Following the city’s recent increased enforcement of the rules and regulations in the no-vending zone in downtown Flushing, Councilmember Sandra Ung met with representatives from the Street Vendor Project and local vendors on Wednesday afternoon in her District Office. After hearing interest from many constituents and vendors about the possibility of finding alternative sites for vending in Flushing, the Councilmember raised two proposals regarding potential locations that under the right circumstances could be suitable for general vending on a limited basis.

“I understand that enforcement of the no-vending zone creates a hardship for vendors who grew accustomed to selling goods on Main Street and other parts of downtown Flushing,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “However, a situation that was overlooked during the height of the pandemic had become untenable as Flushing reopened, creating a public safety hazard on our sidewalks, especially for our elderly citizens and those with mobility issues.

“I am sympathetic to the vendors who feel they have lost their sole means of supporting themselves, and I am willing to use my office to serve as a liaison between vendors and the relevant city agencies to explore possible locations in Flushing where vending can take place in a safe and sanitary manner,” added Councilmember Ung. “While it will require working closely with our partners in government, I believe this could be a potential compromise that allows limited vending while also keeping our sidewalks clear and safe.”

During the meeting, Councilmember Ung proposed allowing a limited number of vendors in Lippman Plaza between 39^th Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue, as well as in Daniel Carter Beard Mall at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Main Street. The Councilmember underlined that enforcement would continue against vendors unlicensed operating on sidewalks, as well as those selling in the two pedestrian plazas without permission if vending is allowed. 

Both sites present their own challenges, and vending in the plazas would require the approval of various city agencies, including the departments of Parks and Transportation. The Councilmember’s office has had preliminary conversations with representatives from both agencies regarding how that process would work, and is open to continuing discussions if there is interest in the two locations.

“There would still be a significant amount of work and compromise before vending can even be considered at any of these sites, but this could present a possible solution in the future to allow vendors to make a living while also ensuring sidewalks are safe for pedestrians,” said Councilmember Ung. “Both sites are in visible locations and heavily trafficked by pedestrians, but not as congested as streets like Main and Roosevelt Avenue.”

On April 1, enforcement of street vending regulations transferred from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to the Department of Sanitation. Since then, Sanitation enforcement agents, in some cases in conjunction with the NYPD and Health Department, have been conducting more regular and thorough inspections in Flushing.