Street vendors in NYC have been demanding respect and protection for their work for years
Photo: Edwin Martínez / Impremedia
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The arrest of a street vendor Ecuadorian in Brooklyn, just a few weeks ago, for selling fruit in a subway station, whom the police she was handcuffed as if she were a criminal, she generated all kinds of criticism from different sectors of New York and activists, who once again raised their voices urging the City improvements in conditions of workers of that union and protections.
And the recent announcement of Mayor Eric Adamswho revealed that he will take measures to reform and modernize street vending regulations, fell like a balm of hope for the more than 20,000 informal merchants who make a living on the streets of New York.
Adams announced that he will take into account the 16 recommendations of the Street Vendors Advisory Board, which issued this Wednesday after six months of analysis, and said that it will not only seek mechanisms to expand legal sales opportunities, but also promote business development and reduce sanctions and penalties that have become common of each day for the street vendors.
“As New York City reinvents our streets and sidewalks to be more equitable and pedestrian-friendly, we are hopeful that the report will create opportunities for all providers to formalize,” said the statement. Coalition NYC Street Vendor Justice, which has been demanding that street vending be formalized for years. “For the first time in history, street vendors are being included with other stakeholders to decide the future of their industry.”
The Street Vendor Advisory Boardwhich includes different city agencies and worker representatives, reviewed the street vending industry, recommending business support for workers, simplifying merchandise display requirements, allowing mobile food vendors to maintain the products on top of the carts and repeal of criminal liability to street vendors.
Also, direct the Department of Transportation to study and test the feasibility of new opportunities for street vending in pedestrian plazas, municipal parking lots, and metered parking lots.
“Almost 20,000 entrepreneurs, primarily immigrants, people of color, military veterans, and women, are employed as street vendors, diversifying the city’s economy and keeping our streets and sidewalks vibrant. However, for decades, street vendors have struggled under an uneven regulatory system, due to a lack of available permits and licenses and strict regulations and penalties,” added the Coalition NYC Street Vendor Justicewho highlighted the benefits that the Local Law 18 of 2021which required reviewing and evaluating all state and municipal laws and regulations that regulate street vending in the Big Apple and proposing recommendations for reform.
“The report issued by the Street Vendor Advisory Board it’s a solid first step in upgrading the city’s outdated, inefficient, and unfair vending system. We are excited about these common sense and impactful policy suggestions.” the NYC Street Vendor Justice Coalition. “However, the City should consider bolder steps toward reforming the system to ensure that all street vendors in our city can do business and earn a living without being treated like criminals.”
Mayor Eric Adams He acknowledged in his announcement that street vendors are “an integral part of the city’s economy” and highlighted his support for the vision of the Street Vendor Advisory Board.
“Together, we can balance the needs of street vendors, physical businesses, and residents. These recommendations do just that by reducing red tape, creating new opportunities for street vendors to operate legally, and improving access to healthy food in all five boroughs,” said the Mayor.
Mohamed Attiamanaging director of the Urban Justice Center’s Street Vendors Project, thanked the City for the first time for including street vendors in decision-making.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Adams and the city Council to modernize the street vending system, ensure all street vendors are licensed, and cut red tape so our city’s smallest business can truly thrive,” the activist said.
Murad Awawdehexecutive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, was positive about the ad, warning that street vendors are an indelible part of New York City’s economy and recovery. “We are delighted to see the City adopt and implement much-needed protections for our smaller businesses to ensure our vendors can better serve New York communities with less red tape, reduced penalties and increased opportunities to thrive,” Awawdeh said.
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