Giant pair of legs ordered to be taken down from outside of house

A pair of female legs in retro stockings are “stepping out” into controversy in one New York town. Ruth Vered and Janet Lehr own the legs and share a historic home in the middle of quaint Sag Harbor’s historic district, where the eye catching legs are on permanent display, just blocks from Main Street. “The legs have become a monument in Sag Harbor. People say ‘turn at the legs,’” said Lehr.

The legs are 16-feet-tall and they were raised even higher when they were perched on a planter. “The ruling was ridiculous,” said Vered. After multiple hearings and debate, the village ruled that the legs’ size and location are not in compliance with code.



The Village of Sag Harbor Zoning Board of Appeals released a statement saying, “It’s about setting a precedent for building structures in a very small village on very small lots … preserving the fabric of the village.” Sculptor Larry Rivers died in 2002 but not before creating the legs and many other headline grabbing works. Many locals, fisherman, artists and writers had strong opinions about the artwork.

“How can this hurt anyone and other than making the town have a little sense of humour and warmth and humanity? I think it’s crazy to take it down,” said Christine Bellini, a resident. “People want a certain look for the town and the village, it has that quaint whaler’s feeling to it,” said Hope Marxe, another resident. The village has ordered the legs to be taken down.

With news video.