Ninevah Contemplates Entrance Upgrade; Public Hearings Set For Several Builds

The Ninevah Beach Property Owners Association wants a face-lift — of its 20-year-old sign, that is.

While the location is still up for debate, the new planter sign at the entrance to the historically African American community in Sag Harbor will be white with dark green lettering and, above it, an osprey painted gold, explained resident Lorraine Dusky, who presented a proposal last week to the Sag Harbor Historic Preservation and Architectural Review Board.

“I think the sign itself is very handsome,” board member Judith Long said.

To further improve the Lincoln Street entrance, Ms. Dusky outlined a landscaping plan that would remove scrub growth and two large black locust trees located on Ninevah Association property, which abuts EJ Smith’s property, following a third tree that fell during a recent storm.

“It went right down on EJ’s property, and it cradled two of his cars,” Ms. Dusky said. “Happily, when we did have it removed, the cars weren’t damaged. But these two trees, we would keep them because they’re kind of graceful looking, but a storm could take them down.”

If the trees fall in the road, the residents would be stuck in the neighborhood until they could be cleared, she said. “And that, obviously, is a safety hazard.”

Replacing the trees, the association suggests planting three American holly, six ornamental fountain grasses, and a handful of inkberry or bayberry bushes.

“I’m very aware of not wanting to destroy the sightline because it’s very difficult — as anybody who lives here knows — to come out onto 114,” Ms. Dusky said, “practically all summer and anytime after 2 o’clock to about 7, to even now, because of all the traffic coming down through there.”

Ms. Dusky will give an updated presentation on October 22, expected to include the sizes of the American holly and grasses, the specific location to be cleared and reseeded, and ribbons tied around the trees the association wants to remove and those it plans to save.

The board also scheduled two public hearings on November 12 for a proposed 4,396-square-foot, shingle-style home and two-car garage located at 367 Division Street from builder Matthew Lucas, and a project that would add clapboard, a garage, a pool, a septic system, walkways and a driveway to the Pierson House at 314 Main Street.

Additionally, attorney Brian DeSesa will present an addition to the existing residence at 12 Green Street, as well as a pool and landscaping plan. Several board members, including Val Florio, took issue with a decorative railing. “Other than that, it’s a really clean addition,” he said.

The board approved the removal of six large oak trees that are growing too close to the home located at 15 Lincoln Street, as well as one tree to make room for a new pool — none of which are specimen trees — three dead oak trees, plus pruning work on 14 of the 64 total trees on the property.

Additionally, 37 John Street was approved for a new fence and a pair of gates — large dark green driveway panels to match the landscaping, and a smaller white garden gate, both featuring a design inspired by original detailing on the house.

“I appreciate the fact that you picked up some detail off of the main house,” Chairman Dean Gomolka said, “and making it have an innocuous blending in with the hedge, I think it’s a huge improvement.”