On Thursday, Nov. 12, community groups met to unveil the progress in creating a vibrant downtown in Port Washington. Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington (Residents) hosted the event at the plaza in front of Ayhan’s Mediterranean Marketplace on lower Main Street. The event was attended by Town of North Hempstead politicians, members of the Port Washington Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District (BID).
Several new business owners, Lisa Yeung-Ng of Sylvan Learning on Main Street and Helen Leib of the Blue Moon Project were there, as well as veteran business owner Ayhan Hassan, owner of Shish Kebab, Ayhan’s Mediterranean Market and the new f.i.s.h. on Main Street. Hassan’s f.i.s.h. benefited from the restoration project with the restoration of the original dentil moldings, addition of three planter benches and historic chain lighting with LED bulbs to the historic 100-plus-year-old building on Main Street that f.i.s.h. is located in.
Jennifer Rimmer, chairperson of the Residents’ Model Block Committee and board member, said, “Through the dedication of the town, community groups and generous individuals, Port Washington’s Main Street has been experiencing a wonderful revitalization. Planned development that complements both existing architecture and new zoning has resulted in inviting new storefronts and enhanced streetscape, including our new seasonally planted teak planters. These are just a couple of examples of public-private partnership at its best. We look forward to continuing to work with our community partners to further enhance our community by sharing ideas, expertise, time and financial support.”
Over the last decade, Long Island Index reports have inspired local downtowns to look at Long Island Railroad hubs as untapped potential to transform the economies of Nassau and Suffolk by rethinking how we build in our downtowns. Ideas include building modern mixed-use housing around the railroad station, create a more walkable streetscape, shopping events and expansive beautification efforts. This collaborative, community-based, ground-up initiative is in partnership with the Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County, New York State, Port Washington Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Port Washington BID. Main Street accomplishments and planned projects include facelifts from Residents Façade Aid Program for small businesses and the unveiling of a dozen oversized teak planters with seasonal plantings on Main Street.
Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth said, “The Town of North Hempstead is always proud to partner with the residents of Port Washington on downtown beautification initiatives. By working together on projects like the planter program, we can continue to make the downtown business district look inviting and vibrant all year round. The town’s Business and Tourism Development Corporation’s matching fund grant opportunities will also help pay for streetscape improvements. These initiatives, along with our new merchant’s parking lot, will help to make shopping in downtown Port Washington a pleasurable experience.”
