BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — New York City street vendors are calling for reform after a week of intensified enforcement actions, according to the Street Vendor Project.
They held a press conference and marched from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection on Thursday morning, demanding easier access to permits and licenses.
Vendors like Mr. Jiang, from Flushing, Queens, say they’ve been unfairly targeted. “They come to Flushing and tell us to get a permit and a license,” Jiang said, “but when we go to the department, there are no permits available!”
Miguel Varela, a Bronx vendor with ten years of experience, echoed Jiang’s frustrations. Valera claims the Department of Sanitation has increased enforcement against him, resulting in a wave of tickets and ultimately, the loss of his home.
The crux of the issue seems to be a longstanding cap on the number of available vending licenses. This makes obtaining a permit extremely difficult, and vendors are urging the passage of the Street Vendor Reform Legislative Package, which would create a clearer path to licensure.
“We think this march today will highlight the fact that vendors cannot get their permits,” said Mohamed Addia, Director of the Street Vendor Project. “We need to dispel any myths that some people are putting out there.”
Councilmember Amanda Farias joined the vendors in their call for reform. “We need to continue to fight for them,” Farias said. “Folks have been waiting way too long. This is impacting their daily lives. We can encourage entrepreneurship and revenue for the city while still enforcing regulations.”
The Street Vendor Project remains optimistic that the legislative package will be passed.
