MASSENA - Plans are progressing to start a Massena Boy’s and Girl’s Club, according to Police Chief Timmy J. Currier.

A steering committee met earlier in October to begin the process of starting such a club, Mr. Currier said. Last summer, Massena Neighborhood Watch held a meeting to introduce the idea.

Mr. Currier previously said the idea sprang out of discussions on ways to keep Massena’s youth occupied and out of trouble after school. Village police have dealt with rising instances of vandalism believed to be, in part, related to juvenile activity.

“For this club to become a reality, we need community support and community involvement,” Mr. Currier said in a statement. “There are a number of items that must be accomplished to make this project sustainable in our community.”

The committee is working on four different efforts: determining the level of interest in the club and identifying specific needs Massena has, researching and obtaining grants and private funding to finance such an operation, determining what building could house such a club, and keeping the public informed of its progress.

The steering committee is meeting again at 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Massena Town Hall. Anyone interested in helping with the project is encouraged to attend, Mr. Currier said.

Mr. Currier said it was still too early to establish a time line for the project, though one might be hammered out at Thursday’s meeting.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that it’s feasible in this community,” Mr. Currier said of the club. “It’s a matter of making sure we have public interest and we’re getting public support behind it.”

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