Episcopia: We Realize Seniors Are Significant Part of Population

The following was submitted by Garden City deputy mayor Nick Episcopia:

"I would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight and to refute comments made at the May 7 Board of Trustees meeting, and reported in Patch.

"At the May Eastern Property Association meeting several directors and EPOA president Judy Courtney had questions about the usage of the present senior center. She and others were quoting from the recent senior survey that showed out of approximately 700 respondents, 39 said they were members of the Senior Women’s Club, 51 the Senior Men’s Club and 35 said they were members of  the Senior Duplicate Bridge Club. Only 80 said they attended senior citizen meetings.  Additionally 376 people said that our Village provides ample services for seniors, 178 disagreed  and 165 did not answer.

"These responses prompted people to question the proposed expenditure of over $700,000 to expand the Golf Club Lane Senior Center. It should be noted that both Mrs. Courtney and past EPOA President Walter McKenna both said that they believed that the present facility was inadequate and in need of improvement, but they were not convinced that the present proposal is the answer.

"As a trustee since 2005 I have always listened to the EPOA directors and other residents and will continue to hear and evaluate varying points of view on issues. This is what is expected of a trustee. I have no idea where Mr. Salem got the idea that I was opposed to any refurbishing of the Golf Club Lane facility or this specific plan. I never said and it is simply not true.

"Mayor Watras has stated that the Board of Trustees will not make a decision until we have a chance to evaluate the results of the current recreation study, which will be presented on June 24th. The Board of Trustees is also researching some other alternative locations for an improved Senior Center. The Trustees all realize that seniors are a very significant part of our population and we will always consider their needs and desires."