The mission of The Committee to Save St. Paul's is to develop the most reasonable and affordable plan for the preservation of St. Paul's that maintains public control, preserves as much of the building and historical features as possible, maximizes public use, considers all viable options and proves financially acceptable to a majority of the residents of our very special village.

In order to accomplish our mission, we have engaged a full-time executive director, Eileen Burns Collins, a 20-year resident of Garden City, first woman president of the Western Property Owners' Association, one of only four women to serve on the village's board of trustees, a tireless advocate, while a trustee, for the preservation of St. Paul's and, most importantly, a person who respects Stewart's vision.

We have filed for 501(c)3 status and developed bylaws for the St. Paul's Conservancy.

We have raised, through private donations, $50,000 to be used to develop our proactive plan, not the lawsuit involving the site.

We have established a communication timetable to keep residents informed on our progress, held a reception for neighbors committed to keeping St. Paul's for all the people and are formalizing outreach sessions to ascertain information from residents.

We have consulted with other communities, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation, The Preservation League of New York State, The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities in developing a list of preservation architects and development firms specializing in the preservation and rehabilitation of historical properties.

After an exhaustive interview process, we are especially excited to announce we have retained the services of Stephen Tilly, Architect, and Gould and Associates.

Stephen Tilly, Architect's principal focus is upon preservation and rehabilitation. They have conducted historic structure and landscape studies and prepared drawings and specifications for historic properties, working with local, state and Federal agencies. Right here on Long Island, they are planning an adaptive reuse of the historic agricultural complex at Caumsett State Historic Park. As consulting architect at the National Trust Lyndhurst, Stephen Tilly is guiding the restoration of several structures at the National Historic Landmark. In addition, Stephen Tilly is directing the restoration of the Shearirh Israel Synagogue in Manhattan. The firm is proud of their ability to listen carefully to clients, committed to appreciating traditions, but deliberate in looking at each project freshly and in its own right, and they stay close to the cutting edge of 21st century building technology and design.

Gould and Associates provides a wide range of development and advisory services related to the adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of historic properties. By utilizing the most creative financing opportunities available, they have brought to fruition projects believed to be impossible.

The Committee feels strongly that with this team, along with other professionals we will retain, and resident advice and consultation, we will find a plan for St. Paul's that the people will embrace.

In closing, we would like to thank those who have joined the Committee, those who have financially supported our efforts and we invite interested readers to contact Eileen Burns Collins at Cooins@aol.com or call her at 328-8814.

If we all join together and we all set aside our personal agendas, St. Paul's can be saved.

The Committee to Save St. Paul's