BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

Corrected at 3:20 p.m. July 2 to use the proper name of the organization and clarify events held at the the field day.

MASSENA -- Over two-thirds of respondents to a recent Unity for Massena Youth Coalition survey say they do not feel safe while in Alcoa Park by themselves.

The results of the survey, along with a potential code amendment, were presented by Shashanna Ross from the Unity for Massena Youth Coalition.

According to Ross, the survey was carried out around the Alcoa Park and Alcoa Field area, with over 400 people taking part.

According to Ross, the results showed that 69% said they did not feel safe going to Alcoa Park on their own, with 91% who filled out the survey saying they were in favor of doing a substance use policy.

“When we did the survey, it was Alcoa in general. So, any part of Alcoa and just anyone who would go there for like a softball game or like an event,” Ross said.

Based on those results, Ross presented the town and village boards with language that could be used in an amendment to the code.

She said the amendment was tweak language that would incorporate all substances.

“One of the things that we noticed was that you guys have a tobacco control policy that was put into place in 2015 here in the village and the town. One of the things that we just wanted to propose was changing the original policy that you guys have from tobacco to substance use in general," she said.

Ross said the proposal would encompass everything from alcohol to cannabis, inhalants and prescription medications.

As part of her work with the Coalition, Ross said the organization hosted a two-part community event in Alcoa Park, which included a community cleanup and a field day on day two.

The field day included a  basketball tournament, corn hole, food, music and various discussions about youth safety, she said.

Ross said the organization had received an OASAS grant through the Office of Addiction Services and Supports to fund the events that were put on to raise awareness about the effects of substance use and abuse.

Ross said the organization was suggesting the code include the same enforcement as the previous policy while adding in any educational programs the boards felt were fitting if someone violated the policy.