WHDA: An update from the Harbor District

Today we would like to answer another question many of our citizens/friends have asked — just where is the Washington Harbor District? Is it downtown? In many ways. Our downtown, as many of us know it, actually stretches from Third Street up Market to Water Street and Stewart Parkway and of course Main Street back to Third past the Methodist church. Our businesses refer to it as the business district, and rightfully so. As a result of the Reinvestment Strategy of 2009 (topic we will discuss later) for Washington, the name Washington Harbor District came about and has remained since 2010.

Some of us remember when the buildings on Main Street backed up to the Pamlico River and most all of Water Street did (Moss Planning Mill, Evans Seafood, Maola, the Ice Plant, etc.), too. The Ocracoke Boat would bring mail once a week and my dad would send me to get dry cleaning from Captain O’Neal. Still, that area was not referred to as the Harbor District at that time. So, where is it?

The Washington Harbor District stretches from the south side of the river, almost to Fifth Street, then it zigzags north up Bonner and farther west past what is now known as Builders First Choice. This area encompasses all of the business in the area as well as the homes. That is a lot of land on the shores of our beautiful Pamlico, including our Castle Island! We will have a map included that will be able to show you better than my directions. When taking this job, I had no idea the area was so large but still, we enjoy supporting those in this District and the responsibilities connoted with this area. All of you are the best, and we will enthusiastically give to you all the help afforded to the Washington Harbor District Alliance. As I mention all the time — I love my hometown because the people here are the best, and many of you provided role models who are hard to find. It is also good to see new faces and people who have new and fresh ideas, and are willing to share them to make Washington the best. Thanks!

Let me remind everyone that we are trying to develop a volunteer pool of helpers who will assist with the events and projects that we are undertaking, and if you so wish to do so, please give us a call. We never get enough help. We will be having two major events coming up in August and September: weather permitting, Music in the Streets and our annual fundraiser Pickin’ on the Pamlico in Sept. 24.

Also, below is a copy of the map of the Washington Harbor District, and if you have any questions, let me know. Please remember to shop, dine and play in beautiful Washington, N.C., and if you have time…take a walk with the H-Rob!

Harold Robinson is the executive director of the Washington Harbor District Alliance.