By Bill Parry
The city declared a moratorium on film and television production on several streets in the Hunters Point section of Long Island City.
The move comes after years of complaints from residents and businesses that have been affected by film crews and their vehicles.
“We sent a letter to the mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment listing the many complaints we’ve heard,” Community Board 2 Chairman Joe Conley said. “These crews take up two days of parking for every day they shoot that inconveniences our residents. It really costs our businesses customers because there’s no place to park and there’s no trickle-down to the local economy because these crews are self-contained.”
He added, “They don’t even use the restaurants because they have their own catering.”
The ban on production covers many of the streets by the waterfront that are so popular because of the views of the Manhattan skyline. The zone covers 46th to 49th avenues between Vernon and Center boulevards.
The news was welcome relief for Hunters Point resident Doreen Dwyer, a community activist who has lobbied against the film crews for years.
“They are rude and abusive when they are saving parking spots for the big rigs,” she said. “There have been fist fights over parking spaces. They wait with their parking cones overnight to claim the spots. One morning I came out and found a large Snapple bottle filled with urine. That’s not acceptable at all.”
Conley recalled a day two years ago when five different crews were shooting in one day.
Dwyer remembered the day as well, saying, “There were tractor trailers lined up from Borden Avenue to 45th Drive. It was insane.”
Conley added that Hunters Point just needed a break.
“Nobody is saying no to production — we just have to stop the madness,” he said. “The city has to develop a system to regulate it so you’re not giving out five permits for the same day.”
TV shows including “The Good Wife,” “The Black Box,” “Person of Interest” and “Elementary” will have to find other locations.
“Queens is filled with many other wonderful neighborhoods that would also serve as great places for filmmaking,” Borough President Melinda Katz said. “I am supportive of the film and television production industry and will always work with producers to help them find suitable Queens locations for their productions. They can always call me if they want a tour of the borough!”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparry@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4538.
