Local Vendor Faces Losing Livelihood

I have known Josette for three years as our local street vendor. I don't want to say what street corner she is on, because I don't want the police swooping down on her.

Recently, a handbill was posted by the police (correction by the New York City Sanitation Police, edited 10/21/23) on the light pole near where she works, with the title "ATTENTION, STREET VENDORS," stating the police has observed street vendors with either not a license, or a vending display larger than 8x3 feet, or displaying on the walkway without a table. Of the three items aforementioned, it is true she does not have license, and could not get a license if she wanted one, because currently licenses are only being given to veterans, which she is not.

Josette is a well-loved member of the community. Everyone knows her, and she greets everyone. She provides a service. She sells hats, bandanas, and handmade jewelry she makes herself. Josette originally from Trinidad, has brilliantly created a business for herself using her talents, from which she pays taxes on the earnings she makes. She hurts no one, she creates her own revenue, and is as they say a productive member of society.

Here are the potential outcomes for her. 1. She could have her merchandise confiscated and get a fine of $1000. 2. If she cannot pay the fine, there will be a warrant for her arrest. 3. The next time she is stopped she is sent to jail. 4. She will then have a record (all because she wanted to work).

Let's say she decides to quit what she is doing, there aren't many options for her. She also has a son she is helping to put through school, on his way to getting a masters in engineering. Maybe she can't pay her rent, and then she gets evicted, and then she and her son become homeless. What then?

Josette is not a criminal, and should not criminalized or forced into poverty. She is a person trying to earn a living the only way she can. She provides a service to her community, and is well-loved by her community. For all intents and purposes this is the city preying on the vendors trying to get revenue out of them, basically extortion of $1000 from people that can't afford it, and if they can't pay then they become fodder for the prison or the shelter system.

Here is a link to Josette's petition requesting Mayor Adams and the City Council to open up and expedite the street vendor licenses and to remove the unfair $1000 fine.

https://chng.it/55BPV22bLc