Politics & Government

Judge Allows Snooki Show To Film In Pelican Island

Berkeley officials introduce ordinance that would forbid movie productions in residential areas a week before the court decision

The Berkeley Township Council recently introduced an ordinance that would forbid movie productions in residential areas.

But the measure - up for a public hearing at the Aug. 26 meeting - won't apply to 495 Production's filming of the "Snooki an JWoww Show" at a home in Sandy-shattered Pelican Island, Township Attorney Lauren R. Staiger said today.

"It can't," she said. "They were already using the property before the ordinance would be effective. It pertains to future filming, not current."

Ocean County Superior Court Judge David E. Millard recently denied a request for an injunction filed by Pelican Island residents to halt the filming at 515 Sunset Drive South, Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said.

"As a result, the show can continue filming," the mayor said.

The township was not involved in the injunction request, Staiger said.

"It was a private matter," she said. "We never received copies of the pleadings."

However, Berkeley Township Zoning Officer John Battisti recently issued a violation to Michael Loundy - who owns the house - because the production is a commercial use in a residential zone, Amato and Staiger said.

"They would have the ability to continue the use until the application is heard by the Zoning Board," Staiger said today.

"Snooki and JWoww" is a reality show that follows former “Jersey Shore” cast members Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Jennifer “JWoww” Farley.

Red Bank-based attorney Ronald S. Gasiorowski is representing a number of Pelican Island residents and filed the request for an injunction to stop the filming.

He attended a recent Berkeley Township Council meeting and also threatened legal action against the township if the filming were allowed to continue.

"This property is a residential house in a residential zone," Gasiorowski said at the council meeting.
 

The threat of legal action came after several residents said their quiet neighborhood – which is still largely in shambles due to damage from Superstorm Sandy – was being disturbed by both productions crews and people coming in both cars and boats to view the house.


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