‘Jersey Shore’ cast members. (File Photo)
MTV’s reboot of “Jersey Shore,” announced earlier this week by the cable network, will not be filmed in Seaside Heights like the original.
The network, which produced the original version of the reality show from 2009 through 2012 in the borough, did call the borough about two months ago to inquire about filming, but officials said they were not interested in having the show return or granting them a film permit.
“We said no,” Mayor Anthony Vaz said. “Our feeling is that hey bring the wrong type of clientele in. We’re a family destination now, and we’re confident in it.”
While some saw the show, which featured a group of 20-somethings partying at the town’s bars and nightclubs while living in a house fronting the boardwalk, as a boon to business and nightlife, others said the show gave Seaside Heights a bad reputation and brought in troublemakers. The borough is slowly rebuilding its tax base following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy and, in recent years, has tried to shed the hard-partying image in favor of one with more family-oriented boardwalk businesses, children’s events, more rides and free concerts. Crime has been reduced in recent years, and investors are now more interested than ever before in investing in housing and a revamped business district, said Vaz.
‘Jersey Shore,’ similarly, would not be welcome in Ortley Beach or Toms River Township’s other barrier island communities, according to one official.
“Under our ordinance, you cannot do it,” Councilwoman Maria Maruca said, when asked by a resident if the show would return to the island.
Like Toms River, Seaside Heights earlier this year adopted a strict film permit ordinance, which requires permission before filming can take place on the boardwalk, beaches, streets and other public property.
“We’re going to move forward instead of backward,” Vaz said.
