Three Minutes Across the Counter with Mariann Dalimonte

“Three Minutes Across the Counter” is a feature on Patch in which we chat with local business owners and leaders. If you would like to be featured, email ryan@patch.com with the name of your business.

Today Patch chats with Mariann Dalimonte, the new executive director of the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District, who started in this position on Jan. 5.

Patch: What areas does the BID serve?

MD: The Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District (BID) covers the commercial corridor extending almost four miles. In general, the BID boundaries include non-residential properties fronting on Port Washington Blvd, the business district between Port Washington Boulevard and the train tracks from Beechwood Avenue to Main Street, Upper Main Street, Lower Main Street, Shore Road (in the Villages of Baxter Estates, Manorhaven and Port Washington North), the businesses in Manhasset Isle, Manorhaven Boulevard and Orchard Beach Boulevard.

Patch: What recent things has the BID accomplished recently that residents may not realize was thanks to your organization?

MD: There are many things that the BID accomplished that residents may not realize are done by our organization, [including]:

• Our organization offers businesses two grant options
• New Tenant Bonus Program - For when a business enters into a lease for a vacant commercial space that is located within the district. Our organization just awarded ML Strength $3,000 under this grant.
• If a business is an existing tenant either moving or expanding its present leased space, they are eligible for up to $1,000.
• Brick Paving at the PW LIRR Station
• The Brick Planters that are located at the entrance to the LIRR station parking area, around Delux Taxi Office & Entrance.
• We purchased the Pedestrian Benches that are located throughout the BID District
• Installation/Maintenance/Purchase of the snowflakes that are throughout Port Washington during the holiday season.
• The Annual Installation and Purchase of 148 hanging cascading geranium planters. These planters hang on the Town of North Hempstead’s Battery park Lamppost on Main Street and Port Commons.
• A Sponsor & Organizer of Port Holiday Magic
• A Sponsor of HarborFest
• Promote/Advertise outside of Port Washington to attract tourism and shoppers
• The Nautical Street Signs (with sailboat) were purchased by the BID.
• The BID advocated for the 10 minutes free parking with the street meters. When you press the button for 10 minutes free that is compliments of the BID and The Port Washington Parking District.
• The BID requested changing parking enforcement from 6pm to 5pm.
• The BID Lobbied for two hour parking change instead of one hour parking on Main Street.

For complete listing of rules and specifications regarding any of our grant programs, please visit www.portwashingtonbid.org.

Patch: What’s a typical day like in your new position?

MD: I have only been in this position for [a little more than] two months. The first month I spent organizing the office and preparing for our 2014 audit. A few weeks ago I did meet with Kim Kaiman, executive director of the BTDC regarding the filming that takes place in Port Washington. With all of the filming that takes place I wanted to see how our merchants could benefit. Bobbie Polay, executive director of The Port Washington Chamber of Commerce and I put together a welcome package for the Film and TV industry for when they are filming in our area. In this welcome package it included a ‘Try Port First Book’ which list all of the businesses in Port Washington in alphabetical order and by category.

I recently reached out to some local officials to set up meetings with them to find out how the BID can help them fill vacant store fronts and create Port Washington as a tourism destination. I am also working with the BID board to create a vision/key projects that we would work on for 2015.

Patch: How long have you lived here?

MD: I have lived in Port Washington my entire life.

Patch: Why is your new position meaningful?

MD: The BID is committed to improve the business health of the district through marketing, promotion, physical improvements and enhanced services. Its purpose is exclusively to better the business environment and increase the equity of property owners and business tenants, and that is why my position in meaningful.

Patch: What’s next for the BID?

MD: There are so many wonderful things happening at the BID. We are hoping that this spring you will see a few “Welcome to Port Washington” sailboat banners around town. We have been in contact with our Nassau County Leg. Delia DeRiggi-Whitton to see if our organization is eligible to apply for the Nassau County CRP Grant for a new “Welcome to Port Washington” sign to be located on Route 101. We are creating a welcome and educational package for all new merchants.

Image: Mariann Dalimonte (left) shown here with Mindy Germain.