Worried about traffic, the Chilmark select board voted against letting Netflix film an adaptation of Judy Blume's Forever at several locations, including the Chilmark General Store and Squibnocket Beach.
A request from Netflix to film at several prominent Chilmark locations later this spring was struck down by the select board this week due to concerns over traffic and other negative impacts.
At the select board meeting Tuesday, Netflix location manager Mark Fitzgerald presented a plan to film the company’s adaptation of Forever, written by longtime Vineyard seasonal resident Judy Blume.
Proposed locations included Grey Barn and Farm, the Menemsha town beach, Squibnocket Beach and the Chilmark General Store over the course of a week in May.
In addition, Mr. Fitzgerald requested that the town reserve 20 spaces for use at the Squibnocket parking lot and 10 on Basin Road, along with allowances to temporarily stop traffic during filming at the general store.
Select board member Jim Malkin spoke strongly against the proposal.
“We already have enough traffic, we already have enough stuff on our plate,” he said. “In my opinion, the town of Chilmark doesn’t need any more publicity.”
The select board voted to allow Netflix to film on private properties such as Grey Barn and a home on Quitsa Lane but barred it from filming at the Chilmark General Store and other public locations they requested.
Mr. Fitzgerald also came before the West Tisbury select board this week and gained permission to film a short scene at town hall. Filming there will take place May 15.
Comments
Come film my house all you
Mark Alken VhCome film my house all you want. How can a town stop anyone filming on private property? When someone builds a house there are hundreds of trips.
Good decision. The Chilmark
Kathleen New YorkGood decision. The Chilmark Store, Squibby and Menemsha don't need any more traffic, etc.
To Kathleen from New York,
Rachel Elion Baird ChilmarkTo Kathleen from New York, (don't need anymore traffic, etc.). When was the last time you were here in May? There is very little traffic in Chilmark at that time of year. The Chilmark Store is just opening at that time and could probably use the attention and business and Squibby and Menemsha are likewise empty of "more traffic" except for the noise of ongoing winter repairs. If year-round residents are willing to share in the shoulder season for a good cause, it is pretty heavy handed of the board to veto this creative project by our beloved Judy Blume.
Seems a bit harsh considering
Brenda warshaw ChilmarkSeems a bit harsh considering it is in May when the majority of summer people have not arrived. Basing a decision on the town already has too much publicity is ridiculous.
Brenda,I think u are spot-on
Pamela FalmouthBrenda, I think u are spot-on! too much publicity? Really?
What next?
Chilmark General Store is not
Ted WTChilmark General Store is not public property. It's a private business. Banning filming at a private property feels like overreach. It's one thing to not allow them to stop traffic. It's another to disallow filming altogether.
Thank you Chilmark BOS. .. A
gina Menemsha/nycThank you Chilmark BOS. .. A firm decision on a very invasive request ..
In my opinion, you are
Bob EdgartownIn my opinion, you are welcome to come to Edgartown, as any additional revenue that may be created will be welcomed. All you have to do is look at our $44 million budget to run this town. Every little bit helps.
Too much traffic in May?
Rachel Elion Baird ChilmarkToo much traffic in May? Seriously? Squib is a mess right now. Whenever I go down there, it is deserted. So is Menemsha. Where is the long-standing Vineyard support of the artistic community?
Maybe the Judy Blume story can be filmed in front of Alley's in West Tisbury instead (where there is actual traffic, but also a more positive attitude. They have a lovely porch.)
Or maybe they can film in
Susan Woodburn New Paltz, NYOr maybe they can film in front of the boarded up Menemsha General Store and bring some needed attention to that heartbreaking eyesore.
Exactly right. May ain't July
Jim Zisson Palm BeachExactly right. May ain't July.
I remember when going to the
Billy Sullivan AZI remember when going to the Vineyard was fun.
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