Diana Ortiz arrived at the mayor’s office on time, with a quick step she joined the other fellow street vendors to support the councilors who propose reforms to the rules and laws that regulate their activity and that criminalize those like her who do not have a license.
“We feel like we are criminals, they take our things, they give us fines, so we want them to listen to us, since they can’t give us a license,” said Ortiz.
City officials who regulate this industry also testified in front of council members answering questions about how many licenses have been granted to applicants.
According to the Street Vendors Project organization, in one year only 14 licenses were delivered, however, there are more than 12 thousand backlogged requests that are not processed.
“We understand that the process has to be regulated so that they can live and understand the rules of how to sell on the streets, but not necessarily go to criminal court for selling on the street,” said Councilwoman Carmen De La Rosa.
Ortiz.
“If they do something that is not appropriate, that is not regulated after they clarify what the rules are and they have the opportunity to obtain licenses, then they can, if they give them a civil penalty, go to civil court to resolve it,” he added. From The Rose.
The councilor also posted a message on social networks about the hearing.
“Today, we are proud to join (Consumer and Worker Protection Committee) Chair @cmmvelaz at an important oversight hearing on street vending in New York. As part of the hearing, I, along with several of colleagues, I introduced a package of legislation that would improve street vending regulations,” De La Rosa wrote.
Today, we are proud to join Chair @cmmvelaz for an important oversight hearing on Street Vending in NYC. As part of the hearing, I along with several of my colleagues, have introduced a package of legislation that would improve street vending regulations. pic.twitter.com/VJcwlEmFUT
— Carmen De La Rosa (@CnDelarosa) December 13, 2023
The law reform contains four essential points:
*Grant licenses to all sellers making the process easy and fast
*Eliminate the criminalization of unlicensed sellers
*Create an assistance division for street vendors
*Proper relocation of vendors
“We are not criminals, we are street vendors and we want to follow the rules, but it is very difficult to follow the rules when there is a system that limits us and does not train us, and to know what is right, what to do. So we are here because we need a license, we need permits, we need more guidance,” said Guadalupe Sosa.
In addition, street vendors ask that their merchandise not be confiscated.
“It’s been a month since they took me away, I’ve felt so helpless, the truth is. I’ve even cried because that’s what I live off of, that’s what I support my family on,” Ortiz added.
“We are going to try to put in place a well-organized system of rules, resources and even more importantly, with my legislation we are going to decriminalize the work of vendors, because no vendor should be criminally punished,” said Councilman Shekar Krishnan.
And this is the first of two hearings, after which there will be a final vote on whether these proposals become law.
