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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Noah Sheroff, Representative of Bayside Village Business Improvement District
2:52:59
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114 sec
Noah Sheroff, representing the Bayside Village Business Improvement District in Northeast Queens, testifies against the proposed expansion of street vending licenses. He argues that the increase in street vendors would negatively impact brick-and-mortar businesses already struggling with high commercial rents and operating costs.
- Highlights the disparity in operating costs between brick-and-mortar businesses and street vendors
- Cites an example of a business closing due to competition from a nearby food truck
- Expresses concern about potential job losses if more street vending licenses are issued
Noah Sheroff
2:52:59
Good afternoon, council members.
2:53:01
Thank you for this opportunity.
2:53:02
My name is Noah Sharof and I represent a small business improvement district in Northeast Queens, the Bayside Village Bay.
2:53:10
We are located in what is often referred to as a transportation desert.
2:53:15
Two bus lines run through the district as does the Long Island Railroad.
2:53:19
Still commercial rents are high.
2:53:22
Some examples include 13,000, 14 thousand, and 23,000 per month with an additional 4 to $8,000 per month in utilities, costs that street vendors and mobile vendors do not face.
2:53:37
Currently, three food trucks operate in the district, Two of them on a daily basis and one weekly.
2:53:45
An additional periodic street vendors sell flowers and gifts.
2:53:49
The bid has little ability to help businesses impacted by these vendors.
2:53:54
For food trucks, the main violation is that you're parked in a metered space during certain hours.
2:54:00
A few months ago, a business closed its doors after years of battling a food truck selling similar cuisine several yards from its entrance for a fraction of the cost.
2:54:12
While I understand and certainly empathize with the street vendors, times are indeed tough and getting tougher.
2:54:19
I recognize that there were small business owners from diverse backgrounds, including a substantial Chinese and Korean business community within the district already struggling to survive.
2:54:32
As one business owner stated, additional street vendors would adversely impact our business at the time it's already difficult to survive.
2:54:42
This would likely result in a substantial loss of jobs.
2:54:46
I ask that you please reconsider this proposal and help our brick and mortar stores thrive.
2:54:52
Thank you.