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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Calvin Harrison, Organizer at Street Vendor Project and JFREJ Member
4:11:17
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128 sec
Calvin Harrison, an organizer at the Street Vendor Project and JFREJ member, testifies in support of street vendors and urges the committee to pass legislation to improve their working conditions. He emphasizes the positive impact of street vendors on New Yorkers' quality of life and community safety.
- Advocates for passing Intros 431 and 408, as well as the rest of the street vendor reform package
- Highlights the cultural and economic benefits of street vending in New York City
- Argues that street vendors contribute to neighborhood safety and vibrancy
Calvin Harrison
4:11:17
Good afternoon chairman and the committee.
4:11:19
Thank you for this opportunity to speak.
4:11:22
My name is Calvin Harrison.
4:11:24
I'm an organizer at the Street Vendor Project and a JFREG member.
4:11:28
I'm honored every day to be able to support and work with the city's hardworking vendors.
4:11:34
I'm so proud of all the vendors who joined us today to advocate for themselves and speak about their struggles.
4:11:40
Their testimony is more than enough to explain why these small businesses need access to licenses and permits.
4:11:46
Therefore I'm speaking not in my professional capacity, but in my perspective as a New Yorker.
4:11:52
So much of the conversation around vending centers around this idea of quality of life.
4:11:58
And I really want to urge the committee to reflect on that phrase.
4:12:02
When I think of what makes my life in New York better, I think of stopping on my way home at the produce stand.
4:12:07
I think of grabbing a coffee and a donut from a vendor on a dreary Monday.
4:12:11
I think of finding a merch vendor with umbrellas when I know it's about to rain.
4:12:15
I think of a plate of chicken over rice, extra white sauce in the late afternoon after I had to skip lunch.
4:12:22
Vendors improve my quality of life not just because of what they sell, but because of the role they play as eyes on the street as Jane Jacobs would say.
4:12:31
I feel safer in my neighborhood when I pass the same friendly faces of vendors every day.
4:12:36
I feel safer at night when I see the bright LED lights of a halal cart lighting up the sidewalk.
4:12:42
I certainly feel much safer seeing a vendor serving their customers than I do watching armed NYPD officers harassing and forcibly removing my working class neighbors from my community.
4:12:54
New Yorkers' quality of life doesn't come from empty sidewalks lined by chain stores and restaurants with $20 burgers.
4:13:01
Street vending fills our streets with vibrant culture and delicious, interesting food.
4:13:05
We should be uplifting rather than shutting out these vendors.
4:13:09
Our quality of life can easily be improved by providing access to the licensing vendors need and supporting them with small business services.
4:13:17
Therefore I urge you to please pass intros four thirty one and four zero eight as well as the rest of the street vendor reform package.
4:13:24
Thank you.