By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- The Village Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing to pass a local law granting a tax abatement for downtown property owners who want to invest in residences above their businesses.

It will be during their July 19 meeting in the Town Hall’s second floor boardroom.

Village Assessor Mike Ward said it would give a tax break on an assessment increase for 12 years after investing a minimum of $10,000 into a mixed commercial and residential building.

“It would have to be a substantial investment,” Ward said.

The owner would still be liable for taxes on their initial assessment.

“It does not exist in St. Lawrence County now … it may be a very good thing for downtown,” Ward said.

He said it would grant a 100 percent break on any assessment hike for the first eight years, then trickle down in yearly increments to a 20 percent break by the 12th year.

Despite opining that it could be a boon for downtown, he doesn’t think there would be many takers.

“It’s not an exemption we would use a lot. I don’t think people would be rushing out to use it,” he said.

Two trustees said they support the idea.

“You need people above [businesses] … you need a vibrant community,” Trustee Matt Lebire said. “I think it makes sense and I’d like to move forward.”

“I don’t mind it just as its written, to be honest with you,” Trustee Tim Ahlfeld said, referring to a draft bill not provided to the public.

Ward said the break would apply to some projects that are now getting started.

“We’re looking now at the 2017 roll, so if it (passing the law) came into effect in the next couple months, they could apply for it,” he said.