The village has just been informed that KeySpan has begun work this week on its facility on Intersection Street in Hempstead (just south of Garden City). The first job will be to repair a natural gas valve at their Intersection Street property in an effort to alleviate potential gas odors. This work is routine gas utility work and not associated with site remediation or testing. The gas valve repair stems from feedback at the June 28 MGP Forum held at Adelphi where Garden City residents mentioned an odor near this property. This work has begun and crews performing the work have been wearing protective clothing since they may encounter historical site-related materials. This work may also generate some noise that is typical for gas utility related construction work.

The other work that will be performed involves routine site-related groundwater well testing at various locations in Garden City. KeySpan's contractor (URS Corp.) will be monitoring wells at the KeySpan site and at approximately 11 off-site locations in the village. The contractor will likely not be wearing any special protective gear/suits. The groundwater well testing is expected to last for about two weeks and is part of the NYSDEC's requirement that KeySpan continue performing site related testing.

Since the new miniature golf course opened in Community Park June 9, well over 5,000 rounds have been played. The new 18-hole custom designed course has water features and is beautifully landscaped with landscape rock and hundreds of perennials that together create a peaceful setting for quality family leisure time. Hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day and the rates for the course are: residents under 12 or resident seniors, $3; residents 12 or older, $5; non-resident under 12, $4; non-resident 12 or older, $6. Tickets can be purchased in the tennis hut located just north of the tennis facility.

I encourage all those who have not played the course to consider taking advantage of this great new recreational resource in the village.

Our local law requires dog owners to leash their pets and to clean up after them when they have relieved themselves upon any areas used in common by the public. These areas include median strips, curbs, gutters, park areas, streets, etc.

Regulations require that dog waste be placed with the rubbish for curbside collection on Wednesdays and be containerized or placed in a plastic bag, which is properly secured. It must not be placed in storm drains for obvious health reasons.

Please be considerate of those village employees who are working to keep our community beautiful by cleaning up after your dog and by properly disposing of the waste.

As a reminder, July 31 and Aug. 1 resulted in two consecutive odd days. All residents with automatic sprinklers should remember to reset their clocks to comply with the village lawn watering regulations. The hours of permitted lawn watering is between the hours of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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, Aug. 2, and will feature The Village Music Makers. 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.