Res. No. 2302
Resolution calling on the New York City Department of Small Business Services to develop marketplaces that would enable general vendors who are unable to obtain vending licenses to exhibit and sell their goods.
By Council Member Gerson, Barron, James and Nelson
Whereas, There are more than 10,000 street vendors operating on the streets of New York; and
Whereas, The City of New York has a longstanding policy of encouraging the development of small business; and
Whereas, Many of the individuals seeking permits and places in which to operate are immigrants who, for a variety of reasons, have few job opportunities outside of street vending; and
Whereas, Law-abiding vendors contribute to the economy and the character of this great city; and
Whereas, General vendors, who sell apparel, toys, flowers, and other non-food-related items, often have a difficult time obtaining a license to vend; and
Whereas, General vendor licenses are currently capped at 853 vendors and have a waiting list over 3,000 individuals long; and
Whereas, Vendors need a place to sell their goods where there will be minimal interference with vehicular or pedestrian traffic; and
Whereas; Enclosed marketplaces have been operating successfully in New York City for many years; and
Whereas, One such marketplace, GreenFlea, Inc., has operated a highly successful vendors' market in and around Middle School 44 on the Upper West Side since 1985, allowing vendors to have a viable place to sell their products while also raising money for the school through the lease of the space; and
Whereas, Providing an enclosed space for vendors who lack general vending licenses would give entrepreneurial New Yorkers an alternative to illegal vending; and
Whereas, Creating a centrally-located marketplace would also provide vendors with greater exposure and publicity while easing crowding on sidewalks often populated with general vendors; and
Whereas, In these challenging economic times, it is imperative that the City make every effort possible to increase job opportunities in our city; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Department of Small Business Services to develop marketplaces that would enable general vendors who are unable to obtain vending licenses to exhibit and sell their goods.
DMB
LS# 7909
12/10/09