A Word From Garden City Mayor Don Brudie

Storm Preparation: The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) recently sent to the village a publication regarding storms and it is clear that the level of preparation before severe weather hits can determine the level of your comfort and safety after the storm. What would you do if basic services such as water, gas, electricity or telephones were cut off? LIPA’s Storm Center at www.lipower.org/stormcenter can help you before, during and after a power outage. LIPA suggests that the following items be on hand in your home:

• At least a three-day supply of food that does not require refrigeration for each person in your home - and a manual can opener. The supply should include three gallons of water per person. And don’t forget food for your pets.
• First aid kits in your car and your home.
• Battery-powered radio, TV, flashlight and extra batteries.
• A corded telephone. Cordless phones and telephone services such as those that use a cable modem or fiber optics may not work when there is a power outage.
• A full tank of gas and cash in your pocket. Gas pumps and ATMs may not be working during an outage.

For more information about emergency preparedness and real-time outage data, visit their Storm Center at www.lipower.org/stormcenter. Most importantly, if your power goes out, let LIPA know right away: Call 1-800-490-0075 anytime; Text “REG” to myLIPA (695472) for the one-time registration. Then, if the power goes out, simply text “OUT.” Online: Via LIPA’s Storm Center at www.lipower.org/stormcenter.

If you or a loved one depends upon life support equipment, register for their Critical Care Program. Critical Care offers special attention when there’s severe weather, but does not guarantee priority during restoration efforts. Call LIPA at 1-800-490-0025 or visit www.lipower.org/critical care for more information.

Concert at Gazebo Rescheduled From July 26: Please note that the Concert at the Gazebo that was originally scheduled for Thursday, July 26 was  rescheduled, due to the weather, to Thursday, Aug. 9. The concert will feature The Terranova Little Big Band - easy listening from the 40's to the present - performed on the Village Green at the corner of Stewart and Hilton Avenues.

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.

Yield for Pedestrian in Crosswalk: Residents are again reminded of the "Yield for Pedestrian in Crosswalk" signs at the three mid-block crosswalks on Seventh Street between Franklin and Hilton avenues.

State vehicle and traffic law states that motorists must yield to pedestrians who are crossing a roadway within the striped crosswalks. A motorist seeing a pedestrian entering the crosswalk must stop and permit the pedestrian to cross the street. Cars approaching the stopped vehicle from the rear are not permitted to pass.

The Garden City Police Department has been instructed to vigorously enforce these regulations and your cooperation when driving on Seventh Street will help to make these crosswalks safer for pedestrians.

A word of caution, however, to the pedestrian - do not place undue reliance on the signs or the crosswalks, even though the law requires vehicles to yield the right-of-way - they may not do so.

Board of Trustees Summer Meeting Schedule: During August the board of trustees meets one time. Their next meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. This meeting is 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.