Letter to Editor: It's Time to Move Forward

In a letter to the board of trustees dated Oct. 19, 2011, the Committee to Save St. Paul’s [CSSP] and The Garden City Historical Society advised that we would be providing an update to the proposal we made to the board on Oct. 6, 2011.

In mid-October, the CSSP arranged a series of meetings to discuss additional items with the full board of trustees that might enhance our plan. As a result of these meetings one trustee, who, to date, has not indicated support for a bond referendum on the CSSP plan, said that he would seek to arrange a meeting with the full board in order to reach a joint, compromise position that would allow the plan to reach the public for a vote.

Despite assurances that this meeting would take place, the meeting was cancelled by that same trustee on Oct. 27.

Please be assured that regardless of this setback, the Committee to Save St. Paul’s and The Garden City Historical Society remain ready to meet with the full board. However, without clear direction from the board and a willingness to sit down and attempt to reach a compromise, it just does not make sense to suggest any modifications to our plan now.

We continue to stand by our Oct. 6 proposal, with the addition of the fact that longer term (30-year) financing would very likely be available with legislative support. This would reduce the annual cost to the taxpayers even further.

In April, the public was given an opportunity to vote on a demolition bond. An overwhelming majority (75 percent) said NO DEMOLITION. Seven months later, we seem to be no closer to making a decision than we were 18 years ago. The residents have a right to be frustrated.

As you may recall, the key points in the CSSP/Historical Society proposal were to stabilize and preserve the St. Paul’s main building, provide 10,500 sq. ft. of public space, including the chapel, and do so at a reasonable cost – (average cost to tax payer less than $100 per year).

The CSSP and The Garden City Historical Society worked long and hard on this proposal, with a great deal of local resident input, and did so at no cost to the village. The proposal also included over $1,000,000 in firm pledges that would address the operating costs of the building for some time.

The finances of this proposal had been reviewed and approved by experts; the costs were confirmed by an independent architectural and engineering firm identified by the village, as well as by residents with expertise in construction and architecture.

This affordable and viable plan is a FIRST STEP to save and use this magnificent village treasure. It’s time to get this issue in front of those who will pay for it. To move forward, the board of trustees would need to introduce a bond resolution. At that time, the taxpaying public could participate in a bond referendum and vote the bond up or down.

Residents are tired of repetitive, costly consultant studies and the lack of creativity and leadership in regard to St. Paul’s. They are looking for a solution, and we believe that our plan provides that sensible first step that can be built upon in the future through the vision of local residents. We are ready to move forward – and hope the board will join us.