Three signs have gone up in Uppertown addressed to "Goonies" fans. From left, the signs read, “Hey You Guys! Goonies Welcome!,” “Ignore Karen,” and, partially obscured, “Goonies Not Welcome.”
Three signs have gone up in Uppertown addressed to "Goonies" fans. From left, the signs read, “Hey You Guys! Goonies Welcome!,” “Ignore Karen,” and, partially obscured, “Goonies Not Welcome.”
ASTORIA — Since the new owner of the “Goonies” house in the Uppertown neighborhood of Astoria made it clear he would encourage movie fans to visit, tensions in the neighborhood have escalated.
Behman Zakeri, an entrepreneur from Overland Park, Kansas, closed this month on a $1.65 million purchase of the house made famous by the 1985 movie “The Goonies.” His childhood best friend, Michael Eakin, purchased the home next door, which was listed at the same time.
After their neighbor, Megan Hodges, hung a sign saying, “Goonies Not Welcome,” dueling signs were hung at the “Goonies” house and at Eakin’s home.
The banner hung at the “Goonies” house read, “Hey You Guys! Goonies Welcome.” Next door, a banner with a large arrow pointing to Hodges’ house said, “Ignore Karen.”
Hodges, who has been vocal in her concern about commercialization of the “Goonies” house, said she hung her banner first “sort of preemptively.”
“Because the new owner has really aggressively stated how much he is going to invite more people,” she said.
The signs drew attention over the weekend after photos of the messages were shared on social media.
“I just want to live in peace and quiet and I feel like everybody has a right to,” Hodges said. “And off of one person’s greed and profit, the whole neighborhood has to suffer.”
In a statement provided by New York City-based 5W Public Relations, Zakeri said he is “thrilled to be able to continue the Goonie legacy and share my love for the movie with fans across the country, and local fans living right here in Astoria, Oregon.
“There is nothing more important to me than preserving the landmark while also respecting the local community, and I hope that the neighborhood can understand how exciting this journey is for me, and can join me in celebrating the Goonie magic.”
Over the years, the quiet neighborhood has attracted fans of the adventure comedy and other tourists. Frustrations with traffic and some bad behavior from visitors has boiled over at different points.
The last time issues escalated was in 2015, the year of the movie’s 30th anniversary.
Hodges and other neighbors have urged the city to take more measures to mitigate traffic concerns.
Hodges said she is at the end of her rope. She has even considered moving.
“The impact is great, and the response is not great,” she said. “And when nothing gets done, what are you supposed to do?
“I mean, what am I supposed to do, just keep showing up to the City Council meetings and saying the same thing over and over?”
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