Less News Story Than Sign Of The Times

Film set P.A. + construction site debris:

A production assistant working on a film set in Manhattan was injured when a piece of plywood from a building renovation hit him on the head Thursday.

Remarkably, Walter Wilkerson, 56, was not seriously hurt by the debris that plunged 12 stories from a Gramercy Park office tower about 7:30 a.m., officials said.

. . .

Witnesses said Wilkerson, who was arranging parking along Park Ave. South and E.18th St. for the filming of a commercial, was struck by the plywood after a gust of wind wrenched it loose from a suspended scaffolding.

Horrified co-workers watched as the large slab hurtled toward the sidewalk and tried in vain to warn Wilkerson, who was carrying a cup of coffee.

“It was like a Frisbee,” said Jaz Reyes, 28, a fellow production assistant.

City Buildings Department officials said workers were repairing the 19-story office building’s facade when the debris fell.

City inspectors issued a violation to the contractor, Yates Restoration Group, for failing to protect the public and property, officials said.

Wilkerson remained in good humor after the near disaster.

“I’m still mad about my coffee,” he said, noting he spilled the java after he was struck. “My legs are still a little rubbery, and my balance is off.”