Port Washington's Main Street Becoming Pedestrian Paradise

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Sections of Main Street in downtown Port Washington will close to vehicles beginning Thursday as part of a new effort to drum up business amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative, "Port Outdoors Dine & Shop," will allow residents to take a leisurely stroll up and down Main Street to take advantage of local dining and shopping. It will take place for six weeks from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Thursday.

“This is an exciting opportunity for residents who want to be able to safely spend time outdoors, adhere to social distancing guidelines, and support local businesses,” Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a news release. “We all know that our local stores and restaurants are the lifeline to a vibrant and thriving downtown. Without them, our communities would not be the same. It is so important to support our local businesses to help keep them around for years to come.”

Visitors are asked to cover their faces when not dining and social distance from others.

Upper Main Street and Port Commons will be open for pedestrians on Aug. 27, Sept. 10 and Sept. 24. Main Street from Port Washington Boulevard to Belleview Avenue will be temporarily closed.

On Sept. 3, Sept. 17, and Oct. 1, middle and lower Main Street will be open for pedestrians. Main Street from Central Drive to Library Road and Main Street from High Street Shore Road will be temporarily closed. An array of art, music and dance performances will also be featured along the walking route. Parking lots and side street parking will be available.

“Now more than ever we need to show our support for our local businesses,” Council Member Mariann Dalimonte said in the release. “Visit some of your favorites, or check out something new, but SupPORT local.”

Officials said this is the first iteration of the town's “Lift Up Local” initiative, which was designed by an internal Business Recovery Response Workgroup. The group is charged with finding ways to support businesses impacted by the pandemic. The workgroup includes members of the Town Board and previously established dining at parks, expanded outdoor dining programs, created a "parklet" sidewalk dining extension program, and facilitated street closures to help draw customers.