MASSENA -- The village is taking another step toward implementing a Complete Streets policy.

People can learn more about the program April 6 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. Mayor Tim Currier and consultant Roger Henderson will speak.

That day, prior to the public forum, officials will hear from program experts a The Club II.

In December, village officials mulled crafting a Complete Streets policy in response to pedestrian safety concerns near J.W. Leary Junior High.

“Complete Streets policies help communities create road networks that are safe and inviting for everyone, including pedestrians of all ages and abilities, transit users and operators, bicyclists and drivers,” a news release from Currier’s office says. “With opportunities for more people to walk, bike and take transit more often, communities reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and help residents be more physically fit. In addition, communities with complete streets are often seen as places with a higher quality of life. This can translate into increased property values, business growth and tourism.”

Complete Streets is a state initiative through the Department of Transportation that encourages municipalities to enact local laws requiring safer streets and sidewalks for pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists.

A Complete Street is a roadway planned and designed to consider the safe, convenient access and mobility of all roadway users of all ages and abilities. This includes pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation riders, and motorists; it includes children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities,” the DOTs website says. “Complete Street roadway design features include sidewalks, lane striping, bicycle lanes, paved shoulders suitable for use by bicyclists, signage, crosswalks, pedestrian control signals, bus pull-outs, curb cuts, raised crosswalks, ramps and traffic calming measures.”

At the Dec. 15, 2015 Board of Trustees meeting, Trustee Matt Lebire said Potsdam, Malone and Ogdensburg all have the law on the books, but it isn’t “cookie cutter.”

“It’s not a package deal where you have to do it this way or don’t do it at all,” he told the board at the time.

Currier said at the Dec. 15 meeting that he hopes to seek a resolution for a new local law in the near future.

At the time, he said this all stems from “discussions ongoing with School Street and the discussion to resolve the pedestrian dangers down there.”

Earlier in 2015, the village had received complaints about safety in the area between J.W. Leary Junior High and Nightengale Elementary. There are no sidewalks on the street. There is a stop sign at the end of the junior high parking lot that says no left turn onto the sidewalkless area, but police Chief Mark LaBrake said last month that it’s school property, therefore officers cannot pull cars over even to give an oral warning.