Lake George considers ban on covering store windows

Window coverings, whether it's to hide interior renovations, mask an empty storefront or hide merchandise in the off-season, may soon be all but prohibited in Lake George — if a proposal by the Lake George Village Board is enacted. Photo by Thom Randall.

By Thom Randall

As of Friday, May 25, 2012 -10:07 a.m.

LAKE GEORGE — Covering up store windows or doorways for more than 48 hours — whether to hide interior redecorating or closing a retail establishment for the off-season — may soon be illegal without a special permit, if a proposed village law is enacted.

The Lake George Village board set a public hearing for June 18 on the proposed ordinance.

Lake George Mayor Blais said that a prior slate of zoning ordinances had contained the prohibition, but in a recent re-drafting of the laws, the ordinance was deleted.

Blais said that some store owners have been covering up their windows in the off-season, giving people a negative impression about prevailing business activity.

The proposed ordinance would make the village more welcoming by forcing shop owners to maintain attractive window displays, he said.

“We work hard on making the village look good,” Blais said, adding that the retail store proprietors ought to do their part.

In addition to the window covering law, another public hearing will be held at the June meeting to consider updates the village’s Hawking, Peddling and Auctions law which was drafted in 1930.

While the law prohibits people from soliciting customers by standing out in public and shouting out sales pitches — or herding people into stores, the law would allow outdoor auctions with a license and a payment of a $100 fee, Blais said. The present licensing fee, set in 1930, is $10.

During the May 21 meeting, Trustee Ray Perry noted that some residents were hanging tarps over their porches, and perhaps the board should expand their property maintenance law to prohibit the practice.

No parking passes for seniors

In other business, the board decided to reject a request from Lake George Senior Citizens president John Herzog to establish a flat-fee parking pass for local senior citizens. Blais said such an ordinance might not be legal, as it would be discriminatory.

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