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Candidates split on specifics but agree on downtown preservation and infill in Port Washington
Summary
At the Ward 3 candidate forum, both incumbent Michael Gasper and challenger Billy Schwalbe endorsed downtown preservation and infill; Gasper cited specific ideas from the downtown plan such as a Woonerf-style Main Street and potential compact roundabouts, while both discussed proposals for redeveloping the soon-to-be-vacant police and fire site.
Candidates at the March 13 League of Women Voters forum discussed Port Washington’s recently completed downtown plan and possible development of the old police and fire department site.
Incumbent Alderman Michael Gasper said the downtown plan contains “a lot of good in there,” and singled out a Woonerf-style, curbless shared-street treatment for Main Street as a near-term idea that would fit the farmers market. He also noted compact roundabouts and infill redevelopment as ideas in the plan but said some plan elements remain high-level rather than specific projects.
Why it matters: Both candidates tied downtown treatments and infill to supporting local businesses and preserving Port Washington’s historic character. The soon-to-be-vacant police and fire site drew sustained attention as a key infill opportunity.
Details cited in the forum
- Gasper described the Woonerf concept: “a Woonerf type situation on Main Street... it would fit very well with the farmers market.” He said some plan items are conceptual rather than prescriptive. - On reuse of the old police and fire buildings, Gasper said the downtown plan envisions townhome-type development and noted the city issued a request for proposals to solicit developer interest; he added a planning consideration that the site historically functioned as a public square. - Schwalbe said he would “love to see the proposals” for the site and suggested high-density townhomes as one possible use that would increase the tax base while fitting downtown character.
Context and considerations
Both candidates emphasized balancing new development with historic preservation. Gasper warned against development that increases long-term maintenance burdens and said infill should “pay for itself in the long term.” Schwalbe stressed the need to match any development to Port Washington’s “walkable, Hallmark type town” character.
Next steps
The city’s request for proposals on the police and fire site is ongoing, and no redevelopment decision or council vote was recorded at the forum.
