Port Washington has a brand-new timekeeper in the heart of town.
A 13-foot, four-faced clock tower was unveiled Monday at Blumenfeld Family Park, drawing local officials, business leaders, and residents to watch the Howard replica-style clock strike 2 p.m.
The timepiece — inscribed with “settled 1644” — is the new centerpiece of the park, part of a beautification push by the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District. The $10,000 project was funded by PSEG Long Island with support from the Town of North Hempstead.
“This community deserves a beautiful clock like this,” said Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena. “This park is the result of so many generous, dedicated people in Port Washington.”
A community effort
The village clock was manufactured by the Verdin Clock Company and installed with help from the town attorney’s office, highway department, parks department, and public works, which handled everything from pouring the cement base to powering the tower.
“It has been a long project, but we had a great team,” said Holly Byrne, executive director of the Port Washington BID. “It was made possible by PSEG Long Island and the support of our town.”
Christine Bryson, an economic development specialist for PSEG, said the effort was part of the utility’s “business first” initiative. “The clock serves as a symbol of inclusivity, representing that all businesses are welcome in Port Washington,” she said.
Keeping time, and business
State Assemblyman Daniel Norber noted that the project has been in the works since early last year, with the goal of revitalizing the downtown.
“We’re so lucky to have people working together — whether it’s the little things, the big things, everything all together — just to make sure that we bring back a community here that wants to bring in businesses and let everybody thrive,” he said.
The BID, which also sponsors streetscape improvements, business support programs, and community events, called the clock a lasting symbol of its mission.
“The new street clock at Blumenfeld Park stands as a symbol of this ongoing dedication,” the group stated.
Top: The new clock tower was unveiled at Blumenfeld Family Park on Monday with village, BID and PSEG representatives on hand. (Credit: Ben Fiebert)
