Signage Restrictions Lifted In September

The Village of East Hampton’s Board of Trustees voted to suspend signage laws later this year as it celebrates its 100th anniversary since incorporation.

It was approved February 6 that business owners who must currently adhere to restrictions on size, materials, and colors of signs will be allowed to decorate their exteriors red, white, and blue from September 1 through November 30 in correlation with several commemorative events, including a centennial parade down Main Street September 26.

The allowance won’t come without limits, though. Permissible decorations include bunting, flags, streamers, and banners. No advertisement for any business will be permitted on the decorations. The only acceptable wording will include language celebrating the centennial, like, “Village of East Hampton Centennial 1920-2020.” No illuminated, flashing, or moving signs will be allowed.

East Hampton was the third eastern Long Island town to be founded, settled by the English in 1648 when colonial Connecticut governors purchased more than 30,000 acres from the Montauk Indian tribe, according to the village website. It followed Southold and Southampton (1640). Residents voted 166-57 in 1920 to break away from the Town of East Hampton and incorporate.

A new official seal was unveiled earlier this year as part of the kickoff to a yearlong celebration. The design is the work of East Hampton artist Scott Bluedorn, and depicts a seagull flying over a windmill, perched on a dune above the beach.

The centennial committee includes village board member Rose Brown, the East Hampton Historical Society, the East Hampton Chamber of Commerce, the Village Preservation Society of East Hampton, East Hampton Union Free School District, the East Hampton Library, The Ladies’ Village Improvement Society, representatives from the East Hampton Clericus, the Garden Club of the East Hampton, and the Hamptons International Film Festival, among many others. EAST magazine Editor-in-Chief Bess Rattray is organizing the events and Deputy Mayor Barbara Borsack chairs the committee.

Village Historic Site Manager Hugh King will man a reviewing stand during the parade, where he will announce each float as it passes by. There will be approximately 20 floats with costumed riders and live music evocative of the 1920s. Restaurants will be asked to offer $19.20 deals. The parade will be followed by an old-time baseball game in Herrick Park.

karen@indyeastend.com