotel will begin welcoming guests this time next year. In addition to such favorites as Livery, BruBurger Bar, and Kitchen Social, Montgomery Quarter will also welcome Deeper Roots Coffee and Kozue ramen/sushi. Apartments will lead the Phase Two construction on the development’s south side.
An illuminated obelisk and landscaping will fill the roundabout at Montgomery Road and Cross County, welcoming guests to the City of Montgomery while welcoming residents back home.
Meanwhile, on the City’s north end, the Vintage Club is preparing to welcome a new residence option that may be available as early as next year. Bespoke, a unique independent living option for those 65 and older, will contain 144 boutique units. There will be many common areas that include restaurants and shops open to the public for everyone to enjoy.
Traffic concerns have been high on the list of priorities, so we will be doing expanded street resurfacing this summer and upgrading six traffic lights along Montgomery Road so that traffic can move in the most efficient way possible.
Council and staff have been diving into the strategic plan. We use your responses as our guide to plan for future enhancements to the City. We’ve been working with a consulting firm that specializes in inspecting our City with a microscope and fresh eyes, then providing scenarios for us to consider, moving the City in the direction the residents want it to go. I’m excited about the new possibilities and hope to write about them in my next article.
City Staff has been busy planning everyone’s favorite annual events and some new happenings for us to try out. The Young Artist Concerto Competition Concert on March 17 will again fill St. Barnabas Church with beautiful music. The Mental Health Fair at Twin Lakes on Saturday, April 6, will once again connect people to information and providers. See page 10 for more information on our second annual Mental Health Fair. New this year, save the date to walk and explore Montgomery while tasting some of our restaurants. The Montgomery Food Tour on April 27 allows you to sample food from 5-7 local restaurants. We will also offer DORA events in spring and summer, as well as yoga and movies on the lawn at Montgomery Quarter.
I hope you join us at these city-wide events, and as always, please reach out to Council and staff with any ideas you have to make the City the glowing future of our motto!