Russell Matthews of the Albanese Organization, disappointed to learn that the village's capital budget does not include improvements to Parking Field 9E, respectfully requested that the board make improvements to the lot now rather than next year. He addressed trustees during the March 4 board meeting.

Admitting he's had an ongoing interest in the parking field because the Albanese Organization owns and redeveloped 855 Franklin Avenue, former home of A&S, Matthews noted, "At the time we developed that building, the village, in concert with us, redeveloped Parking Field 9E. Those improvements included the realignment of parking spaces, repaving and relocation of lighting." He believes it enhanced the organization's ability to attract the types of tenants that they did - Smith Barney, New York Sports Club, Viking Culinary Arts Center and more.

"Since that time, I've had ongoing discussions with Public Works, both on behalf of our organization and the Chamber of Commerce, to what the village has planned insofar as continuing that redevelopment. Mr. [Robert] Mangan is of the professional opinion that those same improvements should continue north on Franklin Avenue," he said.

Until a few months ago, Matthews understood that monies for such further improvements were included in this year's capital budget. "I learned shortly before the last meeting that it was moved to next year," he noted.

The Albanese Organization is currently under contract to acquire 1001 Franklin Avenue and 1140 Franklin Avenue, investing a total of $35 million in both buildings. This follows the organization's recent purchase of 1055 Franklin Avenue, where Fidelity Investments currently exists, for $10 million.

"We've invested a total of $45 million ... to further the revitalization of Franklin Avenue. Quite frankly, there's been other landowners that don't have the same interests as the village and as we do in ensuring that the Garden City business district is Triple A," he told Mayor Barbara Miller and trustees.

In order to redevelop 1001 Franklin, a 100,000 square foot building located at the corner of Franklin and Tenth Street that could potentially attract "first class retail" on the ground floor, Matthews said Field 9E must be addressed now, at the same time the organization plans to redevelop the building - this year and very early next year.

"We'll be marketing those spaces to tenants now and we need to ensure that these improvements will be made," he said. "Triple A tenants require triple A, first class parking."

After hearing his request, trustees made no comments.