Dozens Of Port Washington Signs To Encourage Walking Over Driving

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Dozens of signs will be posted in and around Port Washington encouraging people to get outside and walk around town, rather than drive, according to a report.

The civic group Residents Forward will hang about 40 signs on utility poles in April that will guide people to popular local destinations, such as landmarks, shops and eateries, Newsday reported. The effort aims to help people live healthier lives, and also supports the local economy.

The signs will appear within a 1-mile radius of the Town Dock, including Main Street, Shore Road and Manorhaven Boulevard, Patricia Class, executive director of the group, told the newspaper.

Residents Forward told Patch in an email that it saw a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a "community vision" for Manhasset Bay when the Town of North Hempstead announced a pause on development for the Port Washington waterfront business district. It surveyed the community to see what was important to them.

"With over 800 responses, the No. 1 goal was walkability and access," Residents Forward said. "People want safe routes to enjoy shopping, strolling, open space and just an overall, 'small town' and connected feel."

The group also noticed two things during the coronavirus shutdown: People were out walking more and local businesses were struggling. The Walk PW pedestrian wayfinding sign platform will target residents and aims to inspire them to walk "because cool things are closer than you think," the organization said.

"With clever messaging at key intersections we could essentially get people walking around our business districts – shopping, dining and enjoying cultural assets," Residents Forward said. "In a nutshell, we think good walking will lead to good business."