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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, on Street Vending Legislation
3:31:29
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140 sec
Lisa Sorin, representing the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, opposes Intro 431 which seeks to expand street vendor licenses. She argues that the bill fails to address the issue of illegal street vending and could negatively impact brick-and-mortar businesses. Sorin urges the council to pause legislation expanding street vendor licenses until a comprehensive enforcement strategy is in place.
- Highlights the existence of 23,000 unlicensed street vendors operating citywide without proper oversight
- Expresses concern about the city agencies' current inability to enforce existing laws and implement Local Law 18 from 2021
- Warns of potential negative impacts on retail quarters, community investment, and quality of life, especially in underserved areas like The Bronx
Lisa Sorin
3:31:29
Sorry about that.
3:31:31
Good afternoon, chairmen and esteemed members of city council.
3:31:35
My name is Lisa Sorin, president of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce representing thousands of small businesses across the borough and the city.
3:31:44
We support licensed permitted street vending as part of New York City's vibrant small business ecosystem.
3:31:51
However, intro four thirty one seeks to expand street vendor licenses and permits while failing to address a deeply rooted issue, the unchecked proliferation of illegal street vending.
3:32:05
Today, more than 23,000 unlicensed street vendors operate citywide, many without health inspections, safety oversight, or adherence to location restrictions.
3:32:16
This undermines licensed vendors and puts our brick and mortar businesses who pay high rents and taxes, employ residents, and follow strict rules and regulations at a competitive disadvantage.
3:32:28
If not handled appropriately, this will result in a continuation of shuttered storefronts, declining retail quarters, and diminished community investment.
3:32:38
We strongly oppose any consideration of uncapping the number of street licensed vendors as this would negatively impact the retail and restaurant businesses in New York City.
3:32:49
We have grave concern as it stands now.
3:32:51
City agencies do not have the capacity or resources to enforce its existing laws.
3:32:57
Without a real enforcement plan, increasing street vendor licenses now risk further weakening compliance and worsening street level conditions, especially in underserved areas like The Bronx where sidewalks are already overcrowded and quality of life concerns are mounting.
3:33:15
City agencies have already demonstrated that they have been unable to implement the components of local law 18 passed in 2021.
3:33:24
Therefore, the Bronx chamber respectfully urges the council to pause legislation that further expands street vendor licenses until there is a comprehensive and fully resourced enforcement strategy in place.
3:33:38
Let's get enforcement right first so all businesses, vendors, and residents can thrive in a fair and safe commercial environment.
3:33:46
Thank you for your leadership and opportunity to testify today.