TESTIMONY
Testimony by Lisa Sorin, Bronx Chamber of Commerce: Concerns Over Expanding Vendor Presence
1:16:34
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169 sec
Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, presents her testimony, opposing the proposed bill stating that it allows vendors to indiscriminately expand their presence on city streets.
Sorin highlights the bill's potential threat to pedestrian safety and the functionality of urban spaces due to reduced walk lanes and the unaddressed impact on street furniture. She also voices concerns about sanitation and the need for a balanced approach that considers the interests of vendors, brick-and-mortar businesses, and the safety of pedestrians.
Speaker 12
1:16:34
Good afternoon.
1:16:36
Chairman men in and city council.
1:16:42
My name is Lisa Somme, President of the Bronze Chamber of Commerce.
1:16:46
The proposal legislation, and I know it's been addressed, but I think it's important that we go on the record for 75 poses a severe threat.
1:16:54
To the very essence of our city streetscape and the pedestrian experience by allowing vendors to expand their presence indiscriminately The build disregards crucial considerations that walk lanes and the optimal and the optimal functionality of various street furniture elements including planters, bike racks, hydrants among others.
1:17:15
One of the most concerning aspects is the potential of reduction in pedestrian walk lanes.
1:17:20
Such a constrained space not only compromises his safety and comfort of pedestrians, but also undermines the overall functionality of urban spaces.
1:17:30
The vibrant and accessible environment is vital for the well-being of our community and any measures that threatens narrow Nowering these pathway is simply unacceptable.
1:17:40
In its current form, the bill lacks the necessary provisions to ensure a thoughtful and balanced approach to vending requirements.
1:17:48
It fails to address the potential encroachment on essential walkable areas and the hindrance to practical use of street furniture.
1:17:57
The oversight can lead to chaos on our sidewalks negatively impacting both residents and visitors.
1:18:04
We speak about carts, but many vendors set up tables, chairs, cardboard, on sidewalks, home cooked foods, on laundry carts.
1:18:12
Among other items that can be laid out and sold.
1:18:16
I strongly urge opposition to this bill in its current state It is imperative that we advocate for legislation that takes into account the diverse needs of our urban landscape, balancing the interest of vendors, with their crucial requirements for a safe and enjoyable pedestrian experience.
1:18:35
Let's briefly address the sanitation concerns, if I may, chairman.
Speaker 1
1:18:40
Yes.
1:18:41
Yes.
Speaker 12
1:18:42
The Department of Sanitation, as they new regulations that affect all businesses pertaining to set out times for garbage and now requires that all businesses put their waste in large bins which are to be placed at the curb.
1:18:55
We would like to know what containers will be used by the vendors.
1:18:59
311 calls have more than doubled in the last 4 years, most of them about trash and blocking of sidewalks.
1:19:07
As the council moves forward with this package of legislation, We must be thoughtful that rules that balance the needs of these vendors, brick and mortar businesses, and residents while ensuring public safety is at the core of regulatory landscape.
1:19:21
Thank you for the time.
Speaker 1
1:19:22
Thank you.