Sag Harbor projects will jam summer traffic

Orange detour signs have been popping up on the streets of Sag Harbor like mushrooms after a heavy rain -- and it's only December.

And they are only a prelude of things to come.

The big detours -- and the traffic jams that come with them -- will be going up in the summer, as major construction projects are expected to go into high gear in the popular East End village.

Sag Harbor, one of the East End's historic villages and a popular tourist destination, is plagued by traffic tie-ups and long searches for on-street parking every summer, even without major road closures and detours.

The biggest of the new developments -- the largest project in Sag Harbor in decades -- is the renovation of the old red brick Bulova Watchcase factory, which sits on 2.3 acres in the northeast section of the community. The former factory has been boarded up and falling apart for decades.

"I worked there for a short time 45 years ago," said Sag Harbor Mayor Brian Gilbride. "It's a shame to see it deteriorate like that."

The factory closed 30 years ago, and it is expected to take two years to convert the building into 65 luxury condominiums, complete with an indoor pool, a spa, underground parking and a recreation center. Preliminary work has already begun, and Gilbride said significant construction is likely to start early next year.

Meanwhile, a construction fence has gone up around the John Jermain Memorial Public Library just south of the Main Street business district and across the street from the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum. The building is closed and a temporary library has been set up on West Water Street.

That project, which took years to secure community approval, is expected to be completed early in 2013.

Several smaller projects are adding to the traffic problems, closing part of Bay Street and forcing drivers and bicyclists to find detours. One street -- Jefferson, a one-way street by the library -- is being closed to traffic on one end and turned into a temporary two-way street at the other end.

The library, which has moved to a temporary location on West Water Street, has actually found itself in a better location, at least as far as parking goes. Its temporary building is accessible to the disabled and has adequate nearby parking.

Sag Harbor's summer schedule of detours and road closings has not yet been set, but village officials are working with developers to minimize disruptions. According to Gilbride, not all the impact will be negative.

"We hired an engineer to assist the building inspector with plans and submissions that come with the projects," Gilbride said. "I'm positive that once construction starts full speed, we will see collateral effects. The delis and restaurant business will be good. In other cases, there will be some disruption as we get to the summer, which is when it gets crazy anyway. This year, it will be crazier."

Under construction:

The long-dormant East End Ventures project at 21 West Water St., which calls for construction of 19 condominiums.

The $10-million renovation and expansion of the John Jermain Public Library at 201 Main St. will add nearly 4,000 square feet to the existing 7,500-square-foot building, which was constructed in 1910.

Even the two public bathrooms in Sag Harbor village hall, at 55 Main St., are being rebuilt. The village recently began operating its own Justice Court, and the bathrooms in the old building must be made accessible to the disabled.