It may be that no sound is heard if a tree falls in the forest, but the six trees that fell last week at a cooperative apartment building at 15 Beach Road echoed with a resounding crash all over the Village of Great Neck. The village's building inspector, Fred Lauria, who has served in various capacities for 18 years, was placed under an administrative leave pending an investigation related to an alleged conflict of interest and violation of the village's code of ethics. As we go to press, village officials have not made further announcements regarding the status of the inquiry. FULL STORY

In a unanimous vote on April 29, the Great Neck Library board members embraced a conceptual plan for the redesign of the main branch, which would increase the square footage by 23,500 feet at a total cost of $19.1 million. It is a plan which, they believe, will have a minimal environmental and visual impact while addressing the needs of the community now and in the future. Three conceptual options were presented to the board and the public by the architectural firm of H2L2. As such a project would be financed through bonding, a public referendum will be held. The increased tax levy for property owners would be $1.41 per $100 of assessed valuation. FULL STORY

The 2002-03 Clark University Women's Swimming Team concluded the season with a 5-7 overall record and an eighth-place finish in the NEWMAC Championships. Fourth-year head coach Dana Hodges directed the Cougars. Leandra Manos (second year) served as an assistant while Wilson Aybar '99 (fourth season) directed the diving program. The Cougars started the season winning three out of their first four meets with wins over Gordon College (147-128), Bridgewater State College (122-120) and Babson College (134.5-103.5). Clark also defeated Colby-Sawyer 125-88 and cross-town rival WPI 133-103 later in the season. FULL STORY

The Great Neck Park District now has a special safe boating course, as required by state law, available to park district residents and out-of-district residents as well. FULL STORY