Garden City employees said Wednesday's rain was the worst in village memory. Thankfully, there were no injuries or fires and Garden City came through reasonably well.

It was estimated that over 5 inches of rain fell in one hour. Unsurprisingly, storm drains were unable to handle this tremendous rush of water and there was extensive flooding in low-lying areas, especially on Nassau Boulevard under the Long Island Rail Road trestle and on Tanners Pond Road. A number of vehicles became stalled and stranded attempting to make it through high water. There were also reports of some sewer backups.

The village's Municipal Service Yard on Cherry Valley Avenue was flooded and may have been struck by lightning. The facility continued to operate under generator power until full power was restored later in the day. I join Village Administrator Bob Schoelle in commending all of the village employees who responded - sometimes under very severe conditions - to keep the village running and help our residents get through this once-in-a-lifetime event.

It is wonderful to see so many Garden City residents as well as visitors to our village enjoying alfresco dining on New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Avenue and Seventh Street. The village piloted alfresco dining in the summer of 1996. The Chamber of Commerce supported outdoor dining as a strategy to encourage shopping in Garden City. They asked the village to change its code to allow outdoor dining by permit, which the village did on May 15, 1997. For the past nine seasons the number of businesses providing this feature continues to grow. This year there are over 20 businesses that have permits. There is no doubt that alfresco dining is an overwhelming success. I encourage residents to come early and combine shopping with dining outside at their favorite place.

Once again, compliments are due to the Recreation Department for arranging the 2007 season's outstanding Concert Series at the Village Gazebo, located on the Village Green at the corner of Stewart and Hilton avenues.

This week's program is scheduled for Thursday, July 26, and will feature The Chaperones. The program will begin at 7:15 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.

I encourage residents to periodically utilize the village's website for information regarding the village's operations, as well as items of seasonal and special interest. The address is www.gardencityny.net. Also please be aware that I have a village email address and would be delighted to hear from village residents about their concerns. It is as follows: MayorPBee@gardencityny.net.