BY JEFF CHUDZINSKI
North Country This Week

MASSENA — The Veteran’s Memorial Park repair project received a much needed boost from SeaComm Federal Credit Union, who donated $50,000 to the project on Aug. 11.

Following the announcement of the initial report in April, village officials put out a call for donations.

Prior attempts to obtain grant funding proved unsuccessful, necessitating the request for donations.

Donations are currently being handled and accepted by American Legion Post 79.

Mayor Greg Paquin previously said the village had discussed the proposed project with various engineers who came to the conclusion that the existing retaining walls must be removed.

Additional drainage will also need to be installed, along with soil being replaced prior to the installation of new walls.

“The additional drainage, along with a larger precast retaining wall system, will prevent the new system from failing. The design is not yet finalized, but we are working diligently to do so,” Paquin previously said.

Labor for the project will be supplied by the village of Massena.

In June, village officials approved action on the project. At the time, officials said they hoped the project could be completed by Memorial Day 2024.

“We’re moving forward with that. I think we’ve narrowed down the design where it’s just going to be the one observation. You’ll be able to access it from the street. It’s really nice,” Paquin said in June.

According to Department of Public Works Superintendent Marty Miller, the project will be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.

As part of the project, there will also be two areas from which to access the park and the gazebo, he said.

As part of the project, a path down to the park would be created. New walls would also be implemented to replace the current ones that have begun to deteriorate and cause drainage problems.

Those interested in learning more about the project are encouraged to reach out to Department of Public Works Superintendent Marty Miller by calling (315) 769-6823 or via email at dpwsuper@village.massena.ny.us.

To donate, individuals can do so by visiting American Legion Post 79 and dropping off either cash or checks made out to the Legion with a memo line of “Veteran’s Memorial Park Project.”

The Legion is located at 40 East Orvis Street.