New York: Vendors stand too high - USD1000 fine!

Street Vendor Project at the Urban Justice Center October 2012

Dear friends and supporters, The New York Post ran a big story today about SVP member Alhassane Fall, a US citizen who immigrated here from Senegal almost 20 years ago. Alhassane (below) sells cell phone cases from a small table on Lower Broadway, supporting his wife and six children. Last month, he received a $1,000 ticket because his vending stand rose (allegedly) one inch too high. No kidding. One inch. One thousand dollars. And it's not just him. Last week, another vendor got a $1,000 ticket because he took a few minutes too long to find his paperwork. As many of you know, legislation to correct this kind of injustice is currently sitting on the desk of NY City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. A majority of her colleagues have already signed on, and now we simply need her to call a vote. Today, we issued a statement urging her to act. Now is the time to get these bills passed.