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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Brenda Irizarry, Member of Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition
4:06:39
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135 sec
Brenda Irizarry, a member of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition, testified in support of Intro 431 and Intro 408, part of the street vendors reform package. She emphasized the vital role of street vendors in the economy and the need for reform to address issues faced by unlicensed vendors.
- Intro 431 would increase licenses and permits over time, allowing more vendors to become regulated.
- Intro 408 would create a special office to provide services and resources to support vendors' business success.
- Irizarry urged the committee to support all bills in the reform package to create a fairer system for street vendors.
Brenda Irizarry
4:06:39
Good afternoon city council committee members and the audience.
4:06:45
My name is Brenda Irizarry.
4:06:48
I live in the Norwood section of the Bronx.
4:06:51
I am a member of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition.
4:06:57
As a coalition and community member, I urge the committee to support Intro four thirty one and Intro four zero eight, which is part of the street vendors reform package.
4:07:12
Street vendors play a vital role in our economy.
4:07:16
They provide goods and services to our neighborhoods.
4:07:21
They contribute to our city's tax base.
4:07:25
Most of all, street vending is a gateway for immigrants, people of color, and veterans to operate their own businesses.
4:07:36
The need for reform is imperative.
4:07:40
Vendors that aren't licensed or don't have permits face fines and harassment.
4:07:47
The process to obtain a license or permit takes too long and is capped.
4:07:54
Intro four three one would solve this problem by increasing licenses and permits over time.
4:08:03
Thus, more vendors would become regulated without fear of being shut down or fined.
4:08:13
Intro four zero eight would benefit all vendors with much needed support towards success with their businesses By creating a special office that provides services and resources, vendors would feel they are valued stakeholders in our economy.
4:08:35
In closing, the street vendor reform package would bring about a fairer system that forces support for all vendors.
4:08:45
I appeal to this committee to support all the bills contained in the reform package.
4:08:51
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to testify.