Community Corner

Snooki: 'Stop Havin Heart Attacks,' We're Not Coming to Morristown

Production company declined to say whether concerns raised by the community were a factor.

On second thought, nevermind.

With a week to go before , the town was informed Thursday that there has been a change of plans.

"Today, 495 Productions decided not to film in Morristown and focus on other areas," Mayor Tim Dougherty wrote in a statement released Thursday. "We want to thank the production company for engaging in several calls with my administration and being open to discussing the possibility of certain conditions."

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Those conditions, according to the statement, would have included restrictions on locations and hours of filming. Dougherty said the production company had been willing to accept the conditions.

"We’re just still sorting out other locations," said Jordan Nefouse, production manager for 495 Productions. "Due to the proximity of the show, we’re looking into other locations in other areas."

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Asked whether or not all of the negative publicity that was spawned from the announcement——Nefouse said, "I can’t really comment on any of these things because of the integrity of the show."

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi actually posted a couple days ago a tweet that somehow flew under the radar, noting that plans had changed. 

In response to another's tweet about the negative attention to the filming, Polizzi retweeted, "We aren't lol. Ppl can stop havin heart attacks."

"I made it clear there are a lot of residents that didn't want any type of filming of this show," Dougherty said.

The mayor noted, however, he could not "arbitrarily pick who comes to Morristown and I wouldn't do that."

"My whole position was to make sure they adhere to all our codes dealing with traffic, pedestrians, noise, and all of that would be enforced," he said. "They have chosen to go in a different direction."

What the change of plans means, however, is that the town now has time to fully investigate its options for instituting a formal permitting process for production companies seeking to film here.

Dougherty said the administration is considering it and may have something to present at the next Town Council meeting. 

Dougherty noting Polizzi is now an East Hanover resident, as well as about eight months pregnant, might still want to consider patronizing some of Morristown's businesses catering to any potential cravings.

"If she feels like having frozen yogurt and wants to drive to Morristown to one of our yogurt places, who am I to say she can't come and enjoy all Morristown has to offer?" Dougherty said.

Do you think negative feedback played a part in the decision not to film in Morristown?


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