The voters have spoken and it appears that they do not support the AvalonBay proposal. Given the need for state legislative action for that proposal to go forward, and that fact that Senator Hannon has said he would need to see widespread support before sponsoring legislation, it seems unlikely that this plan is going anywhere.

So the choice now seems to be demolition vs. mothballing. Frankly, we were surprised that so many residents support demolition. It's a stately old building with a deep connection to Garden City's history. Once it's gone, it's gone.

The Committee to Save St. Paul's suggests that instead of spending money to properly mothball the building (i.e. replacing the roof and stabilizing masonry, among other things) the village should just continue to maintain the building as it has for all these years. We respectfully disagree.

While the we hope the village does not demolish the building, continuing on as we have in the past is the same as letting nature do the demolition for us. As every homeowner knows, you have to protect your property from the elements (and vandals) or pretty soon you won't have anything to protect.

Either mothball it properly or demolish it (in our heart we hope this doesn't happen). Deciding not to make a decision is the wrong decision.

Meg Morgan Norris

Publisher