The century-old Brooklyn Bridge in New York was left this Wednesday without the sales stands where for years tourists have been able to buy all kinds of souvenirs and satisfy their hunger with the popular hot dogs and pretzels while touring the infrastructure.
The city today implemented the new rule that prohibits the presence of street vendors on the iconic bridge citing safety reasons, mainly due to the increase in the number of people who walk daily from Manhattan to Brooklyn or vice versa.
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According to data from the Department of Transportation (DOT), which controls eight bridges including the one in Brooklyn, the 17,000 people who crossed the bridge daily in 2021 increased to 34,000 today, causing great congestion of the public, many times with children and pets, They had little space to walk because of the sales stalls.
“It is vital that we keep the Brooklyn Bridge free of safety risks.
“Today, @NYC_DOT began enforcing new rules prohibiting vending on the city’s bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway.
“This will make this iconic landmark safer for EVERYONE,” Mayor Eric Adams wrote in a social media message.
It’s vital that we keep the Brooklyn Bridge clear of any safety risks.
Today the @NYC_DOT began enforcing new rules that prohibit vending on city bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge’s pedestrian walkway.
This will make this iconic landmark safer for ALL. pic.twitter.com/g5SVulyR5J
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) January 3, 2024
Early this morning, the police went to the bridge and confiscated several tables used for the sale of merchandise, as they had notified five days before in some flyers about the eviction, which was not to the liking of the sellers, but neither were some. visitors and New Yorkers.
“As of January 3, 2024, the sale of merchandise is not permitted on the Brooklyn Bridge. Please remove all belongings by January 2 at 11:59 PM. Any property left on the bridge will be withdrawal,” a flyer warned.
Many vendors – a large number of them Latino – who have proliferated year after year are licensed and some are veterans.
The Street Vendor Project organization that supports street vendors in the city posted a message on social networks criticizing the city’s measure.
“Street vendors are part of all major tourist attractions in cities around the world, prized for the souvenirs and services they provide to visitors.
“Last Friday, the city announced it would ban street vending on the BK Bridge without any consideration for these small businesses,” the message reads.
Street vendors are a part of every major tourist attraction in cities around the world, cherished for the souvenirs & services they provide to visitors
Last Friday the city announced it is banning vending on the BK Bridge without any consideration to these small businesses 🧵 pic.twitter.com/VO2ScRSDUI
— Street Vendor Project (@VendorPower) January 3, 2024
Through the public hearing process, those licensed vendors asked that the new rule apply only to those without the permit required by the city.
The DOT today sent a statement reminding that the new rules “clarify that vending is not allowed in the pedestrian route and bicycle lane on the city’s bridges and in the accesses, improving safety (for the public and bridges) and relieving overcrowding.
“New Yorkers, and the millions of people who visit our city each year, should be able to enjoy the bridge without impediments to safety and mobility,” said DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez.
“The Brooklyn Bridge walkway is open and safe for New Yorkers and visitors who want to enjoy the views!
“Commissioner Rodriguez visited the iconic bridge today to see the impact of our new rule prohibiting vending on the city’s bridges,” the DOT wrote in a social media message.
The Brooklyn Bridge walkway is open and safe for New Yorkers and visitors who want to take in the views!
Commissioner Rodriguez visited the iconic bridge today to see the impact of our new rule that prohibits vending on city bridges. pic.twitter.com/oGuUpLd7zk
— NYC DOT (@NYC_DOT) January 3, 2024
Rodríguez told EFE that he hopes that licensed sellers can continue making their lives and developing their businesses at the authorized points in the city.
The city’s police chief, Edward A. Cabán, indicated that the elimination of (vending) carts, tables, chairs and other large obstacles frees up space along the narrow wooden walkway, which is now shared by pedestrians and cyclists.
2024-01-03 21:24:00
#centuryold #Brooklyn #Bridge #left #vendors
