Photo: QueensPost
Aug. 25, 2013 Staff Report
Sunnyside and Woodside have provided the backdrop for many movies and TV Series in recent months.
On Friday, CBS was filming Elementary (a crime drama loosely based on the story of Sherlock Homes, which stars Johnny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu) on 50th Avenue and 42nd Street.
One resident, George Burles, took exception to it and sent in photos to this publication and Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer’s office:
“I saw at least two vehicles belonging to the production crew filming on 50th Avenue in Sunnyside that were parked in front of hydrants,” Burles wrote. “This goes beyond the inconvenience local residents must endure with the loss of already scarce parking spaces. It’s a public safety issue and I thought I should bring it to your attention.”
Photo: QueensPost
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27 Comments
yes parking space is limited in the neighborhood and I don’t see the film crews pumping money into the neighborhood. they are rude like they’re doing us a favor. The day after one of the shoots I park my car on my block. There’s no more posted notices but there’s still lots of crew vehicles parked. This guy comes up to me and starts asking me why I parked in his spot didn’t I see the cones? I tell him no I didn’t and also that the parking is now allowable. I have the right to park where I’m parked. He starts yelling at me “this isn’t a conversation this isn’t a conversation” It was a little creepy and it was late at night.
Good idea to contact Van Bramer. Whatever the issue, he has a habit of getting things done.
What was Van Bramer’s response (if any)?
Who’s bowing and scraping? Me? I’m just hot for Lucy Liu. Didn’t you see Kill Bill?
I’m amazed to see how many star-struck neighbors such as the above commenter we have in the area. We should all bow and scrape before celebrity royalty when they grace us with their presence, and not pester them with laws made only for mere peasant mortals to follow. Thanks for setting us straight.
Is jaywalking also not illegal? Make sure you report yourself to the authorities.
Nobody is threatened by this, but petty acts like this used to retaliate against the film crew is trivial.
Is it illegal to park next to a fire hydrant or not?
If it is, then the law should apply to everyone, even show biz people.
Why do so many people feel threatened by someone pointing this out?
SWS – I wouldn’t pay much attention to the posters who throw that term around. I suspect they are not all there i.e. Webley & Reuben aka SPhatesme.
On topic – George Burles needs a better hobby.
It’s amazing how many comments manage to use the word “hipster.” Such an ill-defined and over-used label for newer neighbors. Is this some sort of special classification based on appearance, their clothing, their mannerisms?
Imagine if there was a derogatory word used for older people- how insulted some people would be if they were also blamed for all of the problems in the community. It’s almost bigotry.
I’ve always thought that the placement of fire hydrants seems to be too random- with parking as limited as it is these days, I wonder if the system can be made more efficient?
astoria:
I worked as a pa on many videos shoots…my take is they didn’t want to tow the lazy asss people cars who violated the no parking order so the only space available was in front of the hydrant…not a good choice….
SSP: That’s two “staff reports”. In which dictionary are you obtaining your definition of the word “moderation”?
I seriously doubt that first few poster are different people.. Someone has to make 5 names to make their point across.
Have you ever seen what happens when there is an emergency and vehicle is blocking a hydrant? Well in most cases FD will break windows and run their hoses through, however in this case it doesn’t look like they can even do that because the van is too high to run hoses through.
Anyway, even if there is no emergency, they are not allowed to park on hydrants or driveways, and I would see a huge problem with this if they park and do not get ticketed. Then why don’t we just park there and promise to move if there is a fire. Some of you may complain about hipsters, but I see that you don’t care about safety of your fellow neighbors, something I am pretty sure a “hipster” would care.
Rikki, What does owning a car have to do with it? People who don’t own them might also like the fire hydrants unblocked in case of a fire as well. Heck, even avid bicyclists don’t want their homes to go up in flames. Mike Novak is right, it’s a safety issue. Besides, the crew gets several streets worth of reserved parking for the day, is it really too much to ask that they keep the hydrants clear?
If a local parks their car a nanosecond after the alternate side parking starts or a meter runs out, or if they stop at a bus stop for two seconds, there’s a traffic officer who pops out of thin air to slap you with a ticket. Average people don’t get much leeway, why should film crews? Perhaps if the city weren’t so zealous and inflexible over parking regulations for residents, they wouldn’t get so annoyed when they make exceptions for VIP’s.
Just shut up ..dont rent an apartment or buy a house that has no off street parking if you own a car…..geez
Hydrants should NEVER be blocked. Its a safety issue. Its that simple.
It’s still not cool to park in front of fire hydrants. Their permits don’t allow that!
I’m interested to hear that Lucy Liu is in the neighborhood. She’s been on my radar since that Allie McBeal show! I believe we are destined to meet.
what a cranky pants.
This just in: Queens Resident Feels Slighted.
I concur with other com mentors….seriously?!!”! Absolutely trivial! I also hope this article was written by a volunteer, because the effort to even report on it was a waste of resources.
its not an issue, until its an issue.
Did they take your parking spaces ? I am sure if there were a fire the crew would have moved the vans immediately. 🙁
I dont think the fire hydrant is an issue b/c everyone is present there, but it is an excuse to make a stink about them taking all the spaces.
Don’t make Lucy Liu angry. You wouldn’t like it when she’s angry.
Seriously dude, find something else to complain about. This isn’t that big a deal.