Last week's newspaper brought the good news that Governor George Pataki made the announcement in Garden City than an agreement has been reached between the Long Island Rail Road and the New York and Atlantic Railway, which provides, in part, that there will be no future freight traffic on the Hempstead branch nor Central Extension with the exception of the annual circus train.

As many residents are aware, this is the favorable result of over five years of active, ongoing dialog and negotiation with both railroads. We are most grateful to the many residents, the Property Owners' Associations, the Environmental Advisory Board, former Mayors Tauches and Hecken and Village Counsel Gary Fishberg for sharing so much of their time, efforts and talent. Special recognition and appreciation is due to Governor Pataki, Senator Kemp Hannon, Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell and Town Councilman Joe Kearney for all that they had done to effect this desired result. Their leadership role on this vital issue to our village, as well as to each of our neighboring villages on the Hempstead branch of the Long Island Rail Road is sincerely appreciated.

Today marks the arrival of Adelphi's Class of 2005 onto the Garden City campus. It gives me pleasure to welcome the students and faculty and to compliment them on choosing Adelphi. We look forward to being their home, away from home, during the next four years. In a previous column I extended best wishes on behalf of the village board to each of our first time college-bound students. Over the last few days I have noticed a number of family autos filled to capacity and equipped with bike racks and roof carriers - it appears that the annual exodus from Garden City has begun. Drive safely.

I am pleased to report that the village's new tennis facility, located in Community Park, remains on schedule. The structure was recently raised and the interior fabric, lights and air exchange units are now being installed. Aside from the various contractors involved in the project, our own village employees have displayed their efforts in the project to ensure a successful facility.

The return of last year's tennis court contract holders is approaching 90 percent, so I encourage anyone interested in applying for court time for the upcoming season to contact our Recreation Department at 465-4075. Opening day is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 7.