BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- Village of Massena officials have taken another step to open up possible new lines of revenue by declaring the Massena a "pro-housing community."

With the new designation approved during the Feb. 13 board meeting, officials say Massena will now be eligible for even more grant funding to improve housing.

According to Mayor Greg Paquin, the designation comes from New York State and will allow Massena to get more funding through programs like the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Affordable Housing programs, New York Forward and similar programs.

As part of the process, trustees say they will continue to work on permitting processes for accessible housing, accessory dwelling units, affordable housing, permitting multifamily units and supportive housing.

Village officials cited the housing crisis and its negative effects at the regional and local levels for passing the resolution to become a "pro-housing community."

"We believe that every community must do their part to contribute to housing growth and benefit from the positive impacts a healthy housing market brings to communities.

Village officials also spoke of supporting housing production of all kinds in the community that will bring multiple benefits, "including increasing housing access and choices for current and future residents, providing integrated accessible housing options that meet the needs of people with sensory and mobility disabilities, bringing economic opportunities and vitality to our communities and allowing workers at all levels to improve their quality of life through living closer to their employment opportunities."

Village officials also said that evidence shows infill development "reduces sprawl and supports walkable communities has significant environmental and public health benefits."

Officials say the new designation is "essential for keeping our community strong and vibrant."