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Massena super says plans for four-season destination resort could bring indoor water park to North Country

Posted 8/18/15

MASSENA -- The Town of Massena is moving forward with a second phase of study for a possible four-season destination resort that could include an indoor water park and a hotel, the Town Council …

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Massena super says plans for four-season destination resort could bring indoor water park to North Country

Posted

MASSENA -- The Town of Massena is moving forward with a second phase of study for a possible four-season destination resort that could include an indoor water park and a hotel, the Town Council announced today.

Town Supervisor Joseph D Gray said the Council recently gave Venue Strategies, LLC, of New York, NY (“VS”) the go-ahead for Phase II in the development process, which makes the company responsible for the development, design, and financing of a destination resort in Massena. Key to the effort is the final selection of site for the project.

“The feasibility and market study we commissioned last year indicates a facility like this can succeed here,” Gray said. “After discussions with VS, we are ready for them to continue working toward the development of the project.

“It is important to point out that VS will receive no additional funding from the Town on this project. We will assist them is finding and securing a suitable site and do what we can to help them obtain the necessary permits and agreements,” Gray added.

The company recently visited Massena with its architectural and engineering firm to look at several possible sites. The project will need approximately 200 acres of land and access to a significant amount of water.

The site will likely be privately owned and will pay property taxes, according to Gray.

The study shows the project will likely create approximately 600 hundred service sector jobs to staff the initial development, which is comprised of a 150,000 square-foot, glass-enclosed indoor water park with retractable roof, 475-room hotel and condominiums, multi-purpose events center, and family entertainment center. Follow-on development would include an outdoor adventure center, in-ground and flatwater kayaking facility, retail factory outlets, and BMX track.

The proposal seeks to tie into the regional sportfishing initiative that was started by the Town of Massena in 2010 and led to the BASSMASTER Elite series coming to Waddington and helped kick-start New York State’s recent tourism promotion focusing on fishing ion the North Country and other areas of the state.

“We believe this all was prompted by the Town of Massena’s decision five years ago to promote fishing and our abundant natural resources as part of the economic development revival we need in our area and other regions of the state. Our model was so attractive, it was picked up by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the I Love NY organization. We couldn’t be happier about that development,” Gray said.

“Now we will continue with our progressive economic development effort as we look at the development of a destination resort in Massena. It’s a long way from definite, but we are ready to take the next step,” he added.