REMARKS
Council Member De La Rosa's Statement: Clarifying Sidewalk Vending Rules
0:33:59
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117 sec
Council Member De La Rosa emphasizes streamlining vending rules to ensure vendors and pedestrians can coexist.
She acknowledges the need to clarify siding regulations, maintain standards for licensed vendors, and keep pedestrian lanes clear. De La Rosa expresses readiness for further discussions with the Department of Transportation and highlights the significance of vending in the cultural and economic fabric of Washington Heights.
Speaker 14
0:33:59
Thank you so much, Chairman and I don't have too much of a statement, more an acknowledgment, and an appreciation for us to be able to hear this legislation.
0:34:09
The bill that I carry is a bill that talks about siding, and I know there has been a lot of communication around the siding rules I want to express that our interest here is to clarify siding rules so that people understand where they are allowed to bend.
0:34:26
I know there has been questions I was reading over the testimony of deputy commissioner, and I know that there is questions surrounding the 12 feet pedestrian lane.
0:34:37
It is my intent, and I think the intent of this bill too allow that pedestrian lane to continue.
0:34:43
I think that we have to obviously discuss the bill.
0:34:47
We're open to this conversation with DOT.
0:34:49
It is not our intent to make pedestrian use of the streets harder, more difficult, less accessible, but it is our intent to ensure that vendors clearly understand where they can vent and how they can vent.
0:35:04
It is my opinion as well that the rules that exist for licensed vendors under the current structure continue under this legislation, and I'm looking forward to engaging the administration on this conversation, and I'm proud to be a a a legislator that is working with a coalition of impacted people.
0:35:26
I represent a community in Washington Heights where vending has been part of the fabric of our cultural diversity as well as our small businesses.
0:35:36
And I understand that it is important for us to share those spaces and really have the conversations about how we do that.
0:35:42
In the best interests of all.
0:35:44
So thank you for being here today, and I'm looking forward to continuing this conversation on the merits of the legislation offline.
0:35:50
Thank you.
Speaker 1
0:35:51
Thank you.
0:35:52
And I'm now going to turn it over to my colleague, council member, Phyllis, for a statement on his legislation.