Garden City residents have been waiting a long time for clear and substantive information about redevelopment plans for St. Paul's School. It's been two-and-a-half years since our trustees held a public meeting (December 2005, Middle School) and made a presentation to residents.

At the last board of trustees meeting May 20, 2008, Trustee Lamberti, chair of the Mayor's Committee on St. Paul's, stated that a "public presentation" would be made "in mid to late June." Please clarify what is meant by "public presentation." Will a special meeting be held? Or, as in recent practice, will the Mayor's Committee recommendations be delivered at a regular board of trustees meeting?

In either case, if the Mayor's Committee recommendations are to be presented to the public, I strongly urge this board of trustees to give residents prior public notice that this important issue will be discussed. In order to fully inform residents, I suggest that the board give notice to the public through all the following venues:

• A front page notice in both local weekly newspapers

• In the mayor's column

• If the presentation will take place at a board of trustees meeting, the item should be clearly stated on the agenda, both in print and on the online agenda posted on the village website

• Notice be communicated to all the property owners' association presidents

• A notice posted on the door to Garden City Village Hall and in all the village kiosks

In addition, I strongly support the idea that residents should be allowed to vote or participate in an advisory poll on the proposed St. Paul's redevelopment, as was done in the past when assisted living was being considered. I also believe, as do many other residents, that the vote or resident poll should include not only choices regarding AvalonBay, but also an option for retaining the St. Paul's historic building by the Village for possible alternative uses.

Arlene Chianese