Not much happened at the Village of Roslyn's most recent board of trustees meeting. In fact, it ended before the crowd could get settled in their seats. Most of the business items, old and new, were tabled for further discussion and possible resolution at next month's meeting. The BOT did approve a request from a local resident to hold a 5K run/walk in the village next spring, an event designed to raise money for the Roslyn Hilltop Foundation.

The BOT tabled several items, including one that would approve the selection of a supervisor for the Glen Avenue construction project, plus one that would award a contract for that same project to the lowest bidder. The BOT also tabled a motion concerning the further review of the final consultant applications for the village's Waterfront Enhancement Strategy Project. BOT members are currently reading proposals from various consulting firms. Such firms hope to help the village draft a plan leading to waterfront development and enhancement.

Such development is one of the most important issues facing the village in the coming year. In January, the village received a $73,000 grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund to design a waterfront trail and reuse plan for the waterfront parcel. The grant application was put in place by Janet Insardi, chair of the village's Planning Board and a member of the executive board of the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor.

Last month, the BOT invited an official with the state's Department of Parks and Recreation to update the village on strategies and possibilities concerning waterfront development.

Peter Walsh told BOT members what qualities make for a successful waterfront program. He listed a partnership between government agencies and the private sector, strong local leadership, including governments that work with a variety of civic associations, and a "clear vision" on the part of those involved in the program.

He said there were three different ways a waterfront can be developed. Such a property can be used as a public amenities park, as a source of pedestrian vehicular circulation, and for the development of vacant lands.

Mr. Walsh also claimed there were ample monies available from Albany for waterfront revitalization. Toward that end, he urged the BOT to familiarize itself with the state's Economic Development Corporation. He added that the village needs to become more effective in gaining private investment for its waterfront project.

In addition, Mr. Walsh discussed the successful waterfront projects conducted by towns and villages throughout New York State. Closer to home, Mr. Walsh cited the benefits incurred for Glen Cove, once that city's waterfront was renovated and revitalized. Mr. Walsh said he did not know if other municipalities had to raise taxes to finance part of their development projects. Mayor John Durkin said he would talk to mayors of other villages to see how they raised funds for waterfront revitalization.