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Massena mayor proposes consolidating village building, code, housing offices

Posted 4/9/16

By ANDY GARDNER MASSENA -- Mayor Tim Currier is proposing in his 2016-2017 budget that the village combine the building, code and housing offices and undertake a “broader and more aggressive …

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Massena mayor proposes consolidating village building, code, housing offices

Posted

By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- Mayor Tim Currier is proposing in his 2016-2017 budget that the village combine the building, code and housing offices and undertake a “broader and more aggressive housing program.”

He says combining the building, code and housing offices will make it easier for contractors to get the necessary paperwork and permits during construction season.

“I’ve heard from a number of contractors … it’s difficult,” he said, pointing to an example of a contractor finishing a job early and needing to get through the paperwork for their next enterprise.

He also wants to do away with the rule requiring exact change for permit fees.

Currier also wants the Development Authority of the North Country to take over the village’s housing office. A DANC official came before the board earlier in the year and proposed just that.

Their administration services would cost the village up to $14,000 annually, the mayor said.

“A number of grant programs are available that will enable us to improve the standard of living for our low to moderate income residents,” Currier read from a budget slideshow presentation. “These programs spur economic development, improve neighborhoods, improve the community.”

The village has several work sessions scheduled before the trustees will vote on a final budget. They are slated for 5 p.m. April 11, 12, 14 and 26, and if possible, April 28. They could vote on a final spending plan as early as April 26.