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Coney Island Residents Not Thrilled With Costumed Characters On Boardwalk

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The costumed characters of Times Square have hit the beach, but it's not so much to enjoy Coney Island for the summer as it is to get away from the competition in Midtown.

But not everyone is happy to see the familiar faces of SpongeBob SquarePants and Elmo on the boardwalk, 1010 WINS' Roger Stern reported.

Coney Island Residents Not Thrilled With Costumed Characters On Boardwalk

Peter, who lives in the area and walks the boardwalk, said the characters and their high pressure tactics don't belong.

"You try to take a picture with one, like two or three will jump in the same picture and then they all demand, want some money," he said.

Still, the characters are willing to stand out in the hot sun in their heavy costumes to avoid the cops and competition in Times Square.

Scott, who works at Nathan's, said he's not a fan either.

"If you want tips do it the right way; be friendly, have your customer experience up, that's it. Don't be begging people for money," he said.

Scott think the characters should go back to Times Square.

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