There have been numerous changes in Port Washington over the years, some might be considered significant and others just the progression of time. Favorite restaurants leave town as do a favorite store. Laws and regulations change along with various types of town codes.
Recently the talk has been focused on the rezoning of Main Street, which would be a significant change in town codes. This boogles my mind because somewhere in time the building codes differed from what they are today. Buildings were allowed to exceed current height restrictions and obviously there were codes allowing mixed use buildings. Does anyone know when and why the codes were changed to exclude these regulations which some are fighting to have restored?
A long-time resident of Port Washington recently informed me of another long forgoten code, which has to do with cleaning in front of your business. Obviously if this code is still on the books, it is not one which is enforced. Did the code suddenly change? Look around – it seems as if it did! What happened to the code which mandates dog owners clean up after their dog poop? Looks like this code or law is out the window.
It's sad to say that some residents and politicians strongly believe the answer to many of Port Washington's problems is to rezone parts of upper and lower Main Street. I truly do not think so, and from what I have read there are many who feel the very same way as I do.
Why not focuse on the probems which can be immediately corrected and will help make Port Washington more appealing to new residents and new businesses? Some business owners have already taken the initiative. I applaud those who have spent considerable amount of money and time to improve how their business looks to others. Old Port Antiques and Baltimore Interior Designs are two good examples.
