After three years of closure, the Massena Business Development Corp. is finally wrapping up its affairs, but not without a few hiccups!
MASSENA — The Massena Business Development Corp. (BDC) has been officially closed for over three years, yet its legacy lingers as paperwork continues to flow through the necessary channels. Linda McQuinn, the grant writer, recently addressed the Massena Town Board, revealing that a significant Community Development Block Grant, intended to support nine local businesses in various stages of growth, remains open due to unfinished business from the BDC’s dissolution.
The BDC was a collaborative effort between the town and village, but its last official meeting took place back in July 2022. Following this meeting, James A. Murphy, who had served as the executive director, transitioned to a per diem contract to help finalize the grant and address any lingering questions. However, McQuinn pointed out that the grant was not formally closed out at the time the BDC was disbanded.
“Initially, some might’ve thought that the closure was complete with Jim Murphy’s departure,” she noted. “But then COVID hit, and everything was put on hold in Albany. Now, we’re faced with the task of closing this project.”
McQuinn explained that several outstanding tasks must be completed before the grant can be officially wrapped up. New staff in Albany are currently reviewing the documents they’ve received and have been in touch with McQuinn and Brenda Mossow, the bookkeeper, to track down any missing paperwork.
Recently, McQuinn met with former BDC Treasurer Jeff Dobbins, who provided her with a disk containing a wealth of BDC files. “Going through these files is quite a lengthy process. We need to ensure that everything we find will aid in our efforts to close this out properly,” she said.
The main objective, according to McQuinn, is to ensure that the closure benefits Massena so the town can access future funding. “We’re making significant progress. A final report detailing the findings from the funding agency and the actions taken to address them will be coming soon,” she added.
Before its closure, the BDC struggled with reduced funding. In March 2022, the town board slashed its budget from $75,000 to just $40,000. By July of the same year, the board voted to eliminate all funding for the BDC, transitioning that money to pay for grant writing services instead. The village board had also pulled its support, further impacting the organization’s resources.
In a surprising twist, the BDC was temporarily revived this year to settle outstanding issues. Seven individuals were appointed by both the town and village boards to handle the remaining business. Former Supervisor Susan J. Bellor emphasized that their goal is to finalize financial matters and address any insurance obligations the BDC incurred during its operation.
