City has a new Planner and Economic Development Specialist

If you need a building permit, looking for assistance with your business or want to build a new subdivision, you’ll want to see the City of Montgomery’s new Planner and Economic Development Specialist.

Joshua Mankowski started his position on March 16, taking over part of the role held by Leah Petricka.

Currently, the city of Montgomery has only 14 buildable lots. In addition to issuing building permits, Mankowski’s planner position will have him working with developers and builders on creating new subdivisions and industrial areas.

Mankowski has witnessed the building boom. He worked for Three Rivers Park District, Spring Lake Watershed District and recently for Le Sueur County as an Environmental Resources Specialist, and the Planning and Zoning Administrator.

When he and his wife drive around Montgomery and the Czech Country area, they have witnessed the building that is going on.

“My wife is sick of hearing me say, ‘This used to be a field,’ or ‘So-and-so’s farm used to be here.’ Growing up in the New Prague area, Lonsdale and here, she hears it all the time,” he says with a laugh. “They’re building. There’s a lot of development.”

The Economic Development Specialist part of Mankowski’s position will have him work with...

To see more on this story pick up the April 15, 2021 print edition of the Montgomery Messenger.