As we move towards our goal of a St. Paul’s Project that can be executed, a critical step in building community support is determining what a completed project could offer residents. While I recognize there are true preservationists in our Village who support saving St. Paul’s even with no usage, I believe we all realize that a project of this magnitude would never have widespread community support without a program that is compelling to residents, seen as necessary to most, and recognized as greatly benefitting the community.
Considering the restrictions on use of the property due to the Parkland designation, the idea of a community center has emerged and gathered support. This idea has brought questions from residents. What exactly would be in the community center? Do we really need a community center? Garden City has never had one before, and with our outstanding recreation program and tight knit community that draws so many families to the Village, could a community center really make a difference here?
It appears that many residents, like myself, who grew up in Garden City or other areas without community centers may find the idea interesting, but do not know a lot about the details of what programs are offered and how community centers serve residents.
While there are many challenges ahead of the Board of Trustees in reaching its goal, a good place to start is by exploring with resident volunteers the concept of a Community Center, sharing what we learn about this with residents.
Do you know of a great Community Center you think we should research? Please reach out and let me know so we can add it to the list!
HYDRANT INSPECTIONS
The Water Department recently completed the inspection and painting of nearly 1,000 fire hydrants within the Village. As a result of the inspections, several hydrants were found to be in need of maintenance. These maintenance issues have been prioritized and are being addressed promptly. The Water Department continues to work closely with the Fire Department and communicates any related concerns. The Mayor and Board of Trustees continue to invest in the Village infrastructure to maintain public safety.
2023 TURKEY TROT
Long Island’s largest Thanksgiving Day road race marked its 46th anniversary Thanksgiving Day, drawing more than 7,000 runners - a new record! Kudos to all the volunteers who came together to ensure this event ran smoothly. Big thanks also to our Garden City Police and Recreation and Parks Departments! Participants also showed up for resident Mike Kenny, raising thousands in funding for brain cancer research and support through the purchase of #KennyStrong hats. To check out scenes from Race Day, visit www.gcturkeytrot.com.
GCFD OPERATION SANTA
The Garden City Volunteer Fire Department will once again be bringing Operation Santa to our Village the week of December 4th. We will attempt to pass every block in town, however due to some space restrictions (dead ends, cul-de-sacs) we may not be able to visit every block. Santa will leave GCFD HQ each evening at approximately 6:30 p.m. and will be out in the neighborhood until approximately 8:30 p.m.. The schedule will be as follows. However, it is subject to change due to weather or emergency response:
Monday, December 4th
Zone 1 North Estates / Western Section
Tuesday, December 5th
Zone 2 & 5 Central / Estates Section
Wednesday, December 6th
Zone 3 North Eastern Section
Thursday, December 7th
Zone 6 South Eastern Section
Friday, December 8th
Zone 4 South Western / Estates Section
Everyone is able to track Santa’s route by visiting GCFD Santa Tracking page. Link will be posted each day on the GCFD Facebook Page.
HAPPENING IN GARDEN CITY
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4 1:30 p.m. Movie Matinée: To Catch A Thief at the Library
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4 7:00 p.m. Family Bingo at the Library. Must register.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 9:30 a.m. Morning Pickleball at the Field House. Nominal fee. Call the Recreation Office at 465-4075 for more info.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 4:00 p.m. Teen Advisory Board meeting at the Library. Must register.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 7:30 p.m. Board of Commissioners of Cultural & Recreational Affairs meeting at the St. Paul’s Activity Center
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 6:00 p.m. Planing Commission meeting at Village Hall
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 7:30 p.m. Adult Men’s Basketball at the Field House. Nominal fee. Call the Recreation Office at 465-4075 for more info.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 7:30 p.m. Adult Volleyball at the Field House. Nominal fee. Call the Recreation Office at 465-4075 for more info.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 3:30 p.m. Village Christmas Tree Lighting and Hanukkah Festival of Lights on the Village Green