Apart from filling the lungs of Lower East Siders with acrid smoke and bad memories, J.J. Abrams's recent film shoot is filling neighborhood residents with a fear of an entirely different, and in some ways more crushing, variety.

From the mailbag:

"Today is my birthday and I woke up to a giant loser's face on an advert covering the entire side of an Orchard St. building in my neighborhood. I live on Ludlow Street between Stanton and Houston facing the empty lot, also across from Pink Pony, Dare Devil tattoo. On the advert it says, "Woodbridge City Mall - Coming in 2008." ....I feel sick. what a horrible birthday present.

Breathe easy, birthday boy. That's the Walbridge Mall—and also presumably a prop left over from the J.J.'s set. Or at least, dear Lord, I hope it is. Wait, right? I feel a little sick.

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