Free Holiday Parking in Port Washington

The Town of North Hempstead is suspending all parking fees along Main Street, Port Washington Boulevard and some commercial side streets during the holiday season.

Red bags will cover the meters from Monday, Dec. 12 to Tuesday, Jan. 3 so residents can go holiday shopping without a fine.

“This will give Port residents an added incentive to shop locally throughout the holiday season.” said Mitch Schwartz, Port Washington Chamber of Commerce co-president.

Check for red bags along the following streets:

• Main Street
• Port Washington Boulevard
• Carlton Avenue
• South Maryland Avenue
• Irma Avenue

A 2 hour time limit will be set to discourage commuters from using the parking spaces meant for holiday shoppers. Cars that exceed the time limit will be subject to ticketing. This time limit has increased since last year. In 2015, the parking limit was 90 minutes.

Parking meters will remain in effect in the Town parking lots.

Shopping local is safer, cheaper and supports the local merchants that support Port Washington all year. For every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, donations and other expenditures, the Chamber of Commerce says. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. If you spend it online, nothing comes home.

For a copy of the Chamber of Commerce business directory, “Try Port First,” and suggestions on where to find that special gift locally, call the Chamber office at 883-6566 or log onto www.pwguide.com.

Image via Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District Facebook page