'Jersey Shore' Spinoff Show Nixes Morristown Shoot

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 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."

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."

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."

"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 would may have something to present at the next Town Council meeting. 

Dougherty noted Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi, one of the main performers on the spinoff series, is now an East Hanover resident, as well as about eight months pregnant.

"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.