The Franklin Avenue Beautification Project is proceeding without delay on the two blocks on the west side of Franklin Avenue between Stewart Avenue and Tenth Street. The entire sidewalk has been removed. New curbing for the layby parking has been installed along with the dense base pavement for the parking area. The concrete light pole bases have been installed together with the underground conduit.

The installation of the sidewalk pavers began last week on the block between Ninth and Tenth Street. This process is labor intensive. It involves first leveling and compacting the sub base, then adding and compacting layers of stone screenings and sand and finally installing and aligning the pavers to meet the required pattern and grades. In many cases the pavers must be accurately cut to fit around utilities and other existing obstructions.

The contractor also began the installation of decorative crosswalks which will cross the side streets as well as Franklin Avenue. The concrete base and curbing were installed across Ninth Street and covered with steel plates while the concrete cured to sufficient strength to support traffic.

The Village and its contractors are doing all that they can to cooperate with area businesses in order to keep disruption to a minimum. I encourage you to continue to patronize these businesses during what is a difficult time for them.

Friday, April 30 has been proclaimed as Arbor Day. Commemorating this event, the Village of Garden City joined members of the Civic Beautification Committee in a ceremony that was held on Wednesday, April 28, bright and early at 10 a.m., along with several classes from Locust Street School. The ceremony was held at the Village Green. In honor of Arbor Day, the Village has planted a Sugar Maple Tree at the Village Green. A representative from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be in attendance to present the flag.

Residents are reminded that rubbish collection day throughout the Village is Wednesday. Nothing should be placed at the curb prior to 7 p.m. Tuesday evening. It is a detraction from the aesthetics of the Village and poor treatment of one's neighbors to ignore the Village law which specifies that rubbish should not be deposited at the curb side before the evening prior to collection.

The Village Administrator urges residents to cooperate so that it will not become necessary for the Police Department to issue appearance tickets to those who have disregarded this local law. Please cooperate.