'The Nightmare Continues'

Hidden Agenda?

To the Editor:

In the past, I have written several letters concerning the St. Paul's Affair and which the Garden City News was kind to publish. As Mr. Michael Falabella writes in his letter of June 19, I too, was confident that the demise of the St. Paul's Building was a reality, a 'fait accompli' in accordance with the overwhelming vote of the residents to proceed with the demolition and therefore, giving this very long and sad episode, a peaceful and well deserved ending. We expected the Mayor and the Village Board of Trustees to fulfill their responsibility vis-a-vis the wish of the residents of Garden City. Unfortunately, that is not the case as we all know. I also received the post card from The Garden City Historical Society (and assume most if not all the residents also received it) inviting our attendance to a Saint Paul's Forum to further discuss its preservation.

I wish I knew what the hidden agenda is behind this pro-active, strong, continuous and unparalleled preservation support effort. This group and The Committee to Save St. Paul's, refer to it as an antique masterpiece of historical and sentimental value, a unique architectural beauty. Again, I ask the question: Should it be placed as the same level as The Hermitage, The Taj Mahal, The Alhambra, Versailles, Le Louvre... ? Please, let's be realistic. The additional excuses, bickering, reviews, plans, and new proposals are plain ridiculous, absurd and offensive. The people voted and the great majority, opted for and requested demolition. That should had been the end of the story. It is what is should be expected and done in a modern and democratic society. No more excuses, no more moratoriums. This decaying structure is a sore thumb in the middle of what could be a much needed open space for the benefit and enjoyment of ALL the residents. After over 15 years, it is time for a final solution. It has been a long, very long and sad episode full of accusations, intrigues, bickering, mistrust and even the surface of serious conflicts of interest among and within our so called 'governing body'. It is a sad and pitiful story, a never ending headache, an insult to the wish of the people and a ugly and nauseating affair. Enough is enough ! Let's put an end to this pathetic issue and fully concentrate our efforts, ideas and supposed 'intelligence' in topics more important and critical. Property taxes should be one of the more important and crucial topic for discussion and serious review. We are facing a terrible economic crisis together with a horrible tax burden. The amount of ads for Home Sales has dramatically increased (just look inside the local paper). Homes do not sale even though prices have been significantly reduced several times, the open house invitation extended for several days, weeks and months. An ever growing number still are in the market, unsold after more than a year. One of the reasons is, of course, our tax assessment. There are many instances where families are overburdened, desperate, having lost a source of income and in some cases, both. Please, don't ask these needed families to further contribute, to add an additional tax in order to keep and to maintain St. Paul. The whole situation is more than ridiculous, it is pathetic. If a particular group or groups wish to preserve that building, by all means let them do it by putting up the needed funds from their own pockets. After all, this is a free and supposedly intelligent society. Or is it...?

Antonio Moreno

Still Waiting

To the Editor:

When was the last time 80% of Village residents agreed on anything related to St. Paul's? February 2, 1993.

That was the day we voted to buy St. Paul's and its 48 acres for $7.3 million. Before that vote, an objective cost/benefit analysis was presented to the residents by the Trustees.

In that analysis we were told that the cost per average assessed home was $65.00 per year for twenty years. Thus, for $5.42 a month we bought St. Paul's, the fields, the gym and Faringa Fieldhouse.

The Trustees also provided us with the benefits associated with this purchase. They told us that "there are a myriad of municipal uses available for the buildings, it is our intent to identify and implement the most beneficial and cost effective uses for the property." Another benefit was "the acquisition of needed facilities for current and future social, cultural and recreational activities for residents of all ages." Finally, the Trustees said that the purchase of St. Paul's would preserve "an architectural jewel which defines our special historical character."

This cost/benefit analysis was set forth in a "Message from the Mayor" and sent to all Village residents shortly before the 1993 vote. Consistent with these proposed uses, the 20 year bond specifically limited the use of St. Paul's to municipal, educational and recreational purposes.

After 16 years, we are still waiting for that "cost effective" plan for the "myriad of municipal uses." In 1993 we "needed facilities for current and future social, cultural and recreational activities for residents of all ages." Sixteen years later that need still exists.

Instead of providing residents with a cost effective plan, our Trustees are now planning the demolition of "an architectural jewel which defines our special historical character." In short, they want you to spend about $8 million to knock down a building we "needed" 16 years ago for a myriad of municipal purposes. Does it make sense to be asked to spend money to demolish St. Paul's when we don't even know what the net monthly cost would be for the municipal use of the building?

Some of us are outraged that our Trustees have failed to provide a "cost effective" municipal plan for St. Paul's. Instead, millions of your tax dollars have been wasted on such dubious schemes as a patently illegal assisted living center and the unseemly Avalon Bay fiasco.

