Compliments are due to the Albanese Organization and their Renaissance Development Corporation for the progress that it is making in transforming the former A&S building at Franklin Avenue and Ninth Street. With each passing week the exterior of the building becomes more attractive and returns to being one of the focal points along Franklin Avenue.

Bernie DelBello, proprietor of the Newport Grill on Seventh Street, is also to be complimented for the handsome color scheme that he selected in repainting his restaurant. His lead will be followed later this summer by the owners of Grand Union in dressing up their building. Other businesses are encouraged to do the same as it will show potential customers your commitment to quality customer service and merchandise -- another Garden City tradition.

Progress continues along Franklin Avenue as the project is scheduled to shift to the south of Stewart Avenue next week. Crews are currently installing the large precast street light pole bases, concrete pavers and granite curbing within the area between Ninth Street and Stewart Avenue. This will be followed with the installation of additional arbors at each alleyway as well as site amenities which include benches, trash receptacles, kiosks, tree grates, etc.

Early next week additional crews will begin removing the sidewalk from the east side of Franklin Avenue from Stewart Avenue south to the Long Island Rail Road tracks. Both the village and its contractors are sensitive to this phase of the project as a number of businesses do not have rear entrances. With safety as the first priority, work will be scheduled to minimize disruption to all involved.

To their credit the members of the business community have been very tolerant of the inconvenience that this project has caused. Please continue to show them your support by shopping in Garden City, even during this difficult time. You will be pleased with the shopping experience.

On Thursday, July 22, the Recreation Department will be presenting The Buckinghams - Kind of a Drag, Don't You Care, Susan and more top 10 favorites from this '60s supergroup.

The program, which will be held at the Garden City Gazebo, located at the corner of Hilton and Stewart Avenues, 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 contact the Recreation Program Line (742-5888) with questions pertaining to the concert.