Warner Bros had applied for a permit that would fully close the Bedford Street sidewalk, allowing fans to take photographs while sitting on the sofa in front of the building.
Residents of the real apartment building used for establishing shots on Friends are protesting a planned promotional stunt for the sitcom’s 25th anniversary.
In celebration of the show’s forthcoming 25th birthday, Warner Bros Television had hoped to plant a replica of the show’s Central Perk coffee shop sofa outside of the building.
“We are hopeful we can still move forward with the permit and create a unique experience for fans,” Warner Bros Television said in a statement.