Russell Matthews, from Albanese Development Corporation spoke with the village board at last Thursday's village meeting about the list of needs they felt was necessary in order to continue the revitalization of Franklin Avenue. The suggestion that generated the most discussion was Matthew's belief that a movie theater on Franklin Avenue would generate needed business at night and on weekends.

Though admitting they are intrigued by the idea of a movie theater on Franklin Avenue, Mayor Harold Hecken and other members of the board noted that they would need a more detailed presentation before they could consider this possibility.

Matthews stated that the Albanese Corp. has found this to be an essential element to the revitalization of Franklin Avenue, based upon feedback from brokers and retailers, who have commented that Garden City is "dead" at night and on weekends. "A theater would go a long way to bringing customers to the village, potential customers for retailers," said Matthews.

Mayor Hecken stated that the need for a theater might be in conflict with some residents' feelings that the area should remain quiet. He added that the community may need to be further educated about the needs and desirability of a theater before it could be considered. He also acknowledged that several other communities have added theaters to their downtowns, these theaters having some small viewing rooms, rather than being a large multiplex.

Matthews stressed that the type of theater he was suggesting was not a multiplex, as one might find at a shopping center, but a small theater like what is found in Manhasset, Great Neck, Roslyn, or Rockville Centre. In speaking of the theater in Manhasset and the business it brings to a nearby restaurant, Matthews stated, "It becomes a focal point and people really enjoy seeing their neighbors, the children know each other from school, it really helps the community, I think, so I believe it could be a tremendous asset."

Hecken questioned whether it might be better if a developer such as the Albanese Corp. were to submit a detailed explanation of what they had in mind so the board could look at the possibility with those plans in mind. In response to this Matthews stated, "It would be too costly an undertaking for us or any other developer, given the delay that we all have experienced any time we try to get anything done here." He stated that this was not being said as a criticism of the village, but as an explanation as to why it needs to be considered by the planning commission prior to any plans being developed.

John Mauk, the village's newest trustee, and a member of the planning commission until his appointment to the village board, stated that he felt this was an intriguing idea, but questioned where Matthews wants the board to go with this suggestion, adding, "I think it's something that's worthy of further exploration and development."

Matthews then questioned the board as to how they wanted him to proceed. Hecken responded, "We have some discussing to do but I still feel we need a little more detailed presentation from your organization on what you might have in mind."

Trustee Peter Bee also expressed an interest in the idea of a theater but questioned Matthews about the fact that the last time this issue was discussed no suitable building was found to house a theater.

In response to the question of location, Matthews noted that at first they had thought about the former Smith Barney building, but that was found not to be feasible, "so the only location would be to create a site in Parking Field 9E in the block between 9th and 10th Streets, at the end of 10th Street." Matthews explained that this property was controlled by the village which is where the board and the planning commission come in, because their approvals would be necessary in order for that property to be used. Matthews added that he felt now was an appropriate time to discuss this issue, because the planning commission just got the consultant's report on parking back and is currently examining the issue. This location, said Matthews, would be the only feasible area that would be close enough to existing stores and restaurants that could benefit from the business generated by the addition of a theater.

Matthews requested that the village board authorize the planning commission to explore the idea of a theater in that location and to meet with the Albanese Corp. to discuss the possibility of furthering those plans, before they spent any more money on the plans only to discover that the planning commission was not receptive. Bee responded, "I think that's the problem- the process would call for you to approach the planning commission and make some presentations to what you would like to develop. I think it's hard for the village board, in advance of hearing the outcome of the process, to try and say 'we're in favor of it' or 'we're opposed to it.' I'm hearing that we're all intrigued by the idea but I think we'd like to see something more concrete."

Hecken said that the board will discuss it and possibly approach the planning commission about exploring the idea further.

Other suggestions that Matthews presented to the board included the competition of other phases of the revitalization of Franklin Avenue such as the mid-block crosswalks and timing of the traffic lights and the continuation of the work north of 11th Street. Matthews also expressed the need for the village to have a vision for what they would like to see with regard to the future of Franklin Avenue. Hecken responded that within the next few months he expects to see the revitalization continue north on Franklin and added that as far as a vision for the downtown area, currently the board is waiting for direction from the chamber of commerce as to whether or not they want to consider a Business Improvement District (BID). Later in the meeting, Althea Robinson, executive director of the chamber of commerce stated that the Business Planning Coalition is working on their recommendations with regard to putting together a BID.

Another concern raised by Matthews was the lighting on Franklin Avenue. He stated that he has heard from retailers that they find there to be an "eerie glow" with enough lights to land an airplane. The mayor noted that he has also heard this concern from residents but would have thought that retailers would like the bright lights so he was glad to hear that businesses, too, object to the brightness. He also noted that number of poles and wattages of the lights were determined by the county. He explained that there would be no poles added when the streetscape continues northward. Trustee Robert Lewis suggested that if someone from the county were invited down to see the brightness, they might agree to relax their requirements. "It conflicts with what we are trying to do." concluded Lewis. "It's really not compatible with a shopping area."