Massena highway chief: renovations may be cheaper than rebuilding garage

MASSENA — Highway Superintendent Frank Diagostino said the town could save some money by renovating its highway garage instead of building a $1.65 million new facility.

Mr. Diagostino said the existing facility needs some work and does not have access to drinkable water, but a workable solution could be found there rather than moving to the Massena International Airport or consolidating with the village Department of Public Works.

Town Supervisor Joseph D. Gray told the Town Council last week that he had been contacted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine whether the municipality still was seeking the $1.65 million it requested from stimulus funds in late 2008.

"I asked them not to take us out of the hopper yet," Mr. Gray said. "But I think we need to have a conversation about what we want to do."

Councilman Albert N. Nicola said an early proposal to consolidate the village DPW and the town highway garage at the village's current location was not the best plan for the town.

"I maintain that we need a footprint in the town, outside the village," Mr. Nicola said.

Councilman John Wicke said he liked the idea of moving the facility to the airport, where it also could serve as a place to store town equipment used to maintain that facility, including a fuel truck and plows.

But Mr. Diagostino suggested investing in upgrades and improvements at the department's existing South Racquette River Road location instead.

"As far as the $1.5 million for a new building, I don't think that's necessary," Mr. Diagostino said. "I think you could update and improve what you've got for half the cost. In this day and age, to me, it would be a smart move to fix what we have."

He said the barn's concrete floor is pitted, which makes it difficult for crew members to work on their vehicles; a number of doors do not close properly because they are uneven, and the building's four heaters must run full blast even in April because they do not function properly.

Also, the service entrance, break room and bathroom need work and a wash basin should be installed to allow vehicles to be cleaned outside, instead of inside where salt, sand and water must then be swept outside.