All motorists are reminded of the opening of the 2008-09 school term in Garden City. Hundreds of youngsters are walking to and from school, many for the first time. Please pay particular attention when driving in the area of recommended pedestrian routes and school yards. This will not be any different than prior years in that a few preoccupied young people will inevitably dart out from in between parked cars or fail to look for oncoming traffic when crossing the street.

While the police and crossing guards are on duty at school crossing zones, many children will be crossing at unprotected areas. Parents are urged to discuss safe practices with their children and to remind them that it is very difficult for passing motorists to see them and affect a stop.

A reminder to motorists: The posted speed limit in the area of schools is 20 miles per hour.

Beginning Sept. 15, the village will begin issuing Railroad Parking Permits for the year 2008-09. The annual fee is $100 (this equates to approximately $.40 per day).

Permits may be obtained at the Village Business Office, 351 Stewart Avenue. Residents who already possess a 2007-08 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.

During September, the board of trustees will meet once a month. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. Correspondence addressed to the mayor and board must be received by Tuesday morning Sept. 9 to be included with the board's communications for this meeting. The Mayor's Committee Report on St. Paul's which was presented at the July 17 board of trustees meeting is posted on the website along with three appraisal reports. There is also a link that can be accessed in which you can write a comment to the mayor and board of trustees with regard to the report. The village website address is www.gardencityny.net. Copies of the report are also available at the library reference desk and at the business office at Village Hall. 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. At this time portions of our village website are under construction, we are sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause. 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.