Stories You'll Likely See in 2013

Garden City Patch doesn’t need a crystal ball to look ahead to 2013. Here are some local issues you can definitely expect to see in the news this year:

1. The Race For Village Trustee: Garden City village trustee elections are right around the corner and things are just starting to heat up. Francine Ryan is forcing a run-off election in the East while Greg Blair is doing the same in the Estates section. Robert Bolebruch was nominated by the Western Property Owners' Association (WPOA) to serve the remaining one-year of the village trustee seat vacated by John Watras, who was nominated to run for mayor. The Nominating Committee of the Central Property Owners' Association (CPOA) selected Richard V. Silver for the position of village trustee for the 2013-2015 term after being advised by mayor Don Brudie that he would not seek reelection for this position.

2. St. Paul's: The village board of trustees recently voted to reject the Committee to Save St. Paul's/Garden City Historical Society proposal to partially develop St. Paul's. Trustees also voted 5-3 to accept a report from Erwin & Bielinski that states the proposal is "unrealistic and flawed." What will become of the former boys school in 2013?

3. Garden City Fire Department Changes: An analysis of the Garden City Fire Department has brought about several changes in recent months, including the transfer of all dispatching duties to Firecom and the elimination of staffing at both satellite stations during evening hours. Will the department see more changes in 2013?

4. 555 Stewart Avenue: Village trustees have granted another final site plan approval extension to the developers of 555 Stewart Avenue. Will 2013 bring actual construction to the rundown lot?