Issuu

Friday, February 28, 2025

Vol. 102, No. 9

Let My 30 Ye ars of Experience Work For You

FOUNDED 1923 n LOCALLY OWNED AND EDITED

Looking to mak e a move? Contact me! Katarzyna “K atrin

a” Kamer Licensed Asso ciate Real Esta te Broker M 917.548.7106 | kkamer@ellim an.com Garden City Offi ce | 130 7th Str eet 516.307.9406 | elliman.com

Final Four PAGE 53 n Teens Project PAGE 38

SEVENTH STREET SWEETS

Should renters be included in survey? Residents weigh in BY RIKKI MASSAND

On February 24, Kindergarten Daisy Troop 1445 held a sale of Girl Scout cookies on Seventh Street outside of Coquette. The cookie boxes sold out in 20 minutes! Thank you to Lisa Smith of Coquette for hosting the troop. The troop looks forward to hosting another sale in March. Pictured: Back row Reese Hannan, big sister Jane Mantyla, Renny Leach, Jane Mantyla, Riley Overby, Millie Thorton, and big sister Maeve Burns. Front Row: Reilly Campbell, Dylan Flecker, Alice McKeever, Caroline Furman and Catherine Burns. Missing fellow Daisies Quinn Reilly, Lila Groarke and Olivia Finneran.

BOE kicks off budget development BY KASSARA MCELROY

The Garden City Board of Education has begun budget planning for the 2025-2026 school year, outlining a proposed $137,410,845 budget — a 2.56% increase, or $3.42 million, over the current year. The projected tax levy increase is 2.42%, which is the maximum allowable under state regulations.

Superintendent Dr. Kusum Sinha emphasized the district’s commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with its mission to provide high-quality education, ensure student safety, and equip schools with the necessary resources for student success.

Breaking down the budget

The district serves 3,935 in-district students, 26 out-

of-district students, and 107 Universal Pre-K (UPK) students, supported by over 900 employees, including 689 fulltime positions. It operates seven school buildings, an administration and transportation hub, and two cafeterias. The Garden City school district maintains a AAA bond rating, reflecting strong financial management. See page 50

At recent Village Board of Trustees meetings, residents have repeatedly questioned why the much-anticipated St. Paul’s Survey will be distributed to every Garden City household, including both homeowners and renters. Some argue that only property owners should have a say in decisions affecting the historic St. Paul’s building. During the February 18th meeting of the board, resident Leo Stimmler, a former member of the Environmental Advisory Board, presented some concerns he has about distribution of the St. Paul’s Survey. He questioned why the survey is being sent out to every residence of the village. Mr. Stimmler told the Board he’s lived in Garden City for 45 years, and his son Colin and family also made the village their home, but he doesn’t think allowing renters to fill out the surveys is fair. Having lived in Garden City for 45 years, he believes it is unfair for renters to participate. He explained to the Board of Trustees, “Renters are moving into Hampshire House, at 67 Hilton Avenue, and at 555 Stewart. See page 49

Three Judges recuse from Casino lawsuit BY MEG MORGAN NORRIS

Three different judges who were assigned to a lawsuit that the Village of Garden City filed against Nassau County over the proposed Sands Las Vegas Casino have recused themselves from the case. Two of the judges did not give reasons for their recusals; the third said that a member of his staff had a conflict that required recusal. The suit, an Article 78 action, challenged approvals granted by the Nassau County Planning Commission and the Legislature See page 49

Board sets hearing on tree law changes PAGE 3 Rotary marks 100th: A Year of Service PAGE 36