MASSENA — Officials are beginning to move forward with a capital project to improve the Massena Town Hall and barn.

The Town Council voted 4-0 Wednesday night, with Robert J. Cunningham absent, to allow C&S Engineers to complete design work for improvements to the two buildings. The design work for the town garage renovations will cost $88,525, and front facade improvements to the Massena Town Hall will cost $15,800.

Council members are considering bonding for a multiphase capital project to address infrastructure concerns.

The front facade of the Massena Town Hall and the front steps are deteriorating and need repair. The town barn is also in bad shape and needs upgrades to remain functional, officials said previously.

In total, the council may bond for either $1.5 million or $2 million over a 15- or 20-year period to address all those concerns, which also may include new security measures at town buildings.

The council also is considering repairs to the parking lot next to Town Hall, but tabled a proposal to spend $15,800 on engineering costs for that project Wednesday night.

Supervisor Joseph D. Gray said there is uncertainty as to whether the town owns that parking lot.

Officials were hesitant about the potential costs of the improvements, but spoke of their necessity.

“It’s scary. I don’t like it,”Mr. Gray said of the cost. “I don’t think we have much of a choice.

Councilman Charles A Raiti said the town should have acted on town barn improvements years ago.

“We’ve got to do something with that building,” Mr. Raiti said.

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