Verified reports that TV star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is 15 weeks pregnant and engaged to boyfriend Jionni Lavalle have increased the publicity surrounding the pint-sized partier’s presence in Jersey City during filming for her new reality show over the last few weeks.
Polizzi and fellow star Jennifer “Jwoww” Farley, who became famous on the hit MTV show “Jersey Shore,” are spending six weeks in downtown Jersey City for an MTV spinoff series, after Hoboken officials denied them a permit to film in the mile-square city in January.
“Jersey Shore” often features the cast drinking too much, dancing at bars, having casual sex, and discussing all of the above. But the spinoff will likely be different if Snooki is almost four months pregnant.
The Chile-born star confirmed last week that she is 15 weeks pregnant. She said she found out about her pregnancy around New Year’s and has been playing it safe regarding the drinking.
So will she be seen on the streets of Jersey City – where she and Farley are living in a converted firehouse downtown – with an ever-burgeoning tummy? Where will she go for ultrasounds?
Eating for two
The New York Post reported two weeks ago that Snooki, 24, had been concealing the pregnancy in order to make a proper announcement in the media.
On Monday, People Magazine said it had confirmed with a source that Snooki is engaged to her boyfriend of one year, Jionni Lavalle. People also released pictures of Snooki wearing what looked like an engagement ring.
Meanwhile, crowds of Jersey City residents have stood poised with their cameras for the last two weeks outside of Snooki and Jwoww’s temporary residence.
Teenagers, some accompanied by parents, come from far distances right after school lets out to stand behind metal fences across the street from house 38 between Mercer and Grove.
The spinoff has been named “Snooki and Jwoww vs. the World,” according to IMDB.com.
Local color
Last week, one source said he saw Jwoww and Snooki at O’Connell’s Bar & Grill on Montgomery Street in downtown Jersey City, and that Snooki was not drinking.
Walker’s Apothecary, a full-service spa and nail salon, is located right next to Jwoww and Snooki’s apartment. Although some local businesses have turned a cold shoulder to the partying stars, Walker’s would treat them like any other customers, said a staff member.
“I honestly haven’t watched all the seasons, but it is entertaining,” said Patty Alvarez, a nail technician at the spa. “Walker’s Apothecary does have a clientele and services are by appointment, so that won’t change. We are hoping for positive attention, but definitely not the traffic or the lack in parking.”
Snooki and Jwoww have apparently been enjoying the bargain-priced items at locations like the Kennedy Department Store on Central Avenue. Most of Jersey City’s local stores have welcomed the girls with open arms, including Bar Majestic owner Joseph Castro.
Bar Majestic, on Grove Street one block away from Snooki and Jwoww’s apartment, had higher revenue last week than usual, Castro said. Castro believes the good weather and, of course, the arrival of the dynamic duo, are the cause.
“Everyone is welcomed at Bar Majestic,” said Castro. “I don’t see their arrival as a detriment.”
He added, “This could be a great opportunity for Jersey City and its businesses.”
However, not all restaurant owners are as welcoming as Castro.
Restaurants and bars like Skinner’s Loft and LITM, both located on Newark Avenue, have voiced their disfavor.
Tia’s Place, a trendy clothing store on Grove Street, is one of the many locations in Jersey City that has prohibited filming.
“Our store’s contract prohibits filming,” said Emily Gomez, manager at Tia’s Place, “though we are curious to see what their arrival brings to our community and our local partners.”
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