The city takes the first steps to modify the regulation of street vending in the city.
According to the municipal government, the reform aims to modernize this activity and create more opportunities.
Among the changes announced by Mayor Adams is simplifying the requirements for displaying merchandise, as well as allowing food vendors to keep products on top of carts.
Street vendors are part of the essence of New York. 🥨 🥭
👏 See the new recommendations of @NYCMayor so that they have more opportunities and contribute to expanding the city’s healthy gastronomic offer: https://t.co/CwSTlQU9kV pic.twitter.com/d2BFjMEgce
— New York City (@nycgob) May 25, 2022
In addition, the measure instructs the Department of Transportation to study new opportunities for street vending in pedestrian plazas and municipal parking lots.
The announcement comes after strong criticism of the Adams administration for its treatment of these vendors.
In April, a fruit vendor was arrested on a subway platform for selling her produce without a permit.
The Street Vendor Project, which has been at the forefront of street vendors’ fight for changes to municipal laws and regulations, is optimistic about the proposals.
“For the first time, the vendors were part of the process,” the organization wrote in a message on social media, referring to having representatives on the committee that made the proposals to the mayor.
“We look forward to bold changes with @NYCMayor and @NYCCouncil
“Formalizing and modernizing the industry must be the first step in reform,” the message continues.
Today the Street Vendor Advisory Board released a report reviewing NYC vending industry. For the 1st time, vendors were part of the process
We look forward to bold changes with @NYCMayor & @NYCCouncil
Formalizing & modernizing the industry must be the first step in reform pic.twitter.com/A0p3TtsfrI
— Street Vendor Project (@VendorPower) May 25, 2022
The organization, however, points out at the same time that much remains to be done.
“The city should consider bolder steps toward system reform to ensure all street vendors in our city can formalize their business and earn a living without being treated like criminals,” writes the Street Vendor Project.
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