Kaufman Astoria Studios Looks To Open Outdoor Set

Will Sesame Street soon be getting a real life street? Well, the studio that houses it may be—Kaufman Astoria Studios wants to turn a city block into an outdoor movie set, and this week Queens Community Board 1 approved their proposal, reports the Daily News. Their plans would de-map 36th Street, from 34th Avenue to 35th Avenue, and lease the space from the city.

Some locals are dead set against the plan however, and plan to fight it, saying it would increase traffic congestion. An outdoor set would also mean more jobs, and increased business for local merchants. The next stop is the Queens Borough President, Helen Marshall's office, followed by the City Planning Commission and the City Council. If the studios win, they'll have the block through 2049, but an the proposal—if passed—isn't expected to be finalized until the end of next year.

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By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on October 22, 2010 4:33 PM

Comments [rss]

th63

they use to have an open lot on the north end of the property but they built stages on it. What they really need is parking lot for trucks and crew cars so they don't screw up the neighborhood. They have a movie theatre lot a few blocks away but they charge crew for parking so very few actually use it.

JacqueMehoff

thanks for that info. says a lot.

Kelles

DN mentions traffic problems getting worse from 'Northern to Queensboro Bridge'...like how worse? from stand still to what? going backwards?

John Clavis

We should make whatever changes please our corporate overlords. Beep!

JacqueMehoff

Local jobs, my ass. Please don't insult me.

inoyourider

There are a lot of production people in this town looking for work.

It's about time we had a lot here.

JacqueMehoff

well, you know how I feel about his industry in NYC. let's see them roll out more tax breaks for them.

inoyourider

Like it or not, a lot of people within the five boroughs make their living in the entertainment industry.

Regardless of tax breaks, as a city we benefit from increased production.

PKMKII

So does that mean they could shoot a scene on that outdoor set that's set in "Los Angeles"? Because that would be delicious revenge.

citylion

+1, hombre. (excellent)

Guest

Increase congestion? Nothing ever goes down that street.

dept54321

"Traffic congestion" is the #1 argument used against all cool and / or interesting projects. If someone is opposing a project for reasons of "traffic congestion," you know it's probably a good idea.