“In a time when immigrants and workers are targeted by executive orders at both the city and federal levels, it is crucial that the New York City Council do everything in our power to support street vendors alongside the brick-and-mortar business that make our commercial corridors thrive.”
Street vendors near 7 train station at Junction Boulevard in Queens last year. (Adi Talwar/City Limits)
New York City’s street vendors are an integral part of our city’s fabric, but thousands are still waiting to formally join the economy by obtaining a vending license. In a time when immigrants and workers are targeted by executive orders at both the city and federal levels, it is crucial that the New York City Council do everything in our power to support street vendors alongside the brick-and-mortar business that make our commercial corridors thrive.
At the city level, strengthening our street vending policy is one of the only ways we can make our city safer and more welcoming for immigrant New Yorkers. That’s why I’m proud to share that my bill to do just that is having a hearing in the City Council tomorrow—Tuesday, May 6.
The reality is our street vending system is broken. Since the 1980s, New York City has issued a very small number of vending permits relative to demand, with more than 10,000 vendors on a now-closed waitlist. This proliferation of unlicensed vendors makes it more and more difficult to enforce the rules that are on the books, like health standards for food being sold, or spacing rules that keep our streets safe and clean. When permits are not made widely available, all New Yorkers suffer.
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As a daughter and granddaughter of street vendors, I have made this issue a priority since taking office. My bill, Int. 431, would tackle our failed system head-on. The legislation would mandate that the city issue far more permits each year to bring existing vendors into the formal economy. It would pair that access with education so that vendors know their rights and responsibilities. In addition, my intention is to add new enforcement standards so that the rules for how a vendor can lose their license are clearly established.
By taking a comprehensive approach to street vending, we can expand opportunity for our smallest businesses, establish a clear and fair enforcement system, and create thriving streets throughout our great city.
If you feel strongly about the bill, I invite you to join us at tomorrow’s New York City Council hearing—Tuesday, May 6—on this critical legislation, either in person or by submitting a written testimony. As a member of the Council’s Progressive Caucus, I’m proud to have my bill as one of the Caucus’ priorities this term. With the support of and collaboration with my colleagues, I hope an amended version of Int. 431 will pass in this Council session.
I hope you join me in raising your voice for all of our city’s workers: from the local auto shop, to your neighborhood bodega, to the street vendors striving for a better life.
Pierina Ana Sanchez is a member of the NYC Council representing the 14th District, which includes the Bronx neighborhoods of Kingsbridge, Fordham, University Heights and Mount Hope.
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