PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Armando Crescenzi, Associate Founder of Put Veterans First, on Veterans' Rights and Proposed Initiative
1:57:29
·
5 min
Armando Crescenzi, Associate Founder of Put Veterans First, presented testimony on the challenges faced by veteran street vendors in New York City and proposed a new initiative to support disabled veterans. He highlighted the city's failure to protect veterans' vending rights and suggested repurposing vacant newsstands as veteran-operated community hubs.
- Crescenzi emphasized that veterans have legal rights to operate as vendors without city restrictions, but many have been driven out of street vending due to enforcement issues and competition from unlicensed vendors.
- He proposed a "Veterans Take a Stand for Civic Engagement" initiative, suggesting that the city grant 600 vacant newsstands to eligible disabled veterans to run as businesses and community service hubs.
- The proposed veteran-operated newsstands would offer various community services, including internet access, social service referrals, and support for delivery businesses, while providing veterans with business opportunities.
Armando Crescenzi
1:57:29
Good morning to all thank you, Chairman, the meeting members.
1:57:35
And all the veteran advocates present here today.
1:57:38
My name is Amanda Crescendi.
1:57:40
I'm a life member of disabled American vets, a life member of the military offices of American Association, and a life member of the American Legion, where I'm the commander of my post.
1:57:52
I have a degree in political science.
1:57:55
30 years ago, I got my doctor written law, and today I'm specializing in civil rights with the focus on the 5th 14th amendment.
1:58:04
In 2010 with my fellow veterans, I founded a nonprofit organization called put veterans first.
1:58:10
Our mission is to help New York City veterans start and build their own small business as vendors and food cart operators.
1:58:19
All by accessing their state granted rights.
1:58:23
These are rights.
1:58:24
It's not a charity.
1:58:25
It's not a privilege.
1:58:26
These are rights written into the law for service disabled vets to operate free from city placement restrictions in the city in New York.
1:58:36
Over the years, I've seen hundreds of veterans get driven out of street vending by the city and the NYPD.
1:58:44
We heard from Walter, and we also heard from Fred Hart earlier.
1:58:49
And, sadly, there's a new cadre of enforcement personnel out there.
1:58:56
It was just the completely unaware of the law.
1:59:01
Sadly, the mayor's office and the city council stood by and did nothing to help New York City veterans pursue their American dream.
1:59:11
Recently, the city granted full immunity to asylum seekers who commit quality of life crimes, stating that criminal charges would reflect poorly on their asylum application.
1:59:24
No matter what your opinion of the immigration fiasco.
1:59:27
The fact is that the city sidewalks overrun with illegal unlicensed vendors.
1:59:34
Most service disabled vets cannot compete in such a lawless environment.
1:59:40
It seems that the police have been totally defunded except when it comes to service disabled vets.
1:59:46
Then then there's plenty of enforcement.
1:59:49
Because of rising crime and the city dysfunction, Vending is no longer an attractive option for veterans.
1:59:57
So how can New York City meet its illegal obligation to accommodate disabled vets?
2:00:04
Codified in state and federal law, the city is mandated to provide reasonable accommodations to its disabled veterans who operate as street vendors.
2:00:16
Years ago, while the new stands were run by veterans, Today, with the proliferation of digital media, news stands have become obsolete and are shutting down everywhere.
2:00:30
The MTA has dozens of these so called ghost news stands And throughout the city, there are more than 600 newsstands that are vacant.
2:00:40
Coincidentally, there are 600 disabled veterans licensed and registered with the city as vendors of merchandise and food.
2:00:48
I proposed that the city grant each eligible veteran a new stand where they can run their own business.
2:00:55
In exchange, the veteran would make his new stand a hub of community affairs and social services.
2:01:03
I call this veterans take a stand for civic engagement.
2:01:07
The initiative will ensure that the city honors its obligation to disable veterans who would run the new stands as their own retail business.
2:01:17
The veteran would serve as a community liaison promoting civic awareness and participation.
2:01:22
Each new stand will be a place where local residents can connect with and plug into community activities and events.
2:01:28
Reliable Internet, digital kiosk, and tablets would be a must available for anyone in need of social services or a referral.
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Security cameras, first aid kits, NARCAN, and defibrillators would also be present at these locations.
2:01:47
Being embedded in communities throughout the city, the new stands are ideally suited to meet the needs of the booming delivery business.
2:01:54
They can be drop off and pick up points for packages, charging stations for ebikes, and relief stands for the delivery drivers.
2:02:04
Maybe Amazon or FedEx would like to access this network of 600 convenient locations owned and operated by a veteran who has civic engagement as part of his business model.
2:02:16
The opportunities are limitless.
2:02:18
In closing, I say, don't wait for Veterans Day to thank a veteran.
2:02:24
Help veterans take a stand in your neighborhood and you can thank Yvette every day all year long.
Robert F. Holden
2:02:31
Thank you.
2:02:31
Thank you, Armando, for your very good testimony.
2:02:33
Thank you both.
2:02:34
Appreciate it.
Armando Crescenzi
2:02:35
Thank you.
