Local taxpayers could end up footing the bill for the potential loss of close to a half million dollars in annual tax revenues if the abandoned General Motors Powertrain plant in Massena is demolished.

Local officials fear the plant's demolition, which is being considered as part of an environmental cleanup of the 270 acre property, and subsequent drop in property value and assessment could have a big impact on a community already struggling economically.
 
The GM property is currently assessed for $12 million.

The automaker filed a grievance against the assessment two years ago seeking to have it reduced to $3 million.

That request remains unresolved.

Officials say the disappearing tax revenues from the GM property could cost the school district more than $225,000 in tax revenues.

The county stands to lose close to $90,000 while the town of Massena could find itself having to make up $42,000 in lost tax revenue.
 
Meanwhile, the owners of the St. Lawrence Centre Mall were recently granted a $7 million reduction in their tax assessment.

The property had been assessed at $12 million but has been dropped to about $5 million.
 
Town officials say the mall's high tenant vacancy rate, coupled with rent payments, were among the factors that justified lowering the mall's assessment to $5.8 million through next year.