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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Brian McGinn, Representative of 34th Street Partnership and Bryant Park Corporation
2:54:58
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61 sec
Brian McGinn, representing the 34th Street Partnership and Bryant Park Corporation, testifies against Intros 431 and 1251, citing concerns about vendor behavior in Midtown Manhattan. He highlights issues with both licensed and unlicensed vendors operating in prohibited areas and causing safety and quality of life problems.
- The 34th Street district regularly observes vendors violating rules and posing threats to pedestrian safety.
- Property owners complain about vendors blocking storefronts and obstructing pedestrian right of way on crowded sidewalks.
- Security staff works to protect pedestrians when vendors behave dangerously.
Brian McGinn
2:54:58
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen of the council.
2:55:00
My name is Brian McGinn.
2:55:01
I sit you on behalf of the thirty fourth Street Partnership and the Bryan Park Corporation, two business improvement districts in Midtown, to testify against intros four thirty one and twelve fifty one.
2:55:14
In the 30 Fourth Street district, which expands from 20 Ninth Street to 30 Fifth Street and from Park Avenue to Tenth Avenue, we regularly observe licensed vendors operating in prohibited areas and unlicensed vendors working illegally.
2:55:26
Together, they pose a serious threat to pedestrian safety and quality of life in public spaces.
2:55:32
These are the same vendors that operate every day, and they know the rules.
2:55:37
The most common complaint we hear from the property owners is that the vendors block the storefronts and obstruct the pedestrian right of way on already crowded sidewalks.
2:55:46
Even licensed vendors frequently ignore these restrictions on when and where they're allowed to operate.
2:55:53
Our security staff works hard to protect protect pedestrians when vendors behave dangerously.