Deferring contentious items seemed to be at the top of the agenda at the Thursday, May 20 Garden City Village Board Meeting.

Items concerning the St. Paul's School Playing Fields, including the enlargement of a parking lot, the removal of the circular track and the installation of children's play equipment, were deferred. This deferment follows a series of such action at Board meetings, despite evident frustration from both Trustee Bruce Torino and the public.

"I have a deep level of frustration that we don't seem to be able to go forward with it," Torino said. "At least we should be able to get something done."

According to Trustee Donald Jenkins, the new chairperson from the Board of Trustees of the Recreation Commission, the items were deferred because the Recreation Commission has not had an opportunity to review the economic estimates.

"I feel there is a courtesy issue here," Jenkins said. "There may be people who are familiar with these numbers, but my committee is not.

At least one member of the public advocated action, as opposed to deferral.

"We did not ask anyone to delay anything," said Estates POA President Bob Rothchild. "I agree with Trustee Torino that action should be taken."

Another contentious issue was also defferred for further consideration. The decision to give up land near 9th and 10th Streets for parking was deferred, due to what most trustees called a lack of reliable information.

"I think it is very foolish to go ahead with a plan in a vacuum," Trustee Judith Asselta commented.

The Village has consistently refused to give up the property in question for an additional parking parcel of land between parking fields 9W and 10W, despite lawsuits brought against the Village by the Albanese Development Corporation, seeking to have the courts compel the Village to buy the land from them and convert it to parking. In fact, counsel Peter Mastaglio reported last week that he is still awaiting the court's response to the Albaneses' latest appeal and has thus far successfully fought against the litigation, arguing that the Village does not have to buy the land.

A motion by Trustee Torino to forward the matter to the Planning Commission was overwhelmingly denied. Once again, Torino expressed frustration.

"The parking issue has been with us for more than 10 years," he said. "If we, at the end of ten years, cannot articulate our goals, who will?"

Other trustees disagreed with Torino, noting that it was pointless to send the issue to the Planning Commission when nothing was definite.

"It's a little early to decide," Trustee Peter Bee said. "I would like to reflect on this issue a little longer."

According to Bee, there are three options for the Board to take: continued deferment; immediate action; or a referral to the Planning Commission.

"I do not know what the right path should be. I just am not willing tonight to decide on this issue," Bee concluded.

Trustee Asselta agreed, "We don't have an overall plan for developing the business district yet." She added, "Until we have something like that I don't see how it makes sense to go forward."

EPOA President Eileen Murphy reported her group's overwhelming support in sending the issue to the Planning Commission.

Resident Dorothy Episcopia commented, "I do not care for the tactics of those who are lobbying for this. If you ever vote on this, make it a very public issue."

The next Village Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 3 at 8 p.m. in Village Hall.