Boards and Commissions

The Village uses numerous volunteer boards to assist with Village Operations. The commitment and dedication of these Boards provides a professional approach in a multitude of areas relating to local concerns and initiatives.

MASSENA PLANNING COMMISSION
The Massena Planning Commission is responsible for reviewing future development plans, reviewing building permit applications in the Village Residential and Business Districts, and for zoning recommendations to the Village Board. This body, created by local law, consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Trustees. The seven members of the Planning Commission serve three year terms and are appointed by the Mayor with Trustee approval.

The current Planning Commission members are: Joel Grigg, Larry T. Logan, Ken McGowan, Roger Bennett, Beverly Welsch, Chairperson; Daniel J. Behrens and Anthony Curley.

MASSENA ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Zoning Board of Appeals is responsible for hearing zoning variance requests, building variance requests, conditional use requests, substitution of nonconforming use requests, appeals from decisions made by the Code Enforcement Officer, and questions about zoning district lines. The five members of the Zoning Board serve three year terms and are appointed by the Mayor with Trustee approval.

The current Zoning Board of Appeals members are: Joe Mittiga, Brandon Wheeler, Anthony Diagostino, Bob VanDusen, and Mary Kieswetter.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION FOR A GREATER MASSENA
The Business Development Corporation for a Greater Massena (BDC) is a combined entity of the Village and Town. The BDC Board oversees operations at the Massena Industrial Park and contributes to the overall economic growth and development of the greater Massena community. The Corporation is funded annually by the Village and the Town with the funds being used to assist existing businesses as well as fostering new development. The seven members of the BDC serve three year terms and are appointed equally by the Village and the Town.

Current members of the BDC Board of Directors include: Dan Pease, Robert LeBlanc; David LaClair; Melanie Cunningham; Sherry Thompson; Jason Hendricks and Jeff Dobbins.

MASSENA RECREATION COMMISSION
The Recreation Commission is another cooperative effort by the Village and the Town of Massena. The Recreation Commission was established to guide the community on matters relating to the administration, operation, and provision of recreation programs; the acquisition, development, maintenance and operation of open space and park land and outdoor and indoor facilities, and the establishment and maintenance of a recreation system for the Village and Town. The five members of the Commission serve five year terms and are appointed equally by the Village and the Town.

The current Recreation Commission members are: Dave MacLennan, Chairman; John W. C. Meddings Jr.; John Horan; George Hammill, Vice-Chairman; and Gary Gushlaw.

MASSENA HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Massena Housing Authority oversees public housing in the Village. Currently, there are three buildings primarily dedicated to housing for seniors as well as a planned development for low-moderate income families. Day-to-day activities are managed by an Executive Director. There are seven members on the Housing Authority Board. Five members are appointed by the Mayor, approved by the Trustees for five year terms. Two members are elected by the tenants.

The current Housing Authority members are: W. John Davis, Chairman; Eileen Boots, Vice Chairman; David Bence; Elaine Dunnne-Thayer; Rosemary Bronchetti; Patti Dabiew, Tenant Representative; Larry Howard, Tenant Representative.

BOARD OF ETHICS
The Board of Ethics is responsible for insuring the highest standards of ethics and behavior by elected officials and employees.

The current Board of Ethics members are: Doug Premo; Karen George; Dale Raymo; Guy Fregoe; Greg Paquin (Village Liaison); and Attorney Matthew McArdle (Ex-officio).