Legislator Craig Johnson recently presented a check to the Port Washington Business Improvement District for its Streetscape Improvement Project. Plans include paving the sidewalk with bricks along Main Street in front of the railroad station and using part of the funds for seed money for brick paving on the corner of Herbert Avenue.

"I am pleased to play a role in funding important projects like this one in Port Washington," said Legislator Johnson. "Vibrant downtowns play a vital role in the quality of life for residents and the economic health of an area. The benefits include more jobs, more spending in the community, and an improved local tax base."

Expanding on the legislator's words, BID Executive Director Roy Smitheimer said, "The county funds of $50,000 is part of the County's Community Revitalization Program (CRP). These funds will be matched by the BID to the tune of $75,000 through the BID's Streetscape Improvement Bond that was authorized and approved by the Town Board in February 2002. Together, the county and BID funding represents $125,000 (with the possibility of another $10,000 by the BID)."

According to Smitheimer, the funds will be used to brick pave the entire length of the sidewalk along Main Street in front of the Railroad Station, brick pave the two corners of Herbert Avenue (directly across from the station) and increase the visibility of the pedestrian crosswalk through the use of color asphalt that differentiates it from the black that is commonly used on streets. The crosswalk lines would also be done in this manner, white asphalt in lieu of white tape.

Smitheimer notes that the best example he can think of is the way all the pedestrian crosswalks were redone recently in the Village of Garden City on Franklin Avenue. (This last item will be done only if there is enough money in the pot after the first two items are completed.)

The plans for the project are being drawn by the engineering firm, LKB, which is under contract with the county.

Smitheimer advises that other improvements in the area include the relocation of the replacement two-side illuminated street clock that was located in front of the Fleet Bank on Main Street to the interior southeast corner at the entrance to the station. This new location, near the Battery Park Lampposts, will move the clock out of harm's way. "We've already lost two of the new clocks at the Fleet Bank location due to vehicular accidents."

In addition, both the Town of North Hempstead and the BID have completed the bidding process, including the awarding and the purchase order for 40 pedestrian benches that will be placed throughout the Business Improvement District. The order consists of 40 (of thirty) 6 foot benches and ten 4 foot benches made up of black powder coated cast iron frame with high density polyethylene slats that are more than 90 percent post consumer waste recycled from plastic bottles.

Through prior arrangements with the Village of Port Washington North, three of the benches will be placed along the waterfront in Pellegrino Park. (For those who are interested, the same style DuMor bench can be found to the left of the theater entrance to Landmark on Main Street.

As our BID moves forward, Smitheimer says, on the implementation stage of the aforementioned items, they are also still seeking to replace the present street signs on Port Washington Blvd. and Main Street (beginning at Revere Rd. and Port Washington Blvd. and concluding at the intersection of Second Ave. and Main Street.) The replacement sights will be larger and easier to read with a sailboat incorporated within the sign, to accent Port's rich nautical history.

The BID board is also hoping to secure funding from LIPA for an additional 20 Battery Park Lampposts, some of which would be installed along Main Street by the Town Dock and Inspiration Wharf, with the balance up along Port Washington Blvd.

Speaking on behalf of the BID board, Smitheimer said, "We are extremely excited about this much needed $50,000 the county is investing in our Streetscape Project. From the beginning, when Craig Johnson was first elected county legislator from our area, he has done everything possible to ensure that Port Washington is included in any downtown revitalization project the county has offered, whether under the old Gulotta administration or the present Suozzi administration. Craig has truly come through for his home town."