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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Daniel Scorse, Representative of Hudson Yards/Hells Kitchen Alliance on Street Vending Regulations
2:51:28
·
85 sec
Daniel Scorse, representing the Hudson Yards/Hells Kitchen Alliance, argues against Intro 431, which proposes lifting the cap on street vendor licenses. He warns that unlimited vending would lead to overcrowded sidewalks and harm local businesses, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Suggests testing the unlimited license idea in a small area before citywide implementation
- Highlights the inconsistency of fining idling trucks while allowing food vendors to use gas-powered generators
- Calls for a ban on gas-powered generators for street vendors due to noise, pollution, and sidewalk staining
Daniel Scorse
2:51:28
Everyone agrees that street vending in New York City is broken.
2:51:32
However, Intro four thirty one simply doubles down on that brokenness.
2:51:36
Street vending is a private for profit business taking place on public land.
2:51:40
The city has the right to regulate street vending.
2:51:43
In fact, the city has the duty to regulate it.
2:51:46
Lifting the vendor cap would be a disaster.
2:51:49
All areas with high foot traffic would be inundated with vendors choking sidewalks and local businesses.
2:51:55
If that happens, I will look forward to returning to this room when your successors propose reinstituting the current cap.
2:52:02
Why not test this limitless license idea in a small part of the city, perhaps in a busy commercial area represented by one of the bill's supporters?
2:52:10
Unfortunately, doubt I doubt any city council member would sacrifice their district to test a plan that's destined to fail.
2:52:17
I have thirty more seconds and your attention, so please allow me to make one more point.
2:52:22
Under city law, any truck driver caught idling for over three minutes is subject to a hefty fine.
2:52:28
And yet we allow thousands of food vendors to run gas powered generators all day, every day within inches of pedestrians.
2:52:35
These generators are loud, polluting, and stain the sidewalks.
2:52:39
Please fix this hypocritical loophole and expressly prohibit street vendors from using gas powered generators.
2:52:45
Thank you.
Julie Menin
2:52:47
Can you just identify yourself for the record?
2:52:49
Because we didn't get that.
Daniel Scorse
2:52:50
Sorry.
2:52:50
Dan Scores, the Hudson Yards, Tuskegee Alliance.