Overview

A beloved building in New York City that gained fame as the exterior of Carrie Bradshaw's apartment in the iconic series *Sex and the City* could soon be less accessible to impassioned fans. The property, located at 66 Perry Street in Greenwich Village, has been a pilgrimage site for tourists who hope to relive their favorite moments from the show.

Owner's Concerns

The building's current owner, frustrated by the crowds, has expressed a pressing need for more security against the exuberant fans. In an appeal to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, she detailed the challenges of constantly being surrounded by enthusiastic admirers. "At any hour of the day or night, there are groups of visitors in front of the house taking flash photos, engaging in loud chatter, posting on social media, making TikTok videos, or just celebrating the moment," she commented.

Current Measures and Proposed Changes

Currently, a chain link barrier is in place to deter visitors from encroaching on her privacy; however, the owner is now seeking to install a more imposing cast iron gate. Due to the historic significance of the neighborhood, she must secure permission before carrying out any alterations.

Issues with Visitors

The owner, whose identity remains undisclosed in her application, lamented that while some fans respect the existing barriers, others blatantly disregard the “No Trespassing - Private Property” signs. Reports of visitors climbing over the chain, celebrating on the steps, and even vandalizing the property with graffiti have increased. In her application, she recounted unsettling incidents, including fans ringing the doorbell late at night after heavy drinking.

Long-standing Challenge

After two decades of grappling with this phenomenon, she notes, "After 20 plus years of hoping the fascination with my stoop would die away and fans would find a new object for their devotion, I have acknowledged we need something more substantial. In order to regain a reasonable quality of life for our tenants and ourselves: we need to install a proper gate."

Cultural Impact of *Sex and the City*

*Sex and the City*, which aired from 1998 to 2004, revolutionized portrayals of women's relationships and sexuality on television, winning seven Emmy Awards in the process. The series continues to resonate with audiences today, particularly among younger generations discovering it through streaming platforms such as Netflix.

Conclusion

Since the show’s conclusion, the cultural impact has only expanded with the release of two feature films and a continuation series, *And Just Like That*. As interest persists, the iconic building at 66 Perry Street remains a litmus test for the fine line between admiration and intrusion for fans of the beloved series.

Could this move signal an end to fan gatherings at the steps of New York’s most famous stoop? Only time will reveal how this iconic location’s story unfolds—stay tuned!