BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- Renovations to the former J.J. Newberry building continues but GoCo Massena LLC requires financial assistance to continue to move forward.

A public hearing was held June 11 at the Massena Town Hall to allow the public to weigh in on William and Susan Fiacco's application to the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency for funding.

No comments were offered, so the application will continue forward.

The project to repurpose the 34,000 facility is considered to be the key stone of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative by some.

Before any of that can happen though, significant work needs to be completed.

Asbestos abatement and roof replacement were the first projects to be tackled.

Moving forward, officials say a new facade will be put on the building, new HVAC and electrical will be installed, followed by new drywall, lighting and flooring.

A new elevator will also be installed for ADA compliance and apartments will be built on the third floor.

Plans have called for the lower level to be left as a shell to allow for new build outs or custom designs to the tenant's specifications.

The project received $1,663,000 of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award the village of Massena received in Dec. 2021.

The funds will be used to modernize and repair the historic building, incorporating apartments, flexible retail space, office space, as well as a rooftop deck and a new facade, officials said.

No action was taken by the IDA at the public hearing.

The IDA board will address the project during the agency's next meeting, officials say.