Vote Saves Liberty Gardens
The Liberty Community Gardens just got a new lease on life.

Last fall it looked like the gardens, 48 plots tended by Battery Park City residents outside Liberty Court at 200 Rector Pl., would bloom no more. The condo board had voted not to renew the gardens lease after some owners complained that they were unkempt and reduced property values.

The Liberty Court board put the lease renewal to a vote of all the owners following a letter-writing campaign by garden supporters and articles in the local press.

On Jan. 27, the final tally was made and, with 40 percent of owners voting, was nearly two to one in favor of renewal. Ninety-eight units voted for the gardens and 57 voted against, according to the building management.

Mike McCormack, a gardener and Liberty Court condo owner, was happy. "It confirms that most people share our vision of what we provide to the community," he said.

The ballot authorized a two-year renewal of the lease with a start date to be determined. McCormack said that while a large majority of owners voted to keep the gardens there for now, a long-term site would still need to be found. The gardens were originally located farther north along West Street, but were displaced by the Rector Street bridge. Since that bridge is supposed to be temporary, it is possible the gardens could eventually move back to that spot.

McCormack said the gardeners will address complaints that the area looks too barren in winter by planting some evergreens. Unfortunately, when the board voted last September to end the lease, most gardeners did not plant spring bulbs.

Said McCormack, "If there weren't six inches of snow on the ground, I'd be out planting bulbs right now."

Developer at P.S. 234
Construction of a 300-foot residential tower, community center and school annex behind P.S. 234 will begin this month. Last month, principal Sandy Bridges and PTA president, Kevin Fisher, met with the site's developer, Scott Resnick, and got the first details of what life next to a construction zone is going to be like. On Feb. 4, Resnick is coming to the school to meet with parents. See www.tribecatrib.com for updates throughout the month.

Film Festival Volunteers
Organizers of the 2005 Tribeca Film Festival scheduled for April 21 through May 1 are seeking volunteers to work special events at the festival. A question and answer session for those interested in volunteering will be held Feb. 8 and 15 at 7 p.m. at Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick St. RSVP to volunteers@tribecafilmfestival.org.

Glee Club Auditions
The Downtown Glee Club is holding auditions for male singers on Feb. 8 from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. at 74 Trinity Place, second floor. Prior experience or ability to read music are not necessary.

For more information call Jerry Osterberg at 516-248-7549.

Baby Sitter Training
The American Red Cross will offer 11-to-15 year-olds a two-session course on the basics in baby sitting with topics that include safety, first aid, safe play and care skills on Jan. 22 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, 2 South End Ave.

Registration is required for the $30 course. Call 212-267-9700, ext. 366.

P.S. 234 Winter Fair
The annual Winter Fair at P.S. 234, a fund-raiser for the school at 292 Greenwich St., is set for Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair will feature a rummage sale, games in the gym, arts and crafts for children and adults, making masks and votive candle holders, face-painting, and more.

Burglar Proof?
A rash of residential burglaries in the Soho area in January has police asking residents to remain alert. Tribeca residents concerned about the security of their home should call the 1st Precinct to schedule a crime prevention survey of their space, which includes checks of security devices, door locks, windows and other access points. Call Officer Joe Bellomo, 212-334-0603.

Musicians Wanted
Woodwind, brass and percussion musicians of all ages are sought for a community band, TriBattery Pops. The gazebo group, which performs concerts during the summer, plays marching band music, songs from musicals, Beatles tunes and contemporary pop. The band is in particular need of a tuba player. Call Church Street School for Music and Art, 212-571-7290.

Free Health Screenings
Free blood pressure and cholesterol screenings will be offered Feb. 14 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Downtown Information Center, 25 Broad St. The screenings will be conducted by NYU Downtown Hospital staff.

FBI Seeks Street Name
Community Board 1 last month approved the proposed co-naming of a stretch of Duane Street near the Federal Building for an FBI agent killed during the Sept. 11 attacks. Special Agent Leonard Hatton was killed when the towers collapsed as he was helping firefighters evacuate occupants. If the City Council passes the proposal, Duane Street between Broadway and Lafayette Street would be co-named "Leonard Hatton Way."