BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- Massena town and village officials are soliciting feedback from the public as discussions continue regarding a potential trail through Massena. 

A feasibility survey is now live on the municipality's website and remains open until October 31. 

Officials say the study will allow the public to weigh-in on how a future trail would be used, what destinations the trail should connect, what amenities should be on the trail and which trail option residents would prefer. 

The study, which is being led by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) is being undertaken through the Thriving Communities Program, which provides communities with planning and technical assistance to identify transportation needs, evaluate potential improvements and develop projects that improve access, connectivity and quality of life, officials say. 

Throughout the process, the team has identified the desire for a safe and connected walking and bicycling trail between downtown Massena and the Massena Intake recreation area as a priority. 

The trail will dovetail into a planned riverwalk project that is part of the village's Downtown Revitalization Initiative. 

As part of the project, the facade of the former Massena School of Business is being preserved, with a planned green space to be built behind it. 

Village officials said the facade work should be done by the end of the year, with stabilization efforts largely completed. 

Repointing work is one of the final steps before the facade is complete, they continued. 

Accessibility is a key component of the project, with a walking and bike path part of the planning, along with wheelchair accessibility. 

A canoe and kayak launch was also part of the initial planning as well. 

For more information regarding the trail feasibility survey, visit massena.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/121