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Village Administrator Schoelle and I met last month with Chamber of Commerce President Jerry Unger and Bookspan Senior Vice President Janet Wolf to discuss what could be done to facilitate the issuance of a permit by Nassau Department of Public Works and the installation of a traffic signal by Bookspan's contractor at Franklin Avenue and Fourth Street, with the goal of having the installation completed by the opening day of school.

Mr. Schoelle was in almost daily contact with Bookspan and I learned on Thursday Sept. 9, prior to the board of trustees' meeting that night, that Bookspan's contractor, Welsbach Electric, advised that the start date for installing the traffic light will be Sept. 27. It should take about four weeks to complete as it takes a long time for the concrete base to cure and to become strong enough to support the weight of the signal.

I am pleased, as I am sure the board of trustees is, that the installation is to become a reality and we appreciate everyone's effort and attention. I especially acknowledge Bookspan's persistence in obtaining the permit - evidence that they continue to be a good neighbor and significant member of our commercial district.

Sullivan & Nickel Construction Company, an independent construction manager the board of trustees commissioned, reported on their findings. Representative Doug Renna presented this document. He reviewed the figures found on the summary sheet for all options for the Historic Main Building (demolition, stabilization, threshold [includes 15,000 square feet fit out of Community Space] and Garden City Library threshold [includes 50,000 square feet fit out of library/community space]) and also presented the same scenarios for removing east/west wing demo.

This figure confirmed what EYP stated - that it would not be a significant saving in terms of the project. Further discussion continued at the board of trustees' regular meeting. Residents interested in reading this report should contact village hall, their respective property owners' association president and/or a copy is available in the library.

As stated in a previous column, I would like to give you some more information regarding being prepared for the hurricane season. In the event that you stay at home during a storm, the following advice is offered:

Only stay in a home if you have not been ordered to leave. Turn refrigerator to maximum cold and open only when necessary. Turn off utilities if told to do so by authorities. If there is a power failure, turn off circuit breakers. Turn off and secure propane tanks. Unplug small appliances. Fill bathtub and large containers with water for sanitary purposes.

If winds become strong: Stay away from windows and doors, even if they are covered. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway. If you are in a two-story house, stay on the lower floor. Close all interior doors. Secure and brace external doors. If necessary, lie on the floor under a table, a mattress or other sturdy object. Be alert for tornadoes, which are often spawned by hurricanes. Be aware of the calm eye of the storm. After the eye passes, the winds change direction and quickly return to hurricane force.

As a reminder, on Sept. 13, the village began issuing railroad parking permits for the year 2004/05. The annual fee is $50. Permits may be obtained at the Village Business Office, 351 Stewart Avenue. Residents who already possess a 2003/04 permit will receive a renewal application by mail, which may be returned to the village either by mail or in person. A photocopy of your registration must accompany your application and check. Current permits will be valid through Sept. 30.

The Colonel Aaron Ogden Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has asked me to proclaim this week, Sept. 17-23, as "Constitution Week" in Garden City.

Our nation's Constitution, adopted Sept. 17, 1787, provided a fundamental document for freedom and independence, which has become a way of life in our great nation. All of us have cause to pause and reflect on our heritage. Residents are urged to fly the flag all week in observance.