A different type of March Madness for Port

Port Washington has made it to the elite eight — of the Strongest Town Contest, that is.

Voting last week pitted Port against Fate, Texas, in the opening round of the contest.

Port prevailed, and this week is going against Ann Arbor, Mich., in the voting, which closes at noon Thursday, March 30.

Port was nominated for the contest by Public Works Director Rob Vanden Noven and City Planner Bob Harris.

The contest is sponsored by the Strong Towns organization, which Vanden Noven said promotes development that is financially sustainable, streets that are pedestrian and bike friendly and downtowns and neighborhoods that are inviting, livable and vibrant.

“What they promote is what we’ve been doing organically for years,” he said. “It’s people-focused development. It’s streets that aren’t just for cars but are pedestrian and bike friendly.”

He said he’s known about the contest for years but decided to nominate Port for the honor this year after reviewing all the public and private investment that’s occurred downtown, along the lakefront and in the city’s parks, neighborhoods and streets.

Vanden Noven cited recent housing and commercial developments in downtown and along the lakefront, noting they resulted in property values much higher than similar developments elsewhere.

“Ultimately those investments allow the community to keep taxes reasonable while still maintaining existing levels of service,” he said.

And, Vanden Noven said, the city’s commitment to walkability— from the narrowing of streets to the rebuilding of Franklin Street and the Highway 33 roundabout — and the creation of public gathering spaces such as Heart of the Harbor at the far east end of Main Street also speak to the mission of Strong Towns.

The winning community will not only receive an award, Strong Towns will also produce a video about the community for a national audience.

More importantly, Vanden Noven said, winning the award would be validation of the city’s efforts.

“I think it would be a real feather in the city’s cap,” he said, “Even being in the elite eight says something about our community and how special it is. We continue to be headed in the right direction.

“I think Port fits well with the mission of Strong Towns.”

To cast a vote or check on the results of the vote, visit strongtowns.org.