Holiday Display Yields Ticket in East Hampton Village

The holiday display at the Elie Tahari clothing store in East Hampton Village is illegal and it must come down, according to village officials.

A neon light installation was installed earlier this month on the store's interior and can be seen through the shop's windows on the corner of Main Street and Newtown Lane in the heart of the business district.

Larry Cantwell, the village administrator, said on Tuesday that the company received a notice of violation on Dec. 3 and could receive a possible fine of up to $250 per day until it is removed.

"They violated a section of the code prohibiting neon and neon-type lights and signs including those within a building directly visible to any area outside of the building, Cantwell said on Tuesday. The company will have to answer the summons in East Hampton Town Justice Court. 

The lights were still glowing bright on Tuesday evening, but the company said there are for it to come down.

“The Elie Tahari East Hampton stores has always been a productive and supportive member of the East Hampton business community and although we are surprised by the reaction to our holiday window display there are plans to amend it in order to comply with Village zoning rules," said Laura Lapitino, a public relations manager at the high-end designer's corporate offices in New York City.

Asked to describe the light installation, Lapitino said: "The light display is a non-denominational modern take on the idea of using light to celebrate and commemorate the holiday season."

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