no pic for you!
Photography banned on one of Houston's most photogenic streets
A historic and photogenic Houston community is trying to block photo shoots from its streets.
Broadacres placed signs around South, North, and West Boulevard telling photographers they could not shoot in the park and esplanades.
It's a move that puzzled Debbie Psifidis, who has used the neighborhood as a backdrop for a decade. The area, known for its live-oak-lined canopy and luxurious homes — some of which date back to the 1920s — sees dozens of photo shoots a week. The area has been included in movies, such as Terms of Endearment.
"It's just beautiful, and it's historic, and all the trees," Psifidis said.
She thought the esplanades are part of the public street.
"We're all paying taxes," Psifidis said. "My clients are paying taxes. I didn't realize they could get away with something like that."
The city said it can't.
The esplanades it said are a public right-of-way. This means photographers can use the green spaces to take pictures.
However, the homeowners association said the property was deeded to the group in the 1920s, and is looking for the documentation to enforce its ban.
The group said the signs went up because the photographers disrupt the peaceful neighborhood with large crowds, equipment and tables.
"I would say every time I'm walking through the neighborhood there is probably one family, or one couple that's taking photos here, but they've never seemed chaotic," Houston resident Elizabeth Wong said.
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