If you've reviewed the newspaper this week, you already know that Trustee John Mauk advised me recently of his decision to step down as chair of the Mayor's Committee on St Paul's and to leave the committee altogether. A copy of John's letter of resignation is printed elsewhere in this paper. John has worked tirelessly over several years to assist in the selection of a potential developer for the Main Building at St. Paul's, and to bring us to the point where the residents will soon be able to consider concrete proposals from AvalonBay for redeveloping and saving the building.

Sadly, during the course of this work, John has had to endure many unwarranted attacks on him personally, as well as for his work on the committee. After learning within the past few weeks that his employer, CB Richard Ellis, has some business dealings with AvalonBay, John informed me that, in order to avoid even the hint of any impropriety, he needs to remove himself from anything to do with any redevelopment of St. Paul's by AvalonBay.

I know John to be a person of great character and integrity. I am satisfied that the relationship between his employer and AvalonBay has absolutely nothing to do with the redevelopment of St. Paul's or John's leadership in that process. I agree with him, however, that the business connection will always make John a ready target for anyone who wants to challenge his work on St. Paul's. John has also told me that he hopes his departure from the committee will cause people to refocus attention on the merits of any proposal for the development of St. Paul's, rather than the personalities of the people involved.

I accept John's resignation from the committee with regret. I think this is a great loss for the village. It is up to the rest of us now to move forward on this project, but John's participation will be sorely missed.

Please note that the next regularly scheduled board of trustees meetings will be held Thursday, March 6, and Thursday, March 20.

It is with great pleasure that I announce that Garden City has once again been awarded the designation of Tree City, USA.

This award, granted by the National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, recognizes communities which meet detailed, objective standards applied to trees on public property. These standards involve ongoing tree planting, maintenance and preservation of trees and the number of variety of trees planted per year in the community. Evaluations are made on the basis of four standards: a legally constituted municipal tree body, the adoption of tree ordinances, a comprehensive Community Forestry Program and the observance of Arbor Day.

I encourage residents to periodically utilize the village's website for information regarding the village's operations, as well as items of seasonal and special interest. The address is www.gardencityny.net. Also please be aware that I have a village email address and would be delighted to hear from village residents about their concerns - it is as follows: MayorPBee@gardencityny.net.