A Word From Mayor John Watras

A New Initiative For Seventh Street: The festive atmosphere that we enjoy each year at the Belmont Festival on Seventh Street is planned to continue each Friday night from 6 until 10 p.m. during July and August.

Program organizers are working with representatives from the incorporated village to develop plans which will allow for the closing of Seventh Street each Friday evening between Franklin and Hilton Avenues (hopefully beginning this evening) so that residents and visitors to Garden City can enjoy the outdoor dining and live entertainment offered by local restaurants as well as shopping in the stores and shops who will remain open during the evening. I hope to see you on a Friday evening.

Shop and Dine Outdoors in Garden City: The residents of Garden City are very fortunate to have viable retail businesses on Seventh Street, Franklin Avenue and New Hyde Park Road where there is a good variety of quality merchandise and family dining experiences available to be enjoyed. Please support these businesses and enjoy the products, variety and outstanding customer service. Keep in mind that these merchants save you from traveling outside the village for your needs. Consider the harsh reality if we did not have these businesses here to service our needs. I look forward to seeing everyone in town.

Sidewalks and Walkways: A concerned resident has asked that I remind residents to keep their sidewalks clear of any overhanging bushes and tree branches. There are many walkers and runners that are getting hit in the face while on sidewalks and they are unable to pass another person because some of these obstructions cover a third to half of the sidewalk.

Concert at Gazebo: Once again, compliments are due to the Recreation Department for arranging the 2013 season's outstanding Concert Series at the Village Gazebo, located on the Village Green at the corner of Stewart and Hilton avenues.

Next week’s program is scheduled for Thursday, July 11, and will feature Buddy Merriam and Back Roads. I hope that I will get a chance to see you at one of the concerts this summer.

The program will begin at 7:15 p.m. and admission is free. Please bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a very pleasant evening. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held at the Cultural and Performing Arts Center at Cluett Hall at the St. Paul’s School. Please call the Recreation Office at 465-4075 if you have any questions pertaining to the concert.

Board of Trustees Summer Meeting Schedule: During July and August the board of trustees will meet only one time each month. The dates are Thursday July 18, and Thursday, Aug. 22, at 8 p.m. These meetings are held in the boardroom at Village Hall. I encourage all residents to attend board of trustees meetings so as to be thoroughly informed of village issues from a first-hand perspective.