Addabbo Calls on City Agencies to Address Illegal Vendors on Jamaica and Liberty Avenues

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. has sent a letter to city officials urging collective, immediate action to combat the rise of illegal vendor activities along Jamaica Avenue and Liberty Avenue. The Senator is calling for a coordinated, multi-agency response which aims to protect local businesses and enhance the quality of life for residents in these neighborhoods.

In his letter, which was sent to the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY), the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), the NYC Department of Health, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, and the NYPD, Senator Addabbo highlighted the significant increase in both unlicensed vendors and licensed vendors operating outside of city regulations. This influx has had a detrimental effect on local merchants and the community at large.

“I am writing on behalf of my constituents, who are increasingly concerned about the negative impact of illegal vending has on our local economy and neighborhood safety,” Addabbo wrote in the letter. “It is crucial that we take decisive action on following the current laws of our city and support our legitimate business owners. I urge the city agencies to collaborate on a series of targeted enforcement sweeps to address this issue head-on.”

Senator Addabbo has proposed that these enforcement operations be scheduled over the coming weeks. The Senator requested that during these sweeps, licensed vendors in violation of city law be issued summonses and fines on the spot, while unlicensed vendors would face immediate fines, confiscation of goods, and a warning to vacate the area.

In addition to the immediate measures, Senator Addabbo advocated for the establishment of monthly enforcement operations to ensure ongoing monitoring and adherence to city regulations.

“I look forward to working together to ensure our commercial corridors are safe and thriving,” Addabbo said.

Senator Addabbo remains committed to supporting local businesses and ensuring that community standards are upheld. He encourages dialogue between the appropriate city agencies and his office to facilitate the proposed actions.