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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Erin Piscopink, Executive Director of SoHo Broadway Initiative and Co-Chair of NYC BID Association
2:22:23
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129 sec
Erin Piscopink, representing the NYC BID Association, testified on the proposed street vending legislation. She emphasized the need for balanced policies that support both vendors and storefront businesses while addressing enforcement concerns.
- Expressed support for licensed vendors but highlighted issues with enforcement of existing regulations
- Opposed Intro 431, which would significantly increase vending licenses, arguing that recent changes need more time to be implemented
- Stressed the importance of BIDs in public policy decisions regarding streetscape management
Erin Piscopink
2:22:23
Apologies for my delay.
2:22:26
Chairman and members of the New York City Council, my name is Erin Piscopink.
2:22:29
I am the executive director of the SoHo Broadway Initiative, but I'm here today in my capacity as co chair of the New York City Bid Association.
2:22:36
The association is comprised of the 76 business improvement districts across New York that are as diverse as the city itself.
2:22:43
Bids are on the front lines of economic development, neighborhood vibrancy, and public realm management.
2:22:47
It's critical that bids have a seat at the table when making public policy decisions about our streetscape, including vending.
2:22:54
We understand that New York City has always had street vendors, entrepreneurs who are trying to make a living and support their families.
2:22:59
The same motivation drives our storefront businesses, including the small shops and restaurants that make our communities unique.
2:23:05
As stewards of vibrant neighborhoods, BIDS welcome licensed street vendors who play by the rules in their districts.
2:23:10
Some have voluntarily added vendors to their boards.
2:23:13
However, bids are also deeply concerned about the lack of enforcement when it comes to common sense, time, place, and manner restrictions on vending.
2:23:20
We welcome and have supported common sense changes to laws that will make it easier for street vendors to make a living, but only in conjunction with the enforcement of siting criteria and other regulations meant to ensure things like clear path for pedestrians and distant from storefront businesses.
2:23:34
We're also not philosophically opposed to issuing new vending licenses, but don't believe the city should double down on a broken system.
2:23:40
And I'll add here, you know, we heard from DSNY earlier today that only 25% of the violations are regarding licensure.
2:23:46
So we think a bigger part of the problem is time, place, manner.
2:23:50
Specifically, Intro 04/31 would require the city to make available over 7,500 new vendor licenses over the next five years and then an unlimited number after that.
2:23:59
The changes in local law '18 of 2021, which require a gradual increase in the number of licenses along with increased enforcement and impact studies, have yet to be fully realized.
2:24:09
We respectfully believe that the new supervisory license system and Office of Street Vendor Enforcement should be given more time resources to roll out before the number of licenses is increased.
2:24:19
We also believe that an unlimited number of vending licenses will create many more problems than it will solve.
2:24:27
I'll end by saying we look forward to continuing our work with the council and the administration on this important policy discussion.
2:24:32
Thank you.