This past January new rules were passed prohibiting vendors from setting up shop on NYC bridges, and they may soon be taking up more space on city sidewalks instead.
As reported by amNY, the City Council has their eyes on a new bill that would allow street vendors to set up shop on NYC sidewalks, giving New Yorkers and tourists less space to walk–only about five feet of sidewalk room to be exact.
The bill, dubbed Intro 0024, would allow vendors to set up shop on sidewalks within two feet from the curb. Moreover, it would allow vendors to “place their carts as close as possible to the obstruction”–such as bike racks or fire hydrants–if there are any present.
Current NYC vendor rules require pushcarts to touch the curb, endangering the safety of vendors who must exit their carts onto the street. The new rule, however, would allow them to set up their carts as far as two feet from the curb.
The NYC BID Association is not on board with the proposed rule. Robert J. Benfatto, co-chair of the NYC BID Association, told amNY:
They want to allow the carts in front of the obstruction as long as they’re within what’s called the 12-foot clear path. The 12 feet includes the carts and the setup, and in essence, puts the carts in the middle of the sidewalk. It will be crowded. And also if you have limited mobility, are blind or have poor eyesight, it’s tough because you won’t have a straight line anymore.
The bill is currently being considered by the Consumer and Worker Protection Committee, says amNY.