Garden City, N.Y. — It "What's going on at the former Saks Fifth Avenue building?" One of Garden City's most frequently asked questions will be answered at a presentation for the Garden City Chamber of Commerce by Alfred Weissman, principal of Alfred Weissman Real Estate, LLC., and the firm's team of architects, at the chamber's season kick-off luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 11:30 a.m. at The Garden City Hotel.

Alfred Weissman had purchased the former Saks Fifth Avenue Building at 1300 Franklin Avenue in 2005. When Saks opened in 1960, it brought with it the concept of Franklin Avenue as the "Fifth Avenue of Long Island." Today, Franklin is better known as the "The Wall Street of Long Island" and Long Island's financial mecca. While there were many concerns following the closing of this Franklin Avenue landmark, the expectations for the building have increased dramatically with its purchase by Alfred Weissman and his firm from Yonkers.

Following site plan approval from the village board of trustees, Weissman's façade and landscaping plans are currently under way. As Weissman has said, "while a departure from the facades of yesterday, plans for the new design will be consistent with buildings in the surrounding area, with enhancements contributing to tomorrow's vision: making Franklin Avenue all that it can be."

With more than 40 years experience in real estate, Weissman has been recognized for his outstanding reputation for professional excellence, management responsibility and financial integrity. With a focus on quality construction programs, Alfred Weissman Real Estate, LLC. has steadily gained the trust and confidence of civic and business leaders through its professionalism, high corporate standards and personal commitment to myriad projects.

Weissman and his firm are widely known for an extensive list of redevelopment, renovation and conversion projects including the restoration of a 30-year-old shopping center - a pace setter for neighboring communities. Additionally, town planners have heralded the firm's design and architectural concepts of a revitalized derelict 18-acre shopping center. Weissman was presented with a citation from former Westchester County Executive Andrew O'Rourke acknowledging him for "exceptional achievement as the developer" of a facility for Westchester County.

A strong supporter of numerous local charities, Weissman is a past vice president of the Cerebral Palsy Association. He is also the recipient of numerous professional and humanitarian awards, citations and acknowledgments. As a proud veteran of the US Army, Weissman has been a sponsor of Flag Day and Veteran's Day observances in the City of Yonkers for which he has been well recognized. He serves on the Hospital Board of Trustees of St. Joseph's Medical Center, which is extremely important to him for the care the hospital provides for a broad segment of the underserved population of Westchester. Weissman is a graduate of Syracuse University. He currently serves as a director on the board of the Garden City Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber cordially invites all members of the community - both business and residential - to hear Weissman address the changes at the former Saks site as well as his vision for the future of Franklin Avenue. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. with a reception and showcase of various member businesses. Luncheon is served promptly at 12:30 p.m. Advance reservations at $60 for chamber members and $65 for non-members are required. There will be open seating with tables of 10 reserved. Call the chamber (746-7724) by Friday, Sept. 22 to reserve. Fee may be collected at the door; or mail checks payable to the Garden City Chamber of Commerce, to 230 Seventh Street, Garden City, NY 11530.