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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Josh Bloom, Liaison from JFREJ and Street Vendor Project
4:08:59
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133 sec
Josh Bloom, representing JFREJ and the Street Vendor Project, testified in support of Intros 431 and 408, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of street vending in New York City, particularly for immigrant communities. He highlighted the economic and social benefits of vending, addressing concerns about congestion and public safety.
- Discussed the Jewish history of street vending in New York and its importance to immigrant communities
- Emphasized the flexibility and independence that vending provides to recent arrivals and marginalized groups
- Argued against common criticisms of vending, citing a lack of evidence for congestion issues and highlighting vendors' contributions to public safety
Josh Bloom
4:08:59
Good afternoon.
4:09:00
My name is Josh Bloom and I am the liaison from JFRIG, the Street Vendor Project.
4:09:06
I'd to thank Chair Menon and the committee for the opportunity to testify today in support of Intros four thirty one and four zero eight.
4:09:13
So JFRAGE is the home for Jewish New Yorkers to organize with their neighbors and allies in New York, For New York, where everyone has the freedom and opportunity to thrive.
4:09:22
We always draw on our Jewish values and history to inform our work.
4:09:26
But street vending itself has its own Jewish history, as Mohammed mentioned earlier today.
4:09:32
The modern street vending system in New York started around the turn of the twentieth century with immigrant Jewish pushguard vendors in the Lower East Side.
4:09:39
So it is near and dear to our hearts that vending and vendors get the respect they deserve.
4:09:47
Vending has long appealed to recent arrivals in New York for the flexibility it provides.
4:09:51
When you are your own employer, you do not need to fear discrimination, harassment, or exploitation.
4:09:56
You can work on a schedule that allows you to observe religious or cultural customs, attend school, and or care for your family.
4:10:03
But then, as now, the nurse were subjected to explicit and coded xenophobia and classism masquerading as concerns around sanitation, congestion, business competition, and fraud.
4:10:16
When then, as now, all the data suggested that actually vendors were generally very much in compliance.
4:10:23
Especially once educated.
4:10:25
And an economic and cultural boon to the city.
4:10:29
You've heard testimony outlining the positive economic impact of vending on the city.
4:10:34
Its utility is a career incubator for immigrants and veterans, especially women.
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You've heard testimony extolling the diversity vendors bring.
4:10:43
I'd like to add also their contributions to public safety.
4:10:47
We've heard a lot this assertion that vendors cause congestion on sidewalks and a risk to pedestrians with no evidence or data to actually back that up.
4:10:59
Whereas we do have evidence of vendors.
4:11:09
public safety.
4:11:10
Thank you.
4:11:11
We hope you support this package.
Julie Menin
4:11:03
Okay I'm just gonna ask you to wrap it up and you can submit your testimony.
4:11:08
Fostering