It is time that we be given the opportunity to consider the "municipal use" plan.

Since the Trustees have failed to live up to the promise they made 16 years ago, some concerned Village residents have agreed to contribute $5000.00 per family to hire the necessary experts and consultants to formulate this plan. It is expected to cost between $75,000.00 and $100,000.00 to provide this essential information to residents. (If you are interested in contributing to this effort, contact me. Your support will be publicly acknowledged.)

We expect to provide a plan for the municipal use of St. Paul's before the vote to spend millions to knock down our "architectural jewel". Just as in 1993, a cost/benefit analysis will be provided to residents.

Some of these consultants and experts that will be used had been hired by the Village in 2001 and previously concluded that municipal, cultural, educational and social functions could be consolidated inside a renovated St. Paul's. In essence, St. Paul's would become our "Towne Center" where residents of all ages could use and enjoy this magnificent building for many generations. Unfortunately, these experts were not asked to complete their study and provide residents with the net cost to make this happen. Some of us have spent many hours since the beginning of this year meeting with these experts and consultants. Some of them have recently toured St. Paul's and the Village.

If Village functions are consolidated inside St. Paul's excess Village owned properties can be sold off and converted to benign and beneficial purposes. An added benefit would be increased Village and school tax revenues. Thus, this plan would substantially reduce the net cost to renovate St. Paul's and help pay for the education of our children.

Ultimately, it is up to each resident to vote for or against the upcoming demolition financing. Alternatively, many will favor a municipal use of St. Paul's by issuing another 20 year bond or the creation of a Community Preservation Fund like the ones created in many other historic communities. For those who feel strongly that St. Paul's should be knocked down, you are each entitled to cast your one vote in favor of demolition.

However, before anyone else is asked to make that important decision, they should be provided with a cost/benefit analysis similar to the one we had before 80% of us made an informed decision on February 2, 1993.

David J. Sutton

Wonderful Instructor

To the Editor:

When we moved to Garden City forty years ago, we started our association with Stewart School. Some of the most memorable moments came when our children had the opportunity to thrive musically and theatrically under the extraordinary direction of such education greats as Tom Wagner, Jerry DeFina and Frank DeMonaco. The joy of watching and listening to operas, musicals, orchestral and band performances were highlights for us as parents. Our children who are nearing the mid century mark still have vivid and happy memories of those joyous elementary school experiences.

What a thrill it is for us as grandparents to have the occasion to visit Stewart School again to see and hear that the musical tradition lives on for a new generation. Particularly inspiring is the string instrument program under the skilled guidance of Nick Geluso. He is an unusually caring teacher who translates his deep knowledge and love of music to even the least likely students.....8 to 11 year old boys. Our school system is indeed fortunate to have an instructor as accomplished as Mr. Geluso. Congratulations to him and the Stewart School Orchestra for keeping the music alive in our community.

Pat and Bob Kaliban

Supportive Community

To the Editor:

On May 20th, 2009 a Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Joe Schlaefer and Fr. Brian Ingram at St. Josephs in memory of Stephanie Parente. The Garden City High School class of 2007, her friend from Loyola and family members came together to remember Stephanie. Following the Mass a reception was held where friends and classsmates were able to share their memories of Stephanie and to reconnect with one another.

On the evening of May 19th, 2009 a few cases of water and a plate of brownies were pledged as donations for the reception. Less then 24 hours later there were eight, six foot tables overflowing with food and beverages in the St. Josephs gym. The donations came from so many sources that it is impossible to thank each and everyone of you individually.

On behalf of the GCHS class of 2007, I would like to personally thank each and every individual that donated their time and efforts to provide such a wonderful reception for all of us. It is a privilege to have grown up in a community that is so supportive. Your generosity was overwhelming and will not soon be forgotten.

Shannon E. Murphy

Impressive Exhibit

To the Editor:

I had the opportunity to visit the exhibit called "Military History of Garden City" on display at the GC Library, and was very impressed with how extensive the history was. Huge army camps representing nearly every war had been set up in Garden City, some camps with over 40,000 soldiers. One such camp, called Camp Mills, was vaguely familiar to me from stories that my father-in-law told me. WW2 had just ended and as a young boy he climbed the fence into the camp and took a live mortar shell. He brought the shell to the middle school which, at that time, was the Garden City high school.

In an attempt to dismantle the shell, it exploded. Luckily it had been emptied of destructive materials and no one was hurt from the explosion.

The exhibit also shows how most of the eastern section of Garden City had its early history as military camps and military airfields. Especially significant were the profiles of the men and women of Garden City who served our country. I truly enjoyed the lecture and slide show presented by Cyril Smith. I hope the producers of this exhibit can someday document this information in a book.

George Mamos