Massena Planning Board gives approval for deli
MASSENA — A Massena woman has been granted local approval to open a delicatessen in the Water Street building that once housed the Department of Motor Vehicles satellite office.
Tracie Abrantes appeared before the village Planning Board last month seeking site plan approval for a proposal to open a deli at 37 Water St., as well as to move her home business, Taxes By Tracie, from her home on Sherwood Drive to the Water Street location.
Ms. Abrantes told the Planning Board the building will continue to house the Ultimate Image as well as office space for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
She was granted conditional approval by the Planning Board, but members stipulated she provide a proper layout diagram, update her outdoor lighting plans in the diagram and place a storage shed in its proper location on the diagram.
They also expressed concern that Ms. Abrantes would need to have a handicapped-accessible bathroom because her initial proposal called for seating for approximately eight people.
She returned to the Planning Board Wednesday with a more detailed diagram as well as an update on lighting for the lot, and the board voted unanimously to approve her plan.
Ms. Abrantes said the next step will be gaining approval from the state Department of Health.
"Everything is ready to go. We're hoping for an opening in the middle of September," she said.
In her latest correspondence to the Planning Board, Ms. Abrantes said after consultation with the Department of Health she had decided not to have any tables inside the deli. The deli will not have a public bathroom.
Her tentative menu includes subs, salads, sandwiches, barbecue specials and pizza. Plans call for the deli to be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
She said she expects initially to have four to five employees. Her plan calls for adding a permanent barbecue and smokehouse on the corner of the property as her business grows.
