Erected over 120 years ago, St. Paul's School for boys reminds drivers who zip past its Gothic spires of the esteemed pursuits of village founder, A.T. Stewart. In 1991, after over a century of service to the community, St. Paul's closed. In 1993 the Village of Garden City bought the Victorian vision, in addition to the surrounding 48 acres of land, for public use. For 15 years, though hordes of youth gym programs, cultural activities and school events have been held on the fields of St. Paul's; the site still costs taxpayers over $100,000 per year to maintain. Surely some consider this money well spent, while others, including village trustees, find themselves looking to a more modern, and less costly option.

On June 19, despite the good intentions of interest groups such as the Committee to Save St. Paul's, and community members' outcries against privatizing the land, the Mayor's Committee on St. Paul's announced its plans to compile a report outlining the proposals of apartment mega-developer, AvalonBay Properties Inc. (AVB).

Mayor Peter Bee and fellow trustees stressed the report does not mean that the village agrees to endorse AvalonBay. The report is "simply an exposition of facts," Trustee Tom Lamberti, chair of the Mayor's Committee on St. Paul's, said. The report will outline the potential financial terms of the deal as well as AVB's plans.

Trustees first voted to negotiate with AVB in October 2007. AVB plans to create 62 luxury rental units under a 99-year ground lease. According to their website, AVB promises to preserve St. Paul's historic façade and "national parks standard" and desires the village to retain ownership of the property. The website also lists potential uses for public space or improvements to the St. Paul's building and the option to create a development plan with no cost to village taxpayers. On the flip side there will be 37 rental town homes, not to mention a two-level parking garage, an image that definitely concerns the already hesitant minds of some community members.

Trustees expect much more detailed financial information to be released upon the report's approval. The trustees assure the report will be released very shortly at which time community members will be able to voice their opinions. Trustee Lamberti said he will respond to questions concerning the project as he has been designated the report's writer. Mayor Bee further expressed the desire to hear the public's opinion before approving the AVB project.

Despite trustees' calming words, on the night of June 19, many community members spoke out against AVB having any part in the future of St. Paul's. Some believe AVB will likely sell their property (at great profit) within nine years after paying little-to-no taxes. Many families expressed concern over the loss of public space and the influx of cars and traffic that would be created. Nevertheless, Trustee John Mauk, among others, emphasized that this is going to be a very marginal development with minimal cost to taxpayers. "This has been studied by experts at length for over 14 years," Trustee Mauk said. He further noted that suggested alternative solutions like senior centers or public parks are great in theory but at the end of the day just don't work financially